Leading a healthy lifestyle has now become not only useful, but also fashionable. Everyone wants to train with health benefits, and this is almost impossible without taking into account the individual’s individual indications during training. A sports watch in the form of a bracelet with a heart rate monitor, pedometer and blood pressure monitor will help you with this.

Advantages

It is almost impossible to assess your physical condition objectively on your own, without the presence of certain instruments. It is for this purpose that mankind has invented many gadgets that simplify this procedure. But carrying a bunch of devices with you to workout is simply inconvenient, which is where sports watches with a heart rate monitor, pedometer and blood pressure monitor come to the fore.

In this case, the real gadget is classified as a so-called universal and multifunctional “smart” watch model.

The advantage of watches is their versatility. They have a number of capabilities:

• alarm clock;
• A pedometer helps you monitor the distance traveled;
• help set the correct pace of training, as well as calculate the time for rest;
• A tonometer allows you to measure blood pressure;
• heart rate measurement;
• a watch that counts calories burned during exercise;
• watch-phone (you can make and answer calls directly from your wrist);
• watch sensors recognize daily activity: analyze your condition when you run, walk and even sleep;
• have a shockproof and moisture resistant coating.

Popular models

There are quite a lot of varieties of sports watch models with a heart rate monitor, pedometer and blood pressure monitor, some of them are worth mentioning:

• Watch in the form of a fitness bracelet. Outwardly they resemble an ordinary bracelet, they look beautiful and unobtrusive on the hand. They have a pedometer, heart rate monitor, and motion sensor. They help track physical activity, control heartbeat, calories, and take into account the quality of rest. Equipped with multimedia capabilities.

• Watch with calorie counter. This model is very popular among women, as it allows for clear weight control, counts calories burned taking into account the measurement of the fat layer, and counts the distance covered, length and number of steps taken.

• Watches with smart wearable technology capabilities. They have a large number of options: running sensor, heart rate monitor, GPS sensor, tonometer. They allow not only to keep track of the physical indications of their owner, but also allow one to navigate in space. This electronic gadget can maintain operation for 30 hours without recharging.

• Fitness watch with GPS function. This model is distinguished by a number of specific features: it controls the level of difficulty of physical activity, measures heart rate, analyzes movement speed and calculates calories burned. The watch also has a built-in GPS navigator and 3D compass.

Functions

The range of functions of sports watches can hardly be overestimated, because they are a unique gadget that combines the work of several devices at once. Let’s take a closer look at them:

• Availability of a heart rate monitor for running. It controls heart rate.
• Availability of a tonometer. It is used to measure blood pressure levels.
• Availability of a pedometer. It measures the number and length of steps during exercise, whether walking or running.

More advanced and expensive products have the most expanded range of functions, including the following:

• a calorie burn counter allows you to monitor the quality of your workout;
• A GPS navigator allows you to navigate in space. A model with this function will be very useful on walks and tourist trips.
• built-in flashlight for convenience;
• a stopwatch makes it possible to record intermediate training results;
• The timer counts limited, specified periods of time for performing an exercise.
• alarm function.

How accurate?

Product manufacturers regularly work to improve the accuracy of watch measurements. And in many ways they succeeded, since most users note that the watch quite accurately shows the physiological indicators of their health, distance and other characteristics. But again, there is no 100% result.

Some owners of the accessory indicate deviations from the actual indicators measured by specialized instruments.

Main selection criteria

The range of sports watches is very large; first of all, you need to decide for what purpose you are purchasing the product (for running, cycling, fitness, or to monitor your health), and based on this, focus on the functions it should have.

