5 replies to this topic

[Greenman]

Heart rate monitors constrict the chest, therefore not allowing full expansion of the lungs.  As a result, they slow a runner down.  Ever seen elite runners wearing them in major races?  

Discuss.  

[gazman56]

Elite runners probably don't need them as much as us older amateurs.
Personaly I don't find them restrictive for breathing. Expansion should be coming from well below the strap zone anyway.

[Bellthorpe]

Greenman, on 01 November 2011 - 08:16 PM, said:

Heart rate monitors constrict the chest, therefore not allowing full expansion of the lungs.  As a result, they slow a runner down.  Ever seen elite runners wearing them in major races?  

Discuss.  

They don't.

Discuss.

[Kibbs]

I found when I first wore my heart rate strap a bit uncomfortable but I quickly got use to it within three sessions. Once you're use to it you hardly notice it's there. Whether or not I'll wear it during races... unsure.

[SpecBGT]

Although I haven't done it, the HRM can be used in training to ensure the wearer keeps his/her HR in a particular zone. While this may keep them slower going up hills, on the flat and down hills it has the opposite effect. Not normally around the elites when they finish major races so couldn't say whether they wear them or not.

[silvermachine]

I train with a HRM and have never really noticed the constriction of the chest slowing me down. I deliberately wear mine to slow me down (keep me in the aerobic zone) as I have a tendency to over train. I love to keep getting faster but for me that means less progress and more injury. I currently race with a HRM because my races are really just training runs at present. I imagine (I hope it becomes a reality) that when I am conditioned enough to "race" I will not be wearing the HRM.