With a heart rate monitor (also called a pulse monitor, pulsometer, or pulse watch) you have a simple way to ensure that your workout stays within the intensity range that is ideal for you. This ensures not only that you reach your personal fitness goals efficiently, but also that you maintain a generally improved physical condition. Getting and staying fit depends most of all on training at your optimum performance level, which means that you neither overextend nor go too easy on yourself. The intensity of your workout is best measured by your heart rate. A heart rate monitor consists of a wristband receiver and chest-band transmitter. As an alternative there are also pulse monitors with no chest band. With these you measure your pulse by holding your fingers against the wristband receiver.
Basic monitors register your current heart rate, whereas more advanced models indicate the time of day and your training time as well, and have an alarm to ensure that you neither exceed nor fall below your chosen pulse limits. This way, the intensity of your workout stays within the range that is best for you. Saving periodically your pulse readings helps you to evaluate your workout.