How To Wear A Heart Rate Monitor

Understanding how to wear a heart rate monitor is the first step to tracking and improving your fitness level. The intensity level of your workout is easily measured with a heart rate monitor, and it is used by both professionals and amateurs who train for marathons and cycling races.

1. Determine which part is the front of the heart rate monitor strap. It may be made of a harder plastic and the back will be made of elastic.
2. Dampen the sensors. Use a moist cloth to wipe the back side of the front of the strap. This will give the monitor a better connection for the heart rate reading.
3. Align the strap with your chest. With your shirt off, place the middle of the chest strap over the center of your chest directly under the breast. Women may choose to use a sports bra that is designed specifically for heart rate monitors.
4. Secure the unit around your back. Wrap the back portion of the strap around your upper body and secure it at the buckle or clasp location. 
5. Adjust the strap. You want to strap to be snug enough that it will stay in place as you move around and exercise. 
6. Set the controls. You will most likely have a wristwatch portion of the monitor that needs to be set. Hold the wristwatch near the chest strap.  It will register your heartbeat. 
7. Read the heart rate monitor instructions. The heart rate monitor may have other controls that need to be set prior to your workout. Carefully read through the instruction manual that came with the unit to ensure accurate readings.