Heart rate monitors are basically wireless electronic devices that measure your pulse in beats per minute. The most common and accurate ones consist of a wireless transmitter that is strapped around the chest and a wristwatch that displays a reading of the results. The more advanced and expensive ones have additional features such as programmable target zones, a measurement of recovery heart rate and a measurement of the time spent above, below and within the target zones. Many heart rate monitors have 12 or 24 hour time display, a countdown timer, an alarm and a stopwatch. Others have a fluorescent night-light, lap and split times, date, and the ability to measure the average and maximum heart rate per lap as well as for the entire training period. Also available is a software package that allows you to download information saved in the heart rate monitor into a personal computer. This information can then be used to produce reports, graphs, charts and tables on your performance. It will also give you advice on ways to improve your training programme based on the information you enter into the computer.

Designed and developed in Finland, the heart rate monitor is used by joggers, rehabilitation patients and world class athletes. Heart rate monitors accurately measure the intensity and quality of workouts and acts as a guide in evaluating ones performance so that one can maximise every workout. Thus, an athlete who wants to push himself to the limits without causing damage can do so by the guidance of the heart rate monitor. Conversely, an athlete who has a tendency to always over exert himself in training can learn to take it easy with the use of the heart rate monitor. Therefore, when an athlete needs to accurately evaluate his or her performance within safe ranges, the heart rate monitor will allow you to do so by means of a fine-tuning training instrument. As a result the user can avoid being fatigued or burnt out since the heart rate monitor will tell you every time you train if you are training too hard or too easy. Also, using the same principle injuries can be avoided. Similarly, they can be used for someone trying to loose weight.

When using the heart rate monitor the level of intensity of training is measured in one of five zones. They are the moderate activity zone, the weight management zone, the aerobic zone, the anaerobic threshold zone and the red line zone. The moderate activity zone is used when running long and slow distances. It is used to create base in a runner's training and ultimately increases speed and strength. The moderate activity zone is 50-60% of one's maximum heart rate. The maximum heart rate of an individual can be calculated in many ways, however, one of the most accurate ways is to participate in a physical activity, for a short period of time, at full speed and then measure the heart rate towards the end of this activity. The weight management zone strengthens your heart and allows you to eventually exercise at a moderate pace. This zone occurs at 60-70% of one's maximum heart rate. The aerobic zone helps the runner to breathe better and increases endurance. In order for this to happen, the runner is exercising at 70-80% of maximum heart rate. The anaerobic threshold zone allows you to increase your ability to cope with lactic acid. This occurs at 80-90% of one's maximum heart rate. Finally, the red line zone is the highest level of intensity an athlete can achieve. It happens when an athlete goes into oxygen debt, at 90-100% of one's maximum heart rate.

Once you get to know and understand the different zones to measuring your heart rate, it is then possible to plan an effective training program. Not only will you be able to measure your efforts, but also steer them to do what you want them to achieve. The heart rate monitor acts as a personal coach in keeping you in line with your goals and telling you when you are over or under training.