When purchasing a sports watch, you should pay attention to such characteristics as:

• Operating time without recharging. If the model has a large set of functions, then, accordingly, quite a lot of energy will be spent on ensuring its operation. This should also be taken into account when choosing a product.
• Data accuracy. A very important indicator. Since the quality of your training, and, consequently, your health, will depend on the reliability of the data, since a sports watch is not just a device associated with calculating distance, it is a device that measures pulse, heart rate, rest time and other physiological characteristics your body.
• Shockproof and waterproof. Anything can happen during training: impacts, precipitation, after all, this is a sport, so these characteristics must be at their best.
• Alert sound: sound or vibration.
• Design. Also an important factor when choosing a model. A watch is, first of all, a fashion accessory that should emphasize the status and individuality of its owner. Sports watches are also no exception; their designs can be very diverse and exclusive.

For example, women's sports models combine both sophisticated design and a variety of important functional characteristics.

Review of the best

The following models have earned a reputation as the best in the sports watch market:

• Model Polar RCX5 SD RUN. This manufacturing company regularly surprises customers with its “smart” technology, and watches from this company are no exception. The model has a wide range of options: heart rate monitor, running sensor, GPS sensor. It has a fairly high accuracy of readings.

• Model Suunto Quest GPS. Not inferior to Polar in basic characteristics. Its functions include the following: heart rate sensor, GPS tracker, USB adapter, heart rate monitor, blood pressure monitor, calorie counting. It has the function of monitoring the state of the body and allows you to draw up graphs of achieved results.

• Suunto M5 model. This model is unusual; it allows the owner to independently modify the sports watch with the necessary sensors, which is extremely convenient, since it does not oblige the owner to use the imposed options, but allows them to be changed to suit themselves.

• Omron Project Zero 2.0. This is a unique smart watch model. A “smart” model that allows you to measure the basic vital signs of its owner, such as blood pressure, heart rate. The gadget tracks the body's activity, as well as the duration and quality of sleep, measures blood pressure and heart rate.

Blood pressure data is entered manually and needs to be updated regularly to ensure the most accurate readings. They should be worn on the left hand and so that the back cover fits tightly to the hand, this way the readings can be read more accurately. The more carefully you follow all the recommendations specified in the instructions for the watch, the more reliable results you will receive when using it.

Reading time: 21 minutes

A heart rate monitor is a measuring device that measures your heart rate. It is also called a heart rate monitor.

Heart rate monitor is used to monitor heart function, analyze loads, determine heart rate zones and go beyond these zones. A large number of different models for heart rate monitoring are sold on the sports paraphernalia market. Let's figure out what a heart rate monitor is for, what its advantages and benefits are, how to choose one, and also look at the most popular models of heart rate monitors on the market.

Heart rate monitor: what is it for and what are the advantages

If you need information about how your heart works during exercise, then a device like a heart rate monitor is a must-have. During training, the heart rate monitor helps maintain the desired heart rate, measures the number of calories burned and monitors heart function and workload. Most often, a heart rate monitor is used during interval and cardio training, but it will also come in handy during strength training. In addition, the heart rate monitor can be used during daytime activities to monitor heart function.

Who might need a heart rate monitor?

• For those who do cardio training to lose weight or develop endurance.
• For those who do high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
• For those who have heart problems and need to control their heart rate.
• For those who want to control the number of calories burned during training.
• And also for those who want to regularly improve their results without harm to their health.

Why is it even necessary to measure your heart rate during exercise? Depending on your pulse or heart rate (abbreviated HR), your body will use different sources of energy. Based on this, there are several load zones that determine the effectiveness of your workout:

The indicated percentage is taken from the maximum heart rate value. To calculate it, we use the formula: Maximum heart rate = 220 – age.

Accordingly, in order for the body to use fatty acids as a source, it is enough to keep the pulse in the zone of 60-70% of the maximum heart rate. For example, if your age is 30 years old, then the following calculations will be used to calculate the possible range of your heart rate:

• Lower threshold = (220-30)*0.6=114
• Upper threshold = (220-30)*0.7=133

With such a pulse (114-133 beats per minute) you can practice for a long time, maintaining a continuous pace. In this case, the exercise will be aerobic, that is, using oxygen. Such cardio workouts help burn fat and train the heart.

