I have many health problems, and constantly stop and start exercise programs because I feel scared to proceed. How can using a heart rate monitor be beneficial for me?

Posted 12 December 2007

A heart rate monitor is the perfect training buddy. Your heart rate monitor will help you keep good records, and good records help us make better decisions. Better decisions wipe away fears because many fears are based on lack of knowledge.

Try this for 10 days: Wear your monitor all day and observe your heart rate throughout the day. This is your baseline data. Which activities increase, decrease, or keep the heart rate steady? Remember, heart rate data is affected by many factors, including emotional stress, rest, previous activity, food, immune system, and mental concentration. Make notes about what is affecting you and record your heart rate data. Go to your exercise class, wear your heart rate monitor, and observe your data. Constantly record your heart rate information. When you start to question whether to proceed in your exercise program, look at your data. You can base your decision on your knowledge, not your fear.

Better decision making takes time, but the benefit of good health and wellbeing through exercise is worth it. Use your new training buddy. Good luck!

Alinda Perrine, O.D., M.P.H.
© 2007 ZoneX™ Sensible Heart Rate Training

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