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Use a heart rate monitor
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DeadManWalking56 posted:
The heart starts to tire before you FEEL tired. By using a monitor, you can exercise safely without fear of sudden fatigue. When the heart does begin to tire, the pulse rate will start a gradual but continuous increase, sometimes called cardiac drift.

By watching for cardiac drift, you can push to near the maximum exercise you are capable of at that time, then slow down, yet not overdo it and to be fatigued for hours afterwards.
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4 Replies |Report This| Share this:Use a heart rate monitorThe heart starts to tire before you FEEL tired. By using a monitor, you can exercise safely without fear of sudden fatigue. When the heart does begin to tire, the pulse rate will start a gradual but continuous increase, sometimes called cardiac drift.<br /><br />By watching for cardiac drift, you can push to near the maximum exercise you are capable of at that time, then slow down, yet not overdo it and to be fatigued for hours afterwards.
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rubystar2 responded:
Interesting post. I will visit the exchange often to participate when I can and to soak up your knowledge. In the meantime, see you at the Heart Health Ornish Fuhrman board. Did you announce the opening of this exchange there? They would probably be interested.
Report This| Share this:Use a heart rate monitorInteresting post. I will visit the exchange often to participate when I can and to soak up your knowledge. In the meantime, see you at the Heart Health Ornish Fuhrman board. Did you announce the opening of this exchange there? They would probably be interested.
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rubystar2 responded:
Can you suggest what to look for in a good heart rate monitor? What features are good, not so good.........etc.
Report This| Share this:Use a heart rate monitorCan you suggest what to look for in a good heart rate monitor? What features are good, not so good.........etc.
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DeadManWalking56 replied to rubystar2's response:
I am partial to the Suunto T4 monitor, now the T4c.

My monitor was out of warranty, but had developed a minor problem in warranty which Suunto repaired or replaced. then it happened again, and they sent me a new watch.

The T4 series has a software Coach that provides a 5 day workout plan. The monitor takes data on age, gender, height, weight, activity and fitness levels to provide appropriate time and intensity levels. It can be followed closely, or vary, and it adjusts the next 5 days.

There are simpler monitors, and more complex monitors. If someone is a bit OCD, they can consider the Suunto T6 line which transmits to their PC with lots of graphs and additional information.

The T4 is about $150-200, the T6 about double that. There re also simpler monitors from $30 and up from Polar, Omron, and other companies.

Best feature to look for is accuracy and consistency. I don't wear mine on my wrist, but keep it out in front of me and actually watch it constantly. On my rowing machine that means signal up to 5 feet away from the chest belt transmitter. The Suunto signal is supposed to be good to 10 feet way or more. It could have a better low battery indicator.

The older Omron I have has a poor signal past about 2 feet. Adequate to only wear on the wrist.

Suunto has a very nice website with lots of "wrist computers" for every possible use on land, mountain ,sea, bike, and even for scuba use.
Report This| Share this:Use a heart rate monitorI am partial to the Suunto T4 monitor, now the T4c. <br /><br /> My monitor was out of warranty, but had developed a minor problem in warranty which Suunto repaired or replaced. then it happened again, and they sent me a new watch.<br /><br />The T4 series has a software Coach that provides a 5 day workout plan. The monitor takes data on age, gender, height, weight, activity and fitness levels to provide appropriate time and intensity levels. It can be followed closely, or vary, and it adjusts the next 5 days.<br /><br />There are simpler monitors, and more complex monitors. If someone is a bit OCD, they can consider the Suunto T6 line which transmits to their PC with lots of graphs and additional information.<br /><br />The T4 is about $150-200, the T6 about double that. There re also simpler monitors from $30 and up from Polar, Omron, and other companies.<br /><br />Best feature to look for is accuracy and consistency. I don't wear mine on my wrist, but keep it out in front of me and actually watch it constantly. On my rowing machine that means signal up to 5 feet away from the chest belt transmitter. The Suunto signal is supposed to be good to 10 feet way or more. It could have a better low battery indicator.<br /><br />The older Omron I have has a poor signal past about 2 feet. Adequate to only wear on the wrist.<br /><br />Suunto has a very nice website with lots of "wrist computers" for every possible use on land, mountain ,sea, bike, and even for scuba use.
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DeadManWalking57 replied to DeadManWalking56's response:
I now have a T4d. SUUNTO replaced my T4c which had developed communication problems with the chest belt, out of warranty, at NO COST.

Good deal.
Report This| Share this:Use a heart rate monitorI now have a T4d. SUUNTO replaced my T4c which had developed communication problems with the chest belt, out of warranty, at NO COST.<br /><br />Good deal.
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