The right heart rate monitor depends on the sports you do. Do you run marathons? In that case, we recommend a smartwatch with heart rate monitor. If you do a lot of strength exercise in the gym, a heart rate chest strap is better. In this article, we'll explain for each sport what type of heart rate monitor we recommend, a chest strap or a smartwatch with heart rate monitor.

Running and cycling: smartwatch with heart rate monitor

For a really accurate heart rate measurement, a chest strap is better. We still recommend a smartwatch with heart rate monitor to most runners and cyclists, or those who maintain a constant pace. The heart rate measurement of a smartwatch is slightly delayed, but it's barely noticeable as you maintain a constant pace. A smart watch has quite a few advantages. It doesn't just measure your heart rate, but also your distance traveled, average speed, and route. Some smartwatches also measure your ground contact time and your number of revolutions per minute.

Spinning, sprinting, and interval training: heart rate belt

For sports in which a high and low heart rate follow each other quickly, we recommend a heart rate chest strap because a wrist measurement is always delayed. This isn't noticeable if you maintain a constant pace, but when you spin, sprint, or train in intervals, it is. Want to know more than just your heart rate? For example, your average speed and general fitness level. In that case, consider buying a sports smartwatch in addition to a heart rate chest strap. To pair them, both need to support Bluetooth or ANT+.

Strength training and rowing: heart rate chest strap

If you row or lift weights, your muscles contract in an 'unnatural' way. As a result, a wrist measurement doesn't work well. Do you do a lot of strength exercise or are you an avid rower? In that case, always go for a heart rate chest strap if you want to know your heart rate.

Marathon:smartwatch with heart rate monitor

We always recommend a sports smartwatch with heart rate sensor to marathon runners, because a smartwatch measures more relevant information. Your average speed, for example. Based on this, you can check if your race is still going according to plan. Since a marathon lasts a long time, you want to prevent unnecessary inconvenience. The heart rate measurement of a smartwatch may be slightly delayed, but because you maintain a constant pace, that shouldn't be a problem.

Fitness:smartwatch with heart rate monitor

Are you at the gym often or do you like to do fitness exercises at home? In that case, a smartwatch with a heart rate monitor is the best option for you. The smartwatch gives you a good indication of your heart rate, but it's mostly interesting because of all the extras. It will show you in what heart rate zone you're working out, for example. This way, you can be sure you're doing the right exercise for burning fat or improving your fitness level. In addition, some smartwatches measure your fitness age and they offer lots of fitness exercises you can do at home.