Running

The ALPHA strapless heart rate monitor from MIO is the world’s first continuous heart rate monitor that you can wear on your wrist to accurately read your heart rate! Some are saying this amazing device will change heart rate monitoring forever. Say goodbye to the chest-strap for an accurate reading, and hello to the sleek and stylish Mio ALPHA strapless heart rate monitor. The ALPHA offers essential features with some of the most accurate readings ever. The ALPHA features:

Mio Alpha Strapless Heart Rate Monitor

• Continuous display of heart rate
• Workout timer
• Clock
• Data Review
• Settable heart rate zone
• No annoying and uncomfortable chest strap
• Bluetooth synchability
• Wireless transmitter
• USB charging station and rechargeable lithium battery

If you participate in high performance sports, the ALPHA is the heart rate monitor for you! Not only does the ALPHA offer extremely reliable readings, but the monitor is also comfortable and allows for maximum performance. The Mio ALPHA heart rate monitor is simply worn on the wrist like a watch, getting rid of obtrusive chest straps that often slide down and chafe the skin. Change the way you work out with the Mio Alpha strapless heart rate monitorfrom HeartRateMonitorsUSA.com today

Get your Garmin 800 Edge today and receive a $100 mail-in rebate!

At Heart Rate Monitors USA, we want our customers to get the best of the best when it comes to product quality, customer service, and price. That’s why we’re offering a $100 rebate on the Garmin Edge 800 series of heart rate monitors! Want to know more about it? We have the scoop!

This technologically-advanced heart rate monitor is one of our best selling and most accurate. It can track your distance, speed, and give you a specialized workout to do so you can reach the best fitness goals possible. In addition to all these great features, the Garmin Edge 800 series comes in two different types: the Super Cycle computer as well as the Super Cycle Computer plus the navigation bundle. Both of these awesome heart rate monitor/GPS systems come with at $100 mail-in rebate so you receive the best price and the best health possible! Both types of these heart rate and GPS monitors come with the following:

• Rechargeable Lithium battery
• Barometric altimeter
• Customizable screens
• Speed and cadence sensor
• And much more!

To check out our Garmin 800 Edge Series Models, visit us today at HeartRateMonitorsUSA.com!

Ask the Bunny to bring you a heart rate monitor this Easter!

Don’t be stuck without one this Easter; ask the Bunny for a heart rate monitor from Heart Rate Monitors USA! Not sure where to start when looking for one? We can help you find one that suits your fitness needs perfectly!

• Just starting out on your wellness journey? Try out our Polar FT1 Fitness heart rate monitor! It has all the basic data you need to start getting in shape, as well as a large face and easy to read screen!
  Looking to lose some weight from walking? A heart rate monitor that is designed for basic exercise and fitness is ideal for you!  Our Polar FT60 Fitness Heart Rate monitors feature the STAR training program, which is designed to tailor a training program for you!
• Are you attached to your bike at the seat? Try out our Garmin Edge 810 Cycling Series! This high-tech series of heart rate monitors are touch screen, GPS enabled, and have everything you need to train for the bike race of your dreams!
• Perhaps you spend more time in the water than you do on land. Our Garmin Swim Watch is not a heart rate monitor, but it does have awesome features exclusively for swimmers such as tracking your distance, pace, stroke count, and so much more!

Didn’t see what you needed here? Visit the rest of our selection of heart rate monitors today at HeartRateMonitorsUSA.com!

Running to music seems to make any distance seem shorter, any workout seem faster. If you’re looking to put together a new running playlist, then we’re here to help. We’ve searched through our own iPods and Pandora stations to find some of the best songs (and some of our favorite!) songs to work out to.

Here are our recommendations from our playlists:

• “Lose Yourself” – Eminem
• “My Life Would Suck Without You” – Kelly Clarkson
• “Hip Hop Hooray” – Naughty By Nature
• “The Distance” – Cake
• “Hey Ya!” – OutKast
• “Running With the Devil” – Van Halen
• “Eye of the Tiger” – Survivor
• “Run the World” – Beyonce
• “We are the Champions” – Queen
• “Good Feeling” – Flo Rida
• “The Edge of Glory” – Lady Gaga
• “Dancing with Myself” – Billy Idol
• “I Wanna Be Sedated” – The Ramones
• “Start Me Up” – The Rolling Stones
• “I’m A Believer” – The Monkees
• “Dance to the Music” – Sly & the Family Stone
• “A Little Less Conversation” – Elvis Presley
• “Where the Streets Have No Name” – U2
• “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” – Jet
• “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” – The Temptations
• “Marathon” – Rush
• “Clocks” – Coldplay
• “Push It” – SaltNPepa
• “Stronger” – Kanye West
• “No One Knows” – Queens of the Stone Age
• “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” – Beastie Boys
• “Take Me Out” – Franz Ferdinand
• “We Didn’t Start the Fire” – Billy Joel
• “Gimme Three Steps” – Lynyrd Skynrd
• “Sandstorm” – Darude
• “Bye Bye Bye” – NSync
• “Girlfriend” – Avril Lavigne
• “Under Pressure” – Queen & David Bowie
• “Iron Man” – Ozzy Ozborne
• “Danger Zone” – Kenny Logins

Want to add to the list? Leave a comment! In the future, we’ll put together themed playlists that include songs from our playlists and yours! Let us know what you listen to when you run. 

