| Innovations in heart rate monitors in recent years | | | | struggle with finding a good signal if you run between |
| have meant that it is now possible to continually | | | | tall buildings or under dense tree coverage |
| measure your pace (speed) and distance alongside | | | | - if you want to use the pace and distance |
| your heart rate and have them display on your | | | | functionality for sports other than running such as |
| monitor as you exercise. | | | | skiing or rowing - GPS monitors in contrast to the |
| This is possible through two very different | | | | Footpod technology do not rely on foot movements |
| technologies (GPS and Footpod) and you generally | | | | Choose Footpod technology if:- |
| need to make a choice between them depending on | | | | - your exercise is mainly running or walking indoors or |
| your exercise needs. | | | | out |
| GPS stands for Global Positioning System. With GPS | | | | - you are a runner and cyclist and find an option that |
| heart rate monitors an antenna on the monitor | | | | offers both footpod and equivalent bike accessories |
| receives a satellite signal of your position as you | | | | If you're looking for a decent heart rate monitor |
| move and constantly computes and updates your | | | | you'll find a huge and daunting range of options and |
| speed and distance data from this so that it can be | | | | lots of confusing information to wade your way |
| displayed on the monitor during your fitness session. | | | | through. Having reviewed the various heart rate |
| With Footpod technology you wear a small device - | | | | monitors using GPS and Footpod technologies we |
| the footpod - on your shoe and it computes your | | | | selected the following as "best buys" in their |
| pace and distance by making thousands of | | | | category. |
| measurements of your stride pattern as you move. | | | | For GPS we chose the Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS |
| It doesn't just measure stride length but uses the | | | | heart rate monitor as this offers enhanced signalling |
| same kind of technology found in ultra-accurate | | | | using a specially designed curved antenna which can |
| industrial robotic and space positioning systems | | | | often pick up signals that other heart rate monitors |
| encased in a small plastic unit. | | | | cannot. |
| Given the two different technologies to measure | | | | If you prefer Footpod technology take a look at the |
| your speed and distance, which one should you buy? | | | | Polar S625X as this heart rate monitor offers great |
| Choose GPS if:- | | | | heart rate monitoring functionality alongside Footpod |
| - if most of your activity is outdoors as GPS | | | | technology and optional bike accessories to measure |
| systems do not work indoors | | | | speed, distance and cadence while cycling. |
| - if you exercise in wide open spaces. Many systems | | | | |