So apparently, to get the most out of my exercise time, I am supposed to exercise within my target heart rate zone. I was kind of concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other, but I guess I can work my way up to a target zone. LOL! My treadmill has a heart rate monitor--you have to place your thumbs over the sensors while you walk--but its not very easy to use. My friend Sherri told me about the Polar FS1 Heart Rate Monitor, which costs $59, and I've decided to try it out.
The FS1 is very simple--a chest strap and a corresponding wrist monitor so you can easily view your heart rate. The wrist unit has 1 button and provides two basic functions: displays your heart rate and also functions as a simple digital watch. Once I read the manual and got the chest strap adjusted, it was very easy to use. But I do recommend reading the manual, as it isn't easy to figure out the wrist unit with it's one button functionality.
So...between my 10,000 steps/day goal, and eventually exercising within a target heart rate zone, perhaps I'll work my way to excellent health! My overall goal is to lose 50 pounds by next January...
