There a variety of different men's and women's heart rate monitors flooding the fitness market. These gadgets can help you increase your efficiency when working out and maximize the benefits of physical fitness. The heart rate monitor is an excellent tool for women's fitness, and there are some fundamental differences between men's and women's heart rate monitors. To understand the differences in men's and women's heart rate monitors, it is important to first understand the physical differences between men's and women's hearts.

There are physical differences in the heart that might lead you to believe that there is a need for a different type of monitor for men and women. In general, a man's heart is as much as 25% larger than a woman's heart. This means that a man's heart has the capacity to pump blood easier than a woman's. The larger the heart, the greater the volume of blood that can be pumped to the rest of the body. As a result of the increased volume, a man's body has a larger capacity for speed and strength. It is the fundamental reason that men can run faster than women. In addition to the differences in size, a woman's heart can beat as many as six beats per minute faster than a man's.

Now, these physical differences have little to do with the actual function of the heart rate monitor. When stripped down to its bare minimal functions, the heart rate monitor keeps track of your pulse. Whether it is tracking a man's heart or a woman's heart, the heart rate monitor performs essentially the same exact task. So, why are there men's and women's heart rate monitors? The answer lies in the elements of style and design.

Many of the differences in men's and women's heart rate monitors are in the areas of style and design. Women's heart rate monitors tend to be more compact in size, lighter in weight and better tailored to fit on a smaller wrist. Another factor that contributes to the level of comfort for a woman is how the transmitter part of the unit fits in conjunction with the bra. The transmitter on a women's heart rate monitors are constructed a little differently to make them more comfortable when worn with a bra. The heart rate-bra debate has also been solved with the advent of strapless heart rate monitor models. Aside from the differences in construct of the heart rate monitor, the colors available on the market for a women's heart rate monitor are more conducive to women's fitness. They come in a variety of bright, sassy tones and subdued pastels as well.

The bottom line is that a heart rate monitor performs the same function for men and women. The differences in men's and women's heart rate monitors are essentially physical and stylistic. You'll want to choose a heart rate monitor that feels most comfortable to you, and selecting one designed for a woman's body might enhance your experience.