Heart Rate Monitor and Control on Elliptical Trainers

On most elliptical trainers you will find a heart rate monitor that is located on stationary handlebars in front of the console. The purpose is to monitor your heart, thereby allowing you to determine you heart rate. The alternative is heart rate control (HRC), which allows you to control the intensity of your workout by defining the heart rate level you wish to maintain.

Why is your heart rate important when you exercise?

By exercising in different zones (Intensity Levels) you can achieve different results. For example, if you are exercising and your heart rate is too low, you are not getting the full benefits from your workout. In contrast, if it is too high your activity can become counter productive. The hottest trend in exercise is interval training, where you alternate your workout at different zone, going from high exertion to cool down periods. This is proven to get the best results in the least amount of time.

How does heart control and monitoring help you to optimize your workout?

Whether you are trying to lose a few pounds or training for a marathon exercising in the proper heart rate zone can be very advantageous. Below is an example of the various heart rate zones and how they rate to walking or running:

The Healthy Heart Zone: 50% - 60% of your individual maximum heart rate. This is a safe, comfortable zone reached by briskly walking.
The Temperate Zone: 60% - 70% of your individual maximum heart rate. Achieved through a slow jog.
The Aerobic Zone: 70% - 80% of your individual maximum heart rate. Achieved through a moderate run.
The Anaerobic Threshold Zone: 80% - 90% of your individual maximum heart rate. Achieved through a "burning" run.
The Redline Zone: 90% - 100% of your individual maximum heart rate. This zone is the equivalent of running full out, and is often used in "High Intensity Interval" training. This zone should be approached with caution and can lead to injuries when sustained for a long period.

You can learn more about zone training at the following article: Training With 5 Exercise Heart Rate Training Zones

How does heart rate control work with an elliptical trainer?

By programming your desired heart rate, the wireless strap monitors your heart and then feeds the results to the machine. If your rate drops the machine increases the resistance, and if it increases the resistance decreases. Some models have an interval HRC program, which changes the resistance level so that you can train in different zones. It is similar to the hill training programs found on treadmills.

Do you need wireless heart rate control with your elliptical trainer?

First, it is beneficial to at least have the heart rate monitor, and as mentioned almost all ellipticals come standard with that feature. As far as wireless heart rate control, that is an individual choice. I personally like to control my workouts manually and instinctively know the level I feel comfortable at. When I am moderately breathing I know to kick it up. When I can't maintain the pace any further I know to slow it down.

If you are just starting to get back into exercising you may want to consider a machine with HRC. Consult with your doctor and/or a personal trainer and let them help you to determine the ideal level of exercise as defined by your heart rate. They can help you to establish goals and criteria for increasing your level of exertion.

If you are a professional athlete, then HRC can be beneficial for reaching your personal best, especially if you are interval training.

It should be noted that some machines offer heart rate control through stationary handgrips or by ear clip. HRC through handgrips defeats the purpose of getting a upper body workout, since you are can't use the moveable handlebars. And the ear clip HRC is just plain stupid. Who wants to exercise with a clip on their ear. There is only one type of HRC that makes sense, and that is through a wireless chest strap. Although several brands like Smooth offer heart rate monitors and control through the grips on the moveable handelbars.

You will find that a number of fitness equipment manufacturers will have two similar elliptical models - the only difference being with or without wireless heart rate control. The variation is cost is usually $200-$300 more. Also, some models are equipped with wireless HRC telemetry, but charge additionally for the strap.