Do You Need Heart Rate Control on Your Treadmill?

Heart rate control and heart rate monitors became popular on fitness equipment in the mid-90s. You will find it standard on many exercise machines including treadmills, elliptical trainers and stationary bikes. A treadmill with a heart rate monitor only monitors your heart rate by contact with the sidebars. The heart rate control feature allows you to control your workout by specifying a heart rate zone you wish to maintain.

Benefits of Heart Rate Control

To get an optimum workout it is important to pace your exercise. You want your heart rate at the proper intensity level for an extended period of time. If your heart rate gets too high your activity can become counter productive, if it is too low you are not getting any substantial health benefits.

One of the most effective methods for fitness training is through monitoring and controlling your heart rate. This is particularly true when striving for cardiovascular goals. Whether you want to shed a few pounds, train for a marathon, or just feel good about yourself, heart rate training and control can optimize your workout.

Getting in the Zone

Sally Edwards, author of “Heart Rate Training” discusses the value of heart zone training. It works for 20-year old athletes as well as 70-year olds with heart trouble. The goal is to get into a particular zone. She identifies 5 zones ranging from:

The Healthy Heart Zone: 50% - 60% of your individual maximum heart rate. This is a safe, comfortable zone reache