I just purchased a Polar H10 in the last month and use the Polar Beat iOS app to monitor my heart rate as well as review the data from past training sessions. Given my first heart rate monitor was in the late 80's for triathlons the blue tooth enabled new H10 [listed below] is a huge improvement. The app has a real-time voice guidance mode which indicates level of intensity.
High performance in any discipline—especially in elite endurance athletics or anyone methodically striving for performance improvements—requires measuring, recording, and tracking of key metrics. Read this article discussing how to calculate a training heart rate, heart rate monitors, how to use your monitor to optimize your performance, and how to reduce the chance of injuries. A couple years ago I used a Polar S610i and my son who trains with me and runs high school cross country and track uses a S625x. I use a Polar heart rate monitor with my PC to analyze my training, trends and performance as well input the information into a custom training log application. Now I use the Polar Beat app which has some nice visualizations of the recorded heart rate response.
Bottom Line: Using a heart rate monitor allows you to track and tune your performance for optimal results.
Research: Validity and reliability of the heart rate monitors
The Effect of Aging on Relationships between Lean Body Mass and VO2max in Rowers
Age-predicted maximal heart rate revisited This article discusses an alternate method to calculate your maximum heart rate [HRmax is 208 - 0.7 x age in healthy adults]. This results in a few extra beats versus the standard 220-age.
Remember to discuss starting a fitness program with your physician prior to any strenuous activity.
Training heart rate (THR) zones should be used when you are doing the aerobic part of your workout. Take your pulse* a few times during your workout to ensure you are training in your target heart rate zone. The training heart rate zone is roughly between 60% and 90% of your maximum heart rate (MHR). More>>
Other gear for adventure racing, trail running, mountain biking and backcountry travel: