If you're embarking on a new exercise regime or want to get back in shape as quickly as possible then there's one device that should be high on your list of must own fitness accessories.
I'm talking about a heart rate monitor.
Simply put, a heart rate monitor will make sure you're getting the most out of every workout by reporting to you just how hard you're pushing your body.
If you're heart isn't beating fast enough then you're unlikely to be burning enough calories to lose weight or maintain/increase your overall fitness levels.
However, push your body too much and the risks are all too obvious.
Older heart rate monitors contain two electrodes that detect your heart beat.
The electrodes are mounted on a sealed transmitter that's attached to the chest with an elastic belt.
However, newer models come in the form of sports watches and can be bought without the use of an uncomfortable chest strap.
To get an accurate reading you simply place your fingers across a built in sensor on the watch to display your heartbeat in real-time.
Not only that, it's much more likely that these newer models will come with a built in calorie counter too, so you'll be able to tell just how successful each training session was extremely quickly and adjust your workout accordingly.
By introducing a heart rate monitor into your exercise program It's not uncommon to actually workout less aggressively and still achieve the same results.
By simply monitoring how hard your heart is working and adjusting your workout accordingly.
Doing so will make sure you remain within you target heart rate range and therefore achieve the greatest results as quickly as possible.
A heart rate monitor allows you to workout steadier, but tells you when you're not exercising hard enough.
It's time to banish that old belief "training faster is better"...