Common Heart Rate Monitor and Training Mistakes [Part 1]

We have all heard the saying, “we all make mistakes sometimes!” and in some cases it is usually brushed off. However, a mistake in training and also how you use your heart rate monitor could mean the difference between reaching your fitness or weight loss goals or not. I have compiled a list of common mistakes that we usually do during training, especially when using a heart rate monitor. Do note that this list is not “all” the mistakes that is made. There are so many more and these will be added in time.

Training Mistake #1: Not Setting Out a Clear Goal

When you decide to start training, an important factor for your workouts is the goals that you will set for yourself. Many people do up a training program without first understanding what they want from it. For instance, I wouldn’t walk into the gym today and start on every weight training machine in there if I wanted to run a marathon. I wouldn’t be bulking up on my upper body for that! You got to sit down and decide what you want to achieve. If it’s to be a body builder than fine, you will touch all the weight machines. But, if it is to run a marathon than I think that you will have a different program.

Training Mistake #2: Not Knowing Factors the Affect Heart Rate

There are many factors that affect heart rate. Though you may be doing the same exercise routines everyday, you may sometimes notice that your working heart rate may be different. There are several factors for this ranging from temperature and water balance to caffeine intake and even stress. This stress can either be psychological or physical. It is important that you be aware of these factors that affect your heart rate.

Training Mistake #3: Not Analyzing your Heart Rate and Training Data

One of the advantages of using a heart rate monitor is to analyze the data after a workout. It is one of those training tools that allow for this to happen. Advanced heart monitor watches from manufacturers such as Garmin and Polar allow for users to acquire so much data. For instance, they would not only collect heart rate data but also calories burnt, speed, distance and pace data along with a host of other important training information. With all the data you receive, you get a better understanding of your body and can see where changes and improvements can be made.

There are a lot more mistakes that we make during our workouts and training. This was Part 1 in the series and I will give more in the articles to follow.