Preparations for any athletic event require attention to detail and an understanding of training effects. Triathlons are among the most rigorous of all events, and there are several triathlon training tips to keep in mind for top performance:

• Performance gains should be predictable and slow. Pushing yourself to run, cycle or swim more than about 10 percent longer or farther each week will have negative consequences.
• Athletes in training must listen to and respect their bodies. If you feel run-down one day or more fatigued than usual, it is a message from the body to slow down and allow recuperation.
• The right apparel makes a huge difference in performance. Heart rate monitors with GPS capability allow you to track progress and even get a strong feel for the triathlon route before the event.
•  Going a little further than the event course requires will help you build confidence. Psychological preparation for long-distance events is just as important as physical preparation.
•  The last two weeks before an event are best spent on maintenance and optimizing energy storage through diet. Further performance gains are not possible with this short time period.
• Seek out more triathlon training tips from experienced trainers and professional athletes.

These are just a few tips for training for a triathlon. Share your best tips with us in the comments!

What have you done to train for a triathlon?

Whenever you spot runners or cyclists, many of them are sporting tight, form fitting garments. This type of apparel is called compression clothing, and it is worn by the finest athletes everywhere. While they may look basic, compression clothing is highly recommended within the fitness industry and offers several benefits to athletes.

Compression garments consist of tights, shorts, arm sleeves, calf guards or leg sleeves. Made from a spandex or power-weight flex material, compression garments can serve multiple purposes and are preferred by most avid athletes. They are geared to offer superb power, flexibility, and a 360 degree stretch. Even though cycling, field hockey, and running are different types of sports, these athletes share the same benefits from wearing compression clothing.

The main benefits of compression clothing are that they reduce the risk of sports injuries. They keep the muscles warm to prevent strain and fatigue, and they also keep sweat off your body to prevent chafing and rashes. Research has shown that compression garments help athletes recover faster, too. They can help reduce muscle soreness, minimize the duration for muscles trying to repair themselves, and reduce swelling.

Compression garments have also been shown to increase athletic performance, enabling athletes to increase the duration or intensity of their workouts. The elasticity of the garments enables easier movement of the body, resulting in easier hip movement to obtain more strides.

Whatever fitness activities, sports, or fitness training you are involved in, compression clothing can help you to perform at your peak. Heart Rate Monitors USA offers a variety of compression garments to suit your own needs. Be sure to choose a size that will firmly fit your body without cutting in to the body. Once you begin wearing compression clothes, you should start feeling the difference immediately!

Nothing shouts “fun” better than jumping over fire, swinging through tires, or crawling underneath barbed wire in a pit of sloppy mud! More people have been skipping the general 5K runs to sign up for more obstacle challenging courses, including the Warrior Dash, Spartan Run and Tough Mudder. As fun as these runs are, it is still important to properly train for the event to gain more strength and endurance. The following training tips can help you conquer your dash:

(1)    Strength & Endurance Training

• Cardio: Take 30 minutes, 3 to 4 times per week, to go for a jog. It’s important to aim for endurance, rather than speed, on the day of the race.
• Upper-Body Strength Training: Many participants experience upper body fatigue when climbing over walls. Push Ups, Pull Ups, and Hanging Knee Raises can strengthen your arms and core, so you can lift your body weight up the wall with ease.
• Hip Abductor Training: There will be several times when your foot gets stuck in a thick pile of mud, and the motion used to run out of muddy parts actually works your hips. Hip Abductor machines and Spider Lunges can therefore be added to your workout plan.
• Circuit Training: Combining the above 3 Training Exercises can help you get the most out of your workout. An example of circuit training is as follows:
  • 1 minute Cardio (Sprinting)
  • 30 seconds Upper-Body training (Push Ups)
  • 1 minute Cardio (Sprint)
  • 30 seconds Hip Training (Spider Lunges)
  • Repeat 3 or 4 more times.

(2)    Tips For Race Day

• Stretch before and after the race.
• Wear comfortable, old shoes. Minimalist or lightweight running shoes are always great.
• Pace yourself.
• Drink water and eat energy bars. Electrolyte Drinks give you the nutrients needed to perform at your highest level, as well as keep you hydrated.

Following these Training Tips will help you physically and mentally throughout the course, so have fun and don’t be afraid to get dirty!

Running is a smart and powerful exercise choice, one that can change your life in so many ways. Not only does it improve your physical fitness, but it also lifts your mood and promotes your overall health. Running requires very little effort or equipment to get started, but it sets you on the right track to a better, brighter future.

