For competitive athletes one of the biggest problems is over training. If the athlete is knowledgeable about how the heart responds to training the intensity can be adjusted appropriately. Heart rate trained athletes know that if the resting heart rate is elevated something is wrong. Additional warning signals include rapid increases in heart rate and slower recovery to normal levels. These may be signals that the body has not recovered from a previous workout, or an indication of other more serious problems.
Heart rate can be a reliable indicator as to the overall health and fitness of the body.
Regular use of a heart rate monitor makes it possible for anyone to better understand their body in order to pace themselves for a safer more effective exercise program. The heart is the most important muscle in every body, not just the body of athletes. When the heart becomes more physically fit endurance is improved. Exercising with a heart rate monitor helps anyone exercise at the safest and most beneficial level based on age and fitness level. Exercise benefits previously mentioned such as weight loss, lower blood pressure, reduction of stress and depression can all be realized sooner and with less strain when a heart rate monitor helps manage the intensity of the exercise.