Heart Monitor Training for the Compleat Idiot

The primary emphasis of this book is on how to use a heart rate monitor for sports performance improvements. The text is focused on runners, but the principles described apply to cycling, swimming, or cross-country skiing, in short in can be applied to any sport endurance training. Nevertheless the same principles can be used for general fitness improvement. When I bought this book, about six years ago, I was looking for an introductory reference on the use of heart rate monitors for general fitness improvements, and wasn't disappointed at all, since what I learned really worked out for me: Armed with a Polar Heart Rate Monitor (the old M61) I was able to drop more than 200 lbs in about eight months, and the heart rate monitor training has helped me keep those lbs off for over six years. Not only I went fro size 44 to size 32 pants, but also obtained substantial benefits that included weight control, cardiovascular improvements, lowered blood pressure, and improved muscular-skeletal strength and flexibility, but also the myriad of mental and psychological benefits derived from being in the best shape of my life. The book teaches you how to calculate the most important parameters for heart rate monitor training: Maximum Heart Rate, Resting Heart Rate, the Recovery Ceiling, and the