If you are doing high-intensity interval training (for example, training according to the Tabata protocol), then at the peak moments your heart rate should be in the anaerobic zone, i.e. 80-90% of maximum heart rate:

• Lower threshold = (220-30)*0.8=152
• Upper threshold = (220-30)*0.9=171

The heart rate monitor helps you monitor your heart rate and keep it in the zone that meets your requirements. If your heart rate monitor model allows it, you can set the heart rate zones you are interested in, and you will be notified when your heart rate leaves the specified zone.

Benefits of a heart rate monitor:

• A heart rate monitor protects your heart from overload during exercise because you monitor your heart rate.
• You will exercise in the heart rate zone you need - for fat burning or endurance, depending on your goals, and therefore train more effectively.
• With a heart rate monitor it is easy to track your progress, analyze the level of load and its perception by the body.
• You will know exactly how many calories you burned during your workout.
• You can use the heart rate monitor during your normal daily activities to assess your body's performance or monitor your stress levels.
• The heart rate monitor is indispensable when running or walking fast on the street, when there are no other sources for determining the level of exercise.

Many cardio machines already have a built-in heart rate monitor. But firstly, such heart rate monitors show inaccurate data, which is better not to rely on. Secondly, to record data you need to hold the handles while running or walking, which is not always convenient. Therefore, if you want to receive the most accurate data on heart rate and calories, it is better to purchase a heart rate monitor.

You can also use manual heart rate monitoring. To do this, you need to stop and count the beats, recording the resulting values. However, additional manipulations during training are not always convenient, and the obtained values ​​will have a strong error. In addition, constant stopping lowers your heart rate, which disrupts the rhythm of the activity. This is why a heart rate monitor is indispensable: it will record data instantly throughout the entire workout.

Main functions of the heart rate monitor:

• Heart rate (HR) monitoring
• Setting your heart rate zone
• Notification of heart rate zone changes by sound or vibration
• Calculation of average and maximum heart rate
• Calorie counter
• Time and date display
• Stopwatch, timer

Some heart rate monitors have additional functions: GPS navigation, alarm clock, pedometer, training history, automatic calculation of training zones, fitness test, heart rate calculation for a single lap (useful for runners), synchronization with applications and computer. The more functions a device is equipped with, the more expensive it is.

Types of heart rate monitors

Heart rate monitors can be divided into 2 large groups: breastplates(using a chest strap) and carpals. Heart rate monitor with chest strap used O more popular among practitioners, but thanks to new technologies, models have appeared that allow you to accurately measure your pulse without a chest sensor.

A chest heart rate monitor is a sensor with electrodes that is worn under the chest and transmits data to a receiver watch or mobile application. There are two types of chest heart rate monitor models, which differ in configuration:

• Heart rate monitor without watch receiver. In this case, the data is transferred to the smartphone via Bluetooth Smart technology. The sensor is synchronized with special applications on the smartphone, where all the necessary information about heart rate and calories burned is automatically stored. This is convenient for training analysis, since the application stores the entire data history. Most often, heart rate monitors are synchronized with applications on Android and iOS operating systems.
• Heart rate monitor with watch receiver. In this case, the sensor sends data to the receiver watch, where it is processed and you can see it on the screen. Such models are more expensive, but also more convenient. You do not need to additionally use a smartphone; all information will be displayed on the watch. For example, it is more convenient to use such heart rate monitors outdoors.

If you purchase a heart rate monitor with a watch, then also pay attention to the type of data transmission. There are two types of data transfer from the chest strap to the watch:

• Analog (uncoded) type of data transmission. May be subject to radio interference. It is considered less accurate, but if there is an error, it is very small. The analog heart rate monitor can sync with cardio equipment, picking up heart rate data from your belt. But if someone in your immediate vicinity (within a meter) is using a heart rate monitor with the same type of data transmission, for example in a group training session, then interference may occur.
• Digital (encoded) type of data transmission. A more expensive and accurate type of data transmission, not subject to interference. However, a digital heart rate monitor cannot be synchronized with exercise equipment.

