Heart Rate Monitor . . . track the intensity of your workouts and reach your fitness goals

The Heart Rate Monitor, once used exclusively by professional athletes, has recently become quite popular with regular consumers.

With this useful tool, you can find out exactly how rapidly your heart is beating at any given moment during your training session -- vital information that informs you whether you've achieved your target heart rate zone. (Defined as the range between exercising too vigorously, or not hard enough to see results.)

The three basic types are chest-strap monitors, wrist monitors, and fingertip monitors.

A chest-strap monitor is the most accurate, and allows for freedom of movement - no having to halt your workout to touch your wrist for a reading.

Second best is the wrist monitor, which is essentially a digital watch with added sensory features. Third best is the fingertip sensor monitor; consumers have complained of erratic readings using these.

Popular brands are Polar, Timex, Omron, Reebok, Nike, Mio, and Garmin. Prices range from $20 to $400.

To learn more, take a look at our reviews and buying tips.

Heart Rate Monitor Reviews by Brand and Model