Is a Wireless heart rate monitor watch as accurate as a Strapless heart rate watch?

Yes. Strapless technology gives you accurate ECG heart rate readings. You just place 2 finger pads (not finger tips) over the 2 sensors of your heart rate monitor watch for 3-6 seconds any time you want to check your heart rate.

What does ECG Accurate mean?

An electrocardiogram, or ECG, is a measure of the electrical activity of the heart. This electrical activity regulates the contraction of the heart, so the exact heart rate and rhythm can be determined from an ECG.

What is the difference between a Strapless Heart Rate Monitor Watch and a Wireless Heart Monitor Rate Watch?

A strapless heart rate monitor watch operates without using a chest strap. You just place two fingers over the face of the watch for 3-6 seconds and receive your heart rate reading.

A wireless heart rate watch comes with a chest strap that is worn around the chest area. The chest strap transmits a continuous heart rate signal to the watch.

How do I get my heart rate reading?

 Wireless Heart Rate Watch (with Chest Belt)

Press and hold the lower left button on the watch (mode button) until the heart symbol appears. This will start the heart rate mode.

Moisten the back of the chest belt with water or saliva and place the belt around your chest.

Your heart rate will appear on your watch.

Heart Rate Monitor using Strapless technology (No Chest Belt)

Put the watch on your wrist firmly.

Place the pads of two fingers (not finger tips) over the two silver buttons on the face of the watch.

Hold 3-6 seconds and your heart rate will display.

What is the difference between a pulse rate and a heart rate?

A pulse can be defined as the rhythmical dilation of a vessel produced by the increased volume of blood forced into the vessel by the contraction of the heart. The pulse can be felt most easily at the wrist and neck, but can be found at many points on the body.

Heart rate is the rate that the heart contracts over a certain time period, usually measured in beats per minute. The heart beat is usually monitored by a sensing device such as electrodes that read the electrical activity of the heart, which regulates contractions.

The pulse is usually measured by touching two fingers over an artery to count the rate of pulsation. A premature beat or an irregular heartbeat may not force out enough blood to be measured as a pulse. Only in these cases, the heart rate will be different from the pulse rate.

What is the difference between a heart rate monitor and a pulse monitor?

A heart rate monitor is ECG accurate. The heart produces electrical impulses that the heart rate monitor reads. A pulse sensor detects blood flow in the extremities and is adversely affected by motion and light. Because of this, it will cause inaccurate readings.

My Heart Rate Monitor Watch is not working correctly. How do I service it?

We recommend all service for Bowflex, Cardiosport, and Dummies brands to be done by Sports Beat Inc. Warranty does not cover any damage caused by service that is not authorized by Sports Beat Inc. Send your heart rate monitor to:

Sports Beat Inc.
Attn: Customer Service
45 West Jefryn Blvd
Deer Park, NY 11729

Please include your Name, Return address, the problem you are experiencing and a number where you can be contacted. Once repair estimates are made you will be contacted.

I don't know how to set up my watch. Help!

All of our products come with quick start instructions as well as full instruction manuals. If after reading the manual you are still experiencing trouble we encourage you to call our helpful customer service staff, M-F 9-5 EST.
Tel: 888-760-3059

How long does the battery last on my heart rate monitor watch?

With 1 hour a day use, your heart rate monitor battery has a life expectancy of 2 years.

Why is a User Changeable Battery in the Chest Strap so important?

Most heart rate monitors come standard with a User Changeable Battery. This enables you to purchase a new battery at any electronics store without having to send in your transmitter for repair.

Why do I need to use a Heart Rate Monitor Watch?

In order to get fit, lose weight, take part in sport or for a healthy lifestyle, a Heart Rate Monitor is the perfect partner. It is not necessary to feel totally exhausted at the end of each exercise session and indeed, this can cause more harm than good. To benefit from exercise the three elements of frequency, intensity and time should be in balance. It was always possible to balance frequency and time but now, with a Heart Rate Monitor, intensity can also be controlled to produce the desired results and fitness goals.

How do I Train with a Heart Rate Monitor?

Warm up and Cool Down

Always do a slow warm-up of 5-10 minutes followed by some gently stretching and then gradually climb up to your pre-set target heart rate. End every workout with a 5-10 minute cool down, again followed by the same gently stretching. The importance of this cannot be over emphasized. Studies have shown that people who warm up and cool down adequately have fewer athletic injuries.

Type of Exercise
Choose activities that use large muscle groups and which are continuous in nature. Some good examples are walking, swimming, running, aerobic dance, stair climbing machines, ski machines, treadmills, cycling or exercise bikes. Feel free to include more than one activity-cycle one day, swim the next and do aerobics on the third. This is called Cross Training and helps exercise all muscle groups, reduces boredom and keeps motivation high.

Frequency of Exercise
Exercise in the target range that you have set at least 3-5 times per week, with no more than 48 hours between sessions. Using a heart rate monitor watch helps keep you in your target range. Even on "rest days" gentle exercise such as a leisurely walk can be beneficial.

Intensity of Exercise
An exercise intensity zone should be selected which is within known capabilities and where consistency can be achieved. Studies show that people, who exercise at too high an intensity, especially in the initial stages of their program, drop out sooner, have more injuries and tend to develop a negative impression towards exercise in general. If necessary, start in a low exercise intensity zone and build up.

Time Exercising
Aim for 20-60 minutes of continuous exercise in the chosen target zone each session. If 20 minutes constant exercise is not initially achievable, then work up to it slowly and gradually.

Warning
Before any exercise program is initiated, an assessment of fitness levels should be undertaken by a doctor to ensure personal safety.