Both analog and digital heart rate monitors are quite accurate, so The type of data transfer does not play a key role when choosing a heart rate monitor. There is no point in overpaying additionally for digital data transmission.

Wrist heart rate monitors

The convenience of wrist heart rate monitors is that you don't have to wear a chest strap with the sensor. To measure the data, you only need a watch that is worn on your wrist. However, this version of heart rate monitors also has a number of features and disadvantages, so despite the apparent convenience, wrist heart rate monitors are still less popular.

There are two types of wrist heart rate monitors, which differ in the principle of heart rate monitoring:

• Pulse is measured upon contact of fingers and sensor on the front side of the device. You simply place the heart rate monitor on your wrist, touch it, and the device gives you your heart rate readings. The disadvantage of such monitoring is that you will measure your pulse not for a certain period of time, but on demand, only after contact of your fingers and electrodes on the body. This heart rate monitor is more suitable for tourism, mountaineering, or for those who, due to health restrictions, are forced to periodically monitor their heart rate zone.
• Pulse is measured via tracking behind blood vessels. The principle of operation of such heart rate monitors is as follows: you put the bracelet on your hand, the LEDs shine through the skin, the optical sensor measures the narrowing of blood vessels and the sensor displays the obtained values ​​on the watch screen. But the disadvantages of such devices are also obvious. For data accuracy, the belt must be tightly tightened on the wrist, which is not always convenient during training. Additionally, heavy sweating or rainy weather may interfere with the sensor's performance.

Of course, a watch is a more common piece of equipment than a chest strap. Therefore, if you feel uncomfortable wearing a belt under your chest, we recommend purchasing a second version of a wrist heart rate monitor. But discomfort and inconvenience are perhaps the only argument in favor of a wrist heart rate monitor. Most trainees still opt for a heart rate monitor with a chest strap because of the convenience and accuracy of the data.

Prices for a heart rate monitor are determined by the following parameters:

• Manufacturing company
• Heart rate monitor type: chest or wrist
• Contents: is there a watch receiver, replaceable straps, cases, etc.
• Data transmission type: analog or digital
• Moisture protection
• Belt, its width, quality, ease of fastening
• Quality of the watch receiver case
• Availability of additional functions

Heart rate monitors: a selection of the best models

We offer you a selection of heart rate monitor models with a brief description, prices and pictures. Based on this review, you can choose the right heart rate monitor for yourself. Prices are indicated according to Yandex Market data as of September 2017 and may differ from the cost of the heart rate monitor in your store.

Sigma heart rate monitors

Popular models of Sigma heart rate monitors are developed by a Taiwanese manufacturer. Among heart rate monitors, Sigma is considered one of the market leaders; their models are almost ideal in terms of price and quality ratio. They mainly offer heart rate monitor models with a chest strap and a watch:

• Sigma PC 3.11: the most primitive model with a basic heart rate counting function. There is no calorie counting.
• Sigma PC 10.11: the optimal model with all the necessary basic functions, including calculation of average and maximum heart rate, calorie counter, sound signal when the target heart rate zone is violated.
• Sigma PC 15.11: This model is suitable for running enthusiasts, as it adds functions such as lap counter, average and maximum heart rate per lap, number of calories burned per lap, lap time.
• Sigma PC 22.13: This heart rate monitor uses digital data transmission, so the price is a little more expensive. The model is offered in several body colors. Standard functions: calculation of average and maximum heart rate, calorie counter, zone indicator, sound signal when the target heart rate zone is violated.
• Sigma PC 26.14: model similar to the previous one, but with the addition of new functions. For example, this device has a lap counter, an automated function for calculating the target zone, memory for 7 training sessions, totals per week.

