As we talked about earlier this week and in posts over the past several months, using a heart rate monitor in conjunction with your workouts can be extremely beneficial to your overall fitness training program. They are an excellent tool to keep you on target for reaching your goals and to monitor your cardio-progress. Now, as a matter of preference, let’s take a look at heart rate monitors without chest belts and those that use chest straps.

There are many types of heart rate monitors currently on the market. Each offers different features from the next. Because there are so many options, it is crucial that you thoroughly research your choices before making a purchasing decision. From varying brand names to aesthetic features, the possibilities are numerous. Choosing heart rate monitors without chest belts is just one of the many options you will need to look at.

Whether you choose a monitor with a chest strap or not is largely a matter of comfort. Monitors with chest straps are more common and likely more affordable. However, they have a tendency to feel awkward. Heart rate monitors without chest belts offer a bit more freedom of movement.

Does this mean chest strap heart rate monitors are in some way second best? Not at all. As stated, it mostly just a matter of preference. You can get the same read out time after time on a wrist monitor as you can with one that includes a chest strap. If you value freedom of movement over cost, however, heart rate monitors without chest belts may be worth the investment.

Take a look at the Reebok Heart Rate Monitors we sell here, for instance. Both are superior quality fitness tools, with one minor difference: the chest strap. Consider what is most important to you when making your purchase, as one of these monitors likely fits all of your needs.