What Is a Chronograph on a Heart Rate Monitor?

What Is a Chronograph on a Heart Rate Monitor?

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There are two pieces of equipment widely used by athletes like runners, mountain bikers, racing cyclists and boxers: a stopwatch and a heart rate monitor (HRM). It is increasingly common to see them together in one device, known as an HRM-chronograph.

Definition: Chronograph

A chronograph is a timepiece that combines both the functions of a clock and a stopwatch.

Definition: HRM

An HRM is an electronic tool that, in its most basic form, provides real time data about the wearer's pulse.

Wristwatch HRMs

HRMs are commonly wrist-mounted. Almost all have a watch as well, and many are chronograph-HRMs.

Wind Conditioning

The main piece of physical data for cardiovascular conditioning is heart rate. Having accurate heart rate information allows an athlete to monitor the cardio-intensity of his work-out and make adjustments, either on the spot or to an overall program.

Utility

Many sports that are concerned with cardio-conditioning are also concerned with time performance and stopwatches are handy tools. Most runners, cyclists, and boxers rely on accurate time measurements.

Other Features

Other features that are common to HRMs are waterproofing, GPS receivers, altimeters, calorie-burning estimation, and alarm clock functions.

Article Written By Edwin Thomas

Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.

Write for Trails.com
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