Polar heart rate monitors

Polar is one of the most famous brands in the heart rate monitor market. Polar produces high-quality devices, but their prices are much higher. You can purchase a chest strap with a sensor that will transmit data to your smartphone, or a set of strap and watch receiver for easier data tracking.

Chest straps with sensor:

• Polar H1: GymLink communication interface, Android and iOS support, moisture protection.
• Polar H7: GymLink and Blutooth Smart communication interfaces, Android and iOS support, moisture protection.
• Polar H10: a new generation of heart rate sensors, replacing the H7, one of the popular heart rate monitor models.

Chest heart rate monitor with watch included:

• Polar A300: in addition to the standard functions, this device also has many additional features: pedometer, sleep monitoring, reminder function, goal setting, accelerometer. It is also possible to connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth.
• Polar FT60: this model includes a calorie counter function, as well as a number of auxiliary, but very convenient and useful functions, such as: alarm clock, second time zone, low battery indicator, locking buttons from accidental pressing.
• Polar M430: Another very multifunctional gadget, waterproof, with GPS navigation and backlight. Added notification function for incoming calls, received messages and notifications from GPS social networking applications.

Beurer heart rate monitors

This brand offers models of heart rate monitors with a chest strap and models in which you need to touch the sensor of the device to measure data. For training, we recommend choosing heart rate monitors with a chest strap; it is more convenient and practical.

• Beurer PM25: a simple and convenient model, there are all the important functions, for example, a built-in calendar, clock, alarm clock, stopwatch, calorie counter, alert when leaving the training zone.
• Beurer PM45: The set of functions is similar to the PM25 models, but adds interchangeable straps, a bike mount, and a storage case.
• Beurer PM15: This is a wrist-based heart rate monitor with a touch sensor, the device monitors heart rates, alerts you when you go beyond the training zone, but does not count calories. Price: 3200 rubles.

Suunto heart rate monitors

Another well-known company in the sports equipment market, which produces a series of sports watches with the ability to measure heart rate. Suunto offers chest straps and chest straps included with your watch:

• Suunto Comfort Belt: Chest strap suitable for all T-series sports watches and computers that can be used as a heart rate monitor.
• Suunto Smart Belt: Chest strap with Bluetooth Smart technology. Compatible with Suunto's Movescount app.
• Suunto M2: a chest strap with a watch that has all the basic functions, including heart rate control, calorie counting, automatic selection of the desired heart rate zone.
• Suunto M5: This heart rate monitor comes with additional features to help you determine the best training regimen for your individual performance, as well as get reliable speed and distance information during your running workouts.

Sanitas heart rate monitors

Sanitas does not have many models, but they are notable for their low prices, so we also mention them.

• Sanitas SPM22 and SPM25: Heart rate monitor with chest strap that includes all the basic functions and is perfect for regular use.
• Sanitas SPM10: You don't need a chest strap to measure your heart rate with this model. You simply place the device on your wrist and touch the sensor on the front of the device with your finger. This device is suitable for people who do not want to wear a chest belt or, for example, for tourism.

Other models

• Nexx HRM-02. A budget option for a chest strap with a sensor, which is suitable for those who are not ready to seriously spend money on fitness gadgets. The device has built-in Bluetooth Smart and is compatible with almost all mobile applications that support the function of transmitting data from a wireless heart rate monitor. Counts heart rate and calories burned.
• Torneo H103. Chest strap with watch receiver. Equipped with all the basic functions: heart rate calculation, calorie counter, setting heart rate zones, measuring time in the target zone, stopwatch, calendar and alarm clock, water resistance.
• Wahoo TICKR. Another option for a chest heart rate monitor that transmits information via Bluetooth to a smartphone. In addition to heart rate, such characteristics as steps taken and calories burned are recorded.

