Many treadmill workouts rely on monitoring heart rate throughout a workout. Weight loss workouts in particular require constant heart rate monitoring. Treadmill makers responded in kind with offering heart rate monitors built in as an accessory.
1. Handle grip sensor heart rate monitors
Most treadmills offer handles with sensors that take your heart rate. They’re very basic – you simply grip the sensors and within 20 to 60 seconds it gives you a heart rate reading. If you’re doing a workout that requires heart rate monitoring, then you’ll need to keep your hands on the sensor. Below I explain why having to keep your hands on the grip sensors is not very good.
2. Chest strap heart rate monitors
Chest strap heart rate monitors come with wire attachments and wireless. I prefer a chest strap heart rate monitor over a handle sensor. For obvious reasons I prefer a wireless chest strap monitor over a wired one.
Why I prefer a chest strap heart rate monitor over a handle grip sensor type
I find when maintaining hold of a handle grip heart rate monitor, I burn less energy. My holding on to fixed items act as a crutch so-to-speak. This is a problem because it skews my training numbers. I end up running faster and further and/or on a steeper incline because of the assistance.
Also, I often read magazines or flip through TV channels while on my treadmill. When I take my hands off the handle heart rate sensors, the computer needs a new read of my heart rate. While the computer detects my heart rate, the incline may change to accommodate the temporary unknown heart rate. Essentially, I don’t like having to keep my hands on the handles.
A chest strap heart rate monitor solves both of these problems because it’s a hands-free heart rate monitor.
3. Wrist watch heart rate monitors – buy separately from the treadmill
I don’t have one, but I would like to get one because it is the least invasive and good ones, which don’t cost too much money offer plenty of training features – calorie counting, pedometer, measures steps, distance, and speed, time (of course), % of maximum heart rate, high and low target zone with alarm, and more. Bestselling heart rate watches are:
If your treadmill doesn’t come with a heart rate monitor you like, you can buy one. Check the accessory section of the website you where you bought your treadmill because they may offer a separate chest strap heart rate monitor that will plug into the treadmill you bought. If you can’t get a chest heart rate monitor for your specific treadmill, then decide on a watch or chest strap heart rate monitor – whatever your prefer.
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