A fitness heart rate monitor will enable you to perfect your training or exercise session to the maximum beneficial level. These wireless systems allow you to track your heart rate whether in the gym or running down a country road.

There are four important guidelines for conditioning that everyone should take into account when exercising.

How Often: It is recommended by the American heart Association that you exercise at least 3-4 days per week in order to maintain cardiovascular fitness. If you have other goals such as weight loss, you will achieve your goal faster with more frequent exercise. Whether it’s 3 days or 6 days remember that your ultimate goal should be to make exercise a lifetime habit. Many people are successful staying with a fitness program if they set aside a specific time of day to exercise. It doesn’t matter whether it’s in the morning before breakfast, during lunch hour or while watching the evening news. What’s more important is that it’s a time that allows you to keep a schedule, and a time when you won’t be interrupted. To be successful with your fitness program, you have to make it a priority in your life.

How Long: For aerobic exercise benefits, it is recommended that you exercise from between 25-60 minutes per session. BUT, start slowly and gradually increase your exercise times. If you’ve been sedentary during the past year, it may be a good idea to keep your exercise times to as little as five minutes initially. Your body will need time to adjust to the new activity. If your goal is weight loss, a longer exercise session at lower intensities has beed found to be most effective. A workout time of 45 minutes or more is recommended for best weight loss results.

How Hard: How hard you workout is also determined by your goals. If you’re preparing for a 5K run, you will probably work out at a higher intensity than if your goal is general fitness. Regardless of your long term goals always begin an exercise program at low intensity. Aerobic exercise does not have to be painful to be beneficial! There are two ways to monitor your exercise intensity. The first is by a fitness heart rate monitor that will give you continuous details about your heart rate and exercise level.

The second method of measuring your exercise intensity is quite simple. If you cannot carry on a conversation without gasping – you’re working too hard. When this happens slow down a bit until you can talk normally.

It is important to always be aware of the intensity level of your exercise program for the best possible results from your workout.