Heart rate control programs are an important aspect of treadmills these days with a lot of people suffering from heart related health issues seeking exercise. Heart rate control programs add that additional value to a treadmill when you are confused about the brand you should bring home or the value for money that you are getting on each of the different brands.

The Heart Rate Zones

There are several different zones where you can work out on your treadmill. For example, the healthy heart zone is about 60% of your maximum heart rate. This is what can be dubbed as comfortable and is equivalent to quick walking. Similarly, the temperate zone, which is about 70% of the maximum heart rate, is when you indulge in slow jogging. This is an ideal heart rate zone to burn calories because you can train at this level for a good period so you’ll lose weight.

The redline zone and anaerobic threshold zone are when you are quite close to the maximum heart rate. In these zones, you are actually running full out. One has to be very cautious because such a run or sprint could lead to injuries if your body cannot sustain it. Moreover, slipping on the treadmill too could be disastrous when you are at such a speed. However if you can maintain running at this level you will build tone and muscle in your legs and buttocks to give you a wonderful shape.

The Equipment

The handgrip and wireless are two distinct and individual features that come with heart rate control programs in treadmills. As the name suggests, in case of handgrip, you need to hold on to the handgrip or stationary handlebars. However, it could prove to be particularly difficult when you are on a full out run as it affects your speed and the balance of the body. Holding onto hand grip heart rate sensors is difficult and uncomfortable while you’re running.

The wireless heart rate control program allows you greater freedom when it comes to running, walking or jogging with a heart rate control program. You have a strap wound around your chest and this transmits the rate of heartbeat to the console. The console then monitors your heart rate and coordinates it with the cardio exercise intensity to ensure that the heart rate overall stays within a particular zone.

Targeted and Interval Training

When you are training, keeping your heart rate in perspective, you need to look at two different mechanisms. Some treadmills offer targeted training in which your exercise intensity is such that your heart rate remains within a particular range at all times. This is ideal for the beginner and is a very effective way of working out as you keep your heart rate beating at the optimum level.

Sometimes, you might want to work out through interval training mechanism where you put your body through alternate cycles of highly intensive exercise and light exercise. Sprinting full out alternating with walking is a good example. Some treadmills can use heart rate control program to help you practice interval training as well. Targeted and interval training, both have their own sets of benefits and what you choose should depend on the goals you have for your training.

What Treadmills can you consider?

There are several different varieties of heart rate control programs offered by different treadmill brands. Some of the best ones in the market include NordicTrack with two popular models, A2550 Pro and A2750 Pro. Sole Fitness with Sole F80 and Sole E95, Smooth Fitness with Smooth 9.65LC and Bowflex are some of the other brands that you can look at. In the Nordic Track 9500 Elite, for example, you get 4-heart rate control programs along with an extra wireless chest strap. Sole F80 has 2 heart rate programs too.

Heart rate control programs are a good way of exercising especially for those who are constantly worried about their endurance levels and how much their heart can take. Going for a full out sprint or intensive training isn’t really recommended for some. In such cases, the heart rate control programs monitor the heart rate and constantly keep the individual within the safe limits.