These days, getting the most from your workouts means wearing a heart rate sensor that tracks your beats per minute. These devices can make you aware of when you need to push yourself harder or take a deep breath and slow down a bit. They can assure you that you’ve achieved your max heart rate at least once or twice during a sweat session and that you are staying in your training or aerobic zone for a recommended amount of time if that is a workout goal. Most analytics (sponsored link) count calories burned, are Bluetooth capable and come with plenty of memory so you can exercise phone free and sync later. Since some argue that a monitor worn closer to the heart provides greater accuracy, we decided to research the best chest straps this time around rather than watches or other wrist options. These picks get us pumped.
MyZone MZ-3 can connect with gym equipment at participating clubs so you see a live display of your workout and compare/compete with other members. Sync with the MyZone App, earn points and interact with other users with the social network. Also includes 16 hours of memory and keeps a charge for up to seven months. $149. MyZone.org.
Zephyr HxM is Bluetooth capable and compatible with Android and iOS systems. Besides heart rate, you can also keep track of these analytics (sponsored link), your speed and the distance you’ve covered. When paired with a smartphone, you can also track your GPS location, make calls and play your favorite music. $44.95. ZephyrAnywhere.com
Viiiiva’s creators claim this strap is 10 times more sensitive than other models. Other features include the ability to pair with a variety of cardio equipment and tap-to-pair connectivity that lets you touch your iOS or Android device for an instant connection. $79.99. 4iiii-Innovations.Myshopify.com
Wahoo TICKRx counts much more than just heart beats. Keep track of reps during HIIT workouts, and use motion analytics (sponsored link) to monitor indoor cycling and running cadence. $79.99. WahooFitness.com
The Garmin Heart Rate Monitor gets top reviews for comfort, with a heart rate module made of flexible plastic. The part of the strap that goes around your back is made of a soft fabric and is adjustable to your size. $49.99. Buy.Garmin.com
You can use the Polar H10 with popular fitness apps as well as gym equipment and other Bluetooth devices. As an added bonus, it is waterproof and can even transmit heart rate data in water. This is the chest strap for swimmers. $89.95. Polar.com
Melissa M. Stewart
Melissa M. Stewart was the former editor of Savor Virginia and Coastal Virginia Magazine. After she got her first story published in the second-grade school newsletter, she has since been an avid writer and word nerd for 20 years. She has served as production editor for AmeriForce Media and marketing communications manager for Volvo Penta. When she is not working, Melissa spends her time in Virginia Beach keeping up with her two spunky daughters, planning beach days, creating craft cocktails with garden ingredients and running to make up for all the wonderful food she discovers around Virginia.
