Heart Rate Monitors
At varying intensities of exercise, the body uses different systems; aerobic, anaerobic or working your lactate threshold. This means that effective training (whether on or off the bike) must be tailored to match all of these different systems. A good marker that exercise physiologists use is heart rate. In the different zones they can work out which system is being used which, in turn means that different training sessions can be set up. These zones differ for individuals depending on age and fitness. Physiological testing is a good way to find out the exact data, but if you do not have access to a coach or physiologist a rough estimate can be worked out through basic fitness tests that can normally be found included with the heart rate monitor.
Sensors & Added Features
At AW Cycles we stock a range of heart rate monitors from the very basic that simply show you your heart rate, through to those that work out the average heart rate, have the ability to set training zones as well as plenty mo useful information. At the top end of the range, monitors come with a bewildering amount of features. There are several cycling specific monitors available with separate sensors that show speed, cadence, ascent and decent. This can then be downloaded either through a sonic link or through infra red onto a PC to be used with the specific software supplied with the monitor. The information is then plotted on a graph or in a table.
Monitoring Electronic Data
You can monitor your training and adjust it accordingly. Some systems even allow you to send the data by email so that a coach can analyse the training you are doing. If you need any further information or advice on the correct choice of heart rate monitor for your needs get in contact with one of our experts where we will be able to advise you.
Respiratory Exercisers
Respiratory exercisers from Power Breath are designed to improve the health, strength and capacity of your lungs. The respirator provides resistance to the air flow in and out of the mouth piece, thus making the athlete work harder to set programmes that come included. Over time these exercises will improve the strength of the muscles around the lungs and hopefully the amount of air that can pass in out to improve physiological performance.
Improving General Fitness & Lung Capacity
The exercisers come in 3 different types; the first is designed for those with breathing problems such as asthma with allow a low level of resistance. The second is designed for general fitness and so has a medium resistance. The third and final type is designed for fit sports people who require a high resistance level which will increase the effectiveness of their lungs. As with all types of exercise we would always recommend reading and following the instructions. No matter what your fitness, start off slowly and build on the amount of sessions that you undertake.