If you are new to running, you may wonder what to wear. Fortunately, you do not need expensive running clothes or fancy workout gear. Your shoes are your most important running gear. Wearing old shoes, or shoes that are not right for your foot or running style, can lead to injuries. Forget about your old tennis shoes. Look for new, well-cushioned shoes that are specifically designed for running.

While the best shoes are usually found at a running specialty store, you can find a good pair at most shoe or sporting goods stores. Forget about the most expensive shoes in the store, but invest in the best pair you can afford. This will prevent injuries and pay off in comfort.

Fancy running clothing is not necessary either. Choose comfortable workout wear that allows you to move freely, but do not overdress. After a warm-up, your extra body heat can make you feel up to 20 degrees warmer. A cotton t-shirt and shorts are usually adequate clothes for new runners. Depending on your location, winter months and cooler temperatures may require dressing in layers.

Next to comfortable running shoes, a good sports bra is a must for women runners. Your bra should be supportive: not too tight and not stretched-out. Replace your sports bra when it loses elasticity or if you experience a significant weight change.

As you get more serious about your running, you can invest in more technical workout clothes. Synthetic fabrics, unlike cotton, wick away sweat and keep you cooler during your runs. Synthetic blend running socks will prevent blisters on your feet.

With the right sportswear, you are ready to run. Despite your best intentions, you may stumble in the beginning. This usually stems from a lack of preparation. It takes time to break into running, but almost anyone can do it. The secret is starting slowing and building up gradually, as your fitness level improves.

Start your new running program by walking. Gradually add small running segments into your walks. These run-walks may continue over several weeks. Run at an easy, conversational pace for maybe three days a week, resting on the in-between days. Over time, strive to run four or five days a week.

To prevent injuries, always stretch before and after workouts. Eat healthy and stay hydrated to boost your performance. Motivation is hard to maintain, even for seasoned runners; finding a running club or friends to run with can kick-start your running habit. Be sure to check out running magazines and online running forums for inspiration and encouragement (hint, hint: like this blog!)

About the Guest Author: Vanessa is a health and fitness buff who writes about women’s fitness and lifestyle topics.

We all know the exercise has a lot of benefits for our bodies. Besides helping to control weight and build a great physique, exercise also plays a big part in our overall level of cardiovascular health. This month, we’re sharing tips and tools to help you take better care of your heart. When it comes to exercise, we know that aerobic activities like running, cycling, and swimming can make a huge difference in keeping heart healthy. Here’s a closer look at what we mean:

• 7 Heart Healthy Habits (from Active.com)
• Understanding Heart Rates and Exercise (from Active.com)
• How does Exercise Affect Your Heart? (from Active.com)

Running can be a great outdoor activity to practice during American Heart Month – as long as you do so safely. Running in cold weather can be a bit tricky, but with some help from Heart Rate Monitors USA, we know it’ll be a breeze. Here’s what you can do to ensure that your run is safe and effective. Who knows? Maybe one run and you’ll be hooked as an athlete for life!

Winter Running Safety Tips

• Be sure to stay hydrated. Dehydration can happen easily in any weather and in any environment. If you’re going out for a long run, be sure to pack along a hydration backpack or a CamelBak water bottle. You’ll want to make sure that you drink before, during, and after your run. Remember – cold air can have a drying effect, which can mean faster dehydration.
• Dress in moisture wicking layers. Moisture wicking fabric can be critically important to helping you maintain a good body temperature. Too much moisture or non-breathable fabrics can mean overheating or chilling, which can A good rule to follow is to start with a base layer of a thin, synthetic fabric that wicks away moiture, like nylon or Gore-Tex. Fabrics like these are breathable but still protect you from the wind and cold. Avoid cotton, as it holds moisture. Then, add a layer of polar fleece or other clothing for insulation.
• Protect hands and feet by wearing gloves or mittens, as well as polar fleece or wool socks with a moisture-wicking liner. Disposable heat packets in your mittens can also help you keep toasty.
  Pay attention to temperature, wind chill, and weather conditions. If it’s too uncomfortable or looks to be unsafe, then don’t go out. This is your best line of defense when it comes to reducing the risk of injury while running during the winter.
• Cover your head and stay warm by wearing a hat.  In really cold weather, you’ll also want to wear a face mask or a scarf over your mouth to protect your face.
• Make time for a warm up and lots of stretching. Running without doing a warm up or stretching can mean a much, much higher risk of injury. Take a few minutes to do a light jog to get warmed up and then spend some time stretching all of your major muscle groups before you begin your run.
• Monitor your body and pay attention to its signals. If you feel uncomfortable, stop running. Also, take extra time to watch for frostbite in your extremities.
• Protect yourself from the sun’s rays (all year round!) by wearing sunscreen, SPF lip balm, and of course, a good pair of running sunglasses. At Heart Rate Monitors USA, we recommend a pair of Serengeti Sunglasses or Bolle Sunglasses to protect your eyes while running.