Which heart rate monitor to choose:

• If you want to purchase a heart rate monitor with an optimal price-quality ratio, then buy the Sigma or Beurer models.
• If you want to purchase the most reliable and accurate device, then buy Polar or Suunto models.
• If you want to purchase the simplest and most inexpensive option for a heart rate monitor, you should pay attention to the models offered on the Aliexpress website (review below).

Heart rate monitors: a selection of the best models on Aliexpress

We offer you a selection of heart rate monitors that can be purchased on Aliexpress at an affordable price. All heart rate monitors have similar functions and are in approximately the same price range, so we suggest you focus on customer reviews, the average product rating and the total number of orders for this product.

Chest strap without watch

If you purchase a chest strap without a watch, your heart rate data will be sent to an app on your smartphone. The chest straps are compatible with all Bluetooth Smart (4.0) and ANT enabled devices. The presented sensors are quite accurate in measuring heart rate.

We suggest you pay attention to the following chest sensors:

Leading a healthy lifestyle is a plan for every Monday and a promise that millions make to themselves before going to bed on Sunday. And in the morning, after the first one, with muscle pain, lethargy and apathetic fatigue, this decision takes the opposite turn. There is nothing good in this way of life and there is neither desire nor need to lead it when it is so painful and unpleasant.

But the whole point is in the incorrect organization of sports training. Selecting the intensity of the load and setting the right pace so that the activity brings not only benefit, but also pleasure - tasks that must be approached with the utmost seriousness. In a world where digital technologies are deeply rooted in every sphere, sports are no exception. We bring to your attention a review of men's and women's sports watches with a heart rate monitor, stopwatch, blood pressure monitor and pedometer.

What are sports accessories for?

During training, it is impossible to objectively assess the state of the body.. Fatigue, increased heart rate and, as a result, problems with blood pressure and general fatigue cause health problems. In this regard, it is recommended to play sports using special devices that are designed to monitor the state of the body during training.

Sports watches - a new product in the world of gadgets - perform all these functions. A heart rate monitor, pedometer and blood pressure monitor, which are built into such an accessory, effectively and accurately track all vital signs and inform its owner about it. Such a device allows you to:

1. Set the right workout pace;
2. Determine the optimal time for rest and its intervals;
3. Calculate the duration of rest, which will completely restore strength.

The use of a heart rate monitor is to determine the level of vibrations in the walls of blood vessels, which is individual for each person.

It is he who determines the moment when it is better to stop all physical activity.

The pedometer helps to track and control the amount of distance traveled and create an individual load schedule, gradually increasing the mileage.

It is a confirmed fact that Every day to maintain vigor and health you need to take 11,000 steps. If the goal is to lose excess weight, then this figure should be increased to 13,000 - 16,000 per day.

And finally, a tonometer is a device for measuring blood pressure.

The sensor in the watch will measure the pressure in the largest artery in the body - the aorta, which is located closest to the heart and brain. In case of excessive physical activity, this indicator determines the critical point when the activity should be stopped urgently in order to prevent the occurrence of a stroke or heart attack.

Criteria for choosing a sports watch

The range of sports accessories is so large that it is extremely difficult to decide on a device that will suit each individual lifestyle. When choosing a sports watch, consider the following features:

1. Operating time - the more functions they perform, the more energy they spend, which means they require frequent and long-term recharging;
2. Synchronization - the ability to connect to mobile platforms and operating systems;
3. The notification method is a sound signal that warns of the approaching critical point. It is better if the watch is equipped with a notification via vibration;
4. Accuracy of displayed data;
5. Waterproof;
6. Impact resistance;
7. Design.

The functionality of sports watches is not limited to devices that measure steps, pulse and blood pressure. If you wish, you can purchase a watch that will record your workout history, keep track of calories burned, determine your “fat burning zone,” as well as conduct a fitness test and determine your own training program based on your level of physical fitness. It is worth remembering that a watch is only a mechanism, and the indicators it produces are purely mathematical calculations based on numerical data.

Sports watch manufacturers

Among the huge number of manufacturers, the following have earned a reputation for quality and functionality:

Polar is a Finnish manufacturer that has been on the market for 30 years. The watches of this company are distinguished by their relatively high cost and wide range of functions. The initial cost of such watches is 130 USD.

Casio- versatility and innovation are the distinctive qualities of the brand's watches. It was this company that pioneered the production of sports watches with a pedometer. The cost varies from 100 USD. up to 450 USD

Вeurer- German manufacturer of sports watches. Depending on your financial capabilities, you can purchase both the budget version PM18, which costs about 100 USD, and the more expensive and functional PM200, the price of which is 500 USD.

Suunto is a Finnish manufacturer whose sports watches are distinguished by their versatility and quality. One of the most expensive in its segment and the purchase will cost 200 USD.

Torneo is a Chinese company that produces very high-quality sports products at an affordable price. Sports watches with a basic set of functions are priced at 125 USD.

Video review of Suunto sports watches:

The choice of a sports watch with a heart rate monitor, pedometer and blood pressure monitor should be based on the range of additional functionality. After all, sometimes basic functions are enough, and frills will only increase the cost without adding an ounce of usefulness.

Basic rules of use

In order for a sports watch to correctly display the necessary data, you must adhere to the rules and operating instructions. Individual recommendations have been developed for each model, but there are also common ones for all.

Blood pressure is calculated by the sensor based on a baseline value that is entered manually. This data must be regularly updated and entered with special care, because this will reduce the error of readings to a minimum.

Basic indicators are those that include data at rest and after physical activity. Please note that you need to perform the exercises that are listed in the instructions. When setting up a pedometer, the necessary parameters will be the average step length, body weight and age.

The principle of operation of a sports watch is to supply impulses through the back cover, so it is important that it fits snugly.

The hand must be left, only in this case you can expect reliable data.

Of course, you shouldn't expect a sports watch to perform magic when you put it in your pocket or wear it over a thick sleeve.

A watch with a heart rate monitor and a pedometer is designed for athletes and people monitoring their health. The device itself will measure the indicators and save them in memory. When the results do not meet the norm, the gadget will give a signal, so the athlete can judge the quality of the training. The function is also useful for people suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system; it has now become easier for them to control their daily loads. Let's consider what features of a device to pay attention to when choosing, as well as the best representatives.

To take or not to take?

Not everyone needs a smartwatch with a heart rate monitor. The lives of many young people are now active; they need to constantly rush to work, study or other matters. In this case, if a person has not walked the required number of steps in a day, it is unlikely that the watch will convince him to do so. And the results measured by the heart rate monitor will not give him anything. Then, of course, a smart watch will not be useful.

It's a different matter when it comes to an athlete. When he runs a distance, it is important for him to know his speed, heart rate, and distance. This is where sports watches come in handy. They measure and store information, and some devices have training modes with ready-made exercises. The watch will tell you when to continue training, and when the body has already worked well.

Sports watches with a heart rate monitor are useful for older men and women. Monitoring your health status will help you avoid a heart attack or stroke thanks to timely recorded readings. The device will signal when the indicators are critical and you need to urgently stop the load. A device that can measure data continuously will be invaluable in this case.

If a person decides to keep himself in good shape and lead an active lifestyle, sports smart watches will be the best motivation. They will calculate the number of calories burned during exercise and also signal that it is time to exercise. Agree, working with a personal assistant and motivator is more interesting and useful.

Choosing a personal assistant

When choosing a sports watch with a heart rate monitor and pedometer, you should decide on the purpose of purchase: you need the gadget, or cycling, and also pay attention to the characteristics of the device. Below are the main ones.

1. Autonomy. When a device is used for jogging and marathons, a very important criterion is the operating time of the gadget without recharging. It's a shame if the device runs out of charge during a competition. To avoid this situation, choose models with a large battery capacity.
2. Synchronization. See which phone operating system the smart device can “work with”.
3. Data accuracy. The most accurate heart rate reading will be provided by a sports bracelet with a chest heart rate monitor. But it is less comfortable to wear than just a watch.
4. Waterproof and shockproof. Protected copies are not afraid of rain and falling, and during active sports this cannot be avoided.
5. External characteristics. Don't forget that a fitness watch will complement your look. Many look rough on the wrist, so when purchasing, be sure to put the device on your hand and evaluate how well they fit on your hand. A pleasant design will lift your spirits while jogging.

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Top 5 best watches with heart rate monitor and pedometer

Apple Watch Series 2: the most accurate

The leader among the best representatives of 2017 is the Apple Watch Series 2. It was tested in England and Sweden at a health school, and the smart bracelet showed accurate results. The data was compared with ECG readings, and with an acceptable 5%, the error was only 2%. Other samples cannot boast of similar results.

The heart rate monitor is built into the back panel, the smartwatch is comfortable to wear, and there are no bulky chest devices. There are different modes, you can even swim in the watch.

Moisture protection allows you to dive to a depth of 50 m, mechanical damage is also not terrible, the developers tried to make the device as durable as possible. The presence of GPS ensures the construction of routes, saving the history of movements, calculating mileage and speed.

Characteristics:

• built-in pedometer;
• heart rate monitor;
• GPS sensor;
• OLED screen with a resolution of 312 by 390 pixels;
• battery life: 18 hours;
• voice assistant Siri;
• waterproof and shockproof;
• Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi.

There is a special development for runners - apple watch nike+, which has additional features. The fitness bracelet is suitable for both men and women, as it is made in two sizes: 38 and 42 mm, and there are different strap designs.

The downside is that the battery life is 1 day; such a gadget will not be useful on a hike. The average cost is $400.

Garmin ForeRunner 235: Best Value for Money

Second place went to Garmin ForeRunner. The appearance of the fitness watch is sporty; you can’t wear it with a business suit, but it fits with any other clothes. The display has a good viewing angle, a clear image, the results are visible both in bright light and in the evening.

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How to install Whatsapp on Apple Watch

The ForeRunner device will delight both active lifestyle enthusiasts and professionals. Suitable for cycling, hiking, running, athletics and swimming. Battery life – 9 days in active use for training.

The functionality is not limited to sports capabilities; the gadget also works like a smart watch: notifications received on the smartphone are received here. You can answer calls and make calls too. In addition to the standard functions of measuring heart rate, number of steps, and calories burned, there are other options. For example, the watch shows how long it will take a person to run a distance at the current speed, the effectiveness of the workout, and gives advice on proper rest.

The negative is the lack of internal memory. There are few additional features that expand functionality.

Cost – $300.

Polar M430: as accurate as a chest heart rate monitor

Polar M430 is a device with a built-in pedometer and heart rate monitor. There is no chest strap, but the readings are still accurate. The comparison was made with a professional Suunto, there was a slight error, but the built-in optical heart rate monitor responded well to changes in heart rate.

The gadget counts calories burned and monitors sleep. He will be a personal instructor for the owner; there is an already developed training plan. The owner will know when to continue training and when it’s time to rest. In the application you can track progress, view performance and analyze recovery.

The operating time without recharging is disappointing: with working sensors, the gadget will last 8 hours. The device will have to be charged daily.

At $229, it's an affordable option for runners, but Polar is a worthy rival to Garmin, offering a lower cost and so much functionality.

Samsung Gear S3 Fromtier – 4th place

Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is definitely a masculine model, brutal and powerful. This watch has standard fitness bracelet features:

• heart rate monitoring;
• counting calories burned;
• measuring the number of steps taken;
• sleep monitoring, smart alarm clock.

The case is protected from dust and water according to the IP67 standard, shock-resistant, but you cannot dive in a pool or pond while wearing the watch. They last 4 days without recharging, which is an average result for similar wearable devices.