Although heart rate monitor watches have been around for a while. Many athletes do not use them. And I am not sure why. For years, the way to measure your workout was Perceived Exertion. And it was pretty accurate. Athletes would monitor how difficult they seemed to be training. For example 60 or 70 percent of maximum.

But with the advent of heart rate monitor watches, athletes no longer had to guess how hard they were working. They are a great device for improving aerobic endurance. So they are great for runners, bicyclists, swimmers and triathletes.

Accuracy

When heart rate monitor watches came on the scene a couple of years ago, their accuracy was less than stellar. The chest strap was difficult to position correctly and the wireless communication between the strap and the watch was intermittent.

But technology has improved so not only the strap and the wireless watch have been improved, but there are also strapless models available.

Measure Your Fitness

Nothing measures your fitness better than your resting heart rate. And nothing measures the difficulty of your training like knowing your heart rate while you are training.

Prevent Over/Under Training

For many competitive athletes, getting the most out of your training is a challenge. Should your workouts be tougher or easier? Did you over train last week, or under train?

Using a heart rate monitor watch allows to to train most efficiently at the highest level, without over training or risking injury.

In addition, many athletes do not allow their bodies enough rest. You label a training a "Recovery Day", but are you really recovering. A heart rate monitor watch can tell you.

In rare instances, athletes do not train hard enough. The heart rate monitor watch can act like a coach urging you to press a little harder.

Training/Race Pacing

To really get the most out of your training, you need to know how hard you are working. A heart rate monitor watch can ensure you are training in the proper zones.

Many athletes like to wear a monitor during races as well. The monitor is immune to the pace of other runners and the terrain. It will accurately measure your exertion rate no matter the external conditions. And it is best at preventing you from starting out too fast.

Fun

Using a heart rate monitor watch is fun. It is a great way to measure your work-rate and gives you something to think about on those long days. And by tracking your heart rate over time, you will visibly see your race times improving.