If you are serious about fitness, then a heart rate monitor is as important as the right pair of shoes. And like shoes, a heart monitor isn't one size fits all. Women need different things in a monitor than men do. The best heart rate monitors for women are very different from monitors that are best for men.

Face it. Men can usually wear a regular heart monitor watch that uses a chest strap, and wear it comfortably. They have no difficulty getting an accurate reading. For many women this is more of a challenge.

The chest strap is what transmits data to the heart monitor watch. It does that by picking up impulses from the heart and then transmitting this information. If there is not good contact with the skin, the transmission is flawed.

If you are relatively flat chested, you will most likely be able to get good contact between skin and strap. That means you can probably use a monitor that has a chest strap.

But for women who have bigger cup sizes, wearing a strap can present problems. To get solid contact with the skin, the strap has to be worn very tightly which can be quite uncomfortable.

If you find yourself in this group, there is another option to the traditional type of heart rate monitor. Strapless heart rate monitors have become increasingly popular, particularly among women. These monitors measure heart rate without having to wear a chest strap.

Reviews about heart rate monitors have proven to be mixed. Some experts in the fitness field think that the readings these monitors provide are not as accurate as you'd get with a traditional monitor. Other experts think the technology comes close to that of a traditional monitor. Most are in agreement that models made today are head and shoulders above older models.

So, if you can't wear a regular heart rate monitor, look for a strapless model that comes recommended, made by a company that specializes in heart monitors. There are a number of designs to choose from in a strapless heart monitor.

Many strapless monitors are worn on the wrist. Others may have a ring sensor that you wear on your finger. Still other models have a strap that is worn around the upper arm. Finally there are strapless monitors that can be held in the hand.

With a wrist heart rate monitor, there is usually one or two sensors located right on the watch. Putting a finger on the sensor lets it collect and then display this data on the watch.

It's difficult to say which are the best heart rate monitors for women. The two most important factors are accuracy and comfort. Otherwise you probably won't wear it anyway.

Whether you are a serious athlete or a casual exerciser, heart monitor watches can help you boost performance and improve fitness levels. Although monitors can be worn by anyone, women may be more comfortable wearing a wrist heart rate monitor.

Related posts:

1. What You Need To Know Before Buying A Heart Rate Monitor
2. Using Your Heart Rate Monitor
3. Timex Ironman Heart Rate Monitor Begin Exercising Today
4. Who Needs a Heart Monitor Watch?
5. GPS for Runners

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