I was wondering if someone could briefly describe the level of importance a HRM plays in your training.

I'm not looking to compete so much as lose this rather thick winter coat, and was wondering if keeping an eye on my HR during long rides and training would help...

Your thoughts?

Thanks.

When losing weight, it never played any factor for me. Ride longer, eat less and healthier. I've always just done the basic calorie math.

When training, I use it to help define workouts and plan interval routine and provide a "limiter" for recovery days. My tendency (and from what I've read, many other's) is to work too hard on recovery rides. I use my HRM to define my "cap" for a given ride to make sure the recovery ride is just that.

I don't train to race, but I obviously like to see improvement. I look for rides in my journal under similar weather, similar training goal for that day, on same routes where my average speed is higher with an equal or lower average heart rate to help me see if I'm improving. It's not perfect, but it's a fun number for me to watch. Ultimately, I'm in it for the kilometerage.

Start with the sticky at the top of this forum called Anaerobic fitness test.

Az

can anyone recommend some entry-level hrms? or at least things to look for?

Any of the Polar brand HRMs should provide good reliable service. Make sure it uses a coded transmitter to reduce interference from other sources.

use 220- your age as a base Max heart rate. Then, Train at or around 80% of that for building endurance and loosing weight.

Also, Look here.,....

https://www.brianmac.demon.co.uk/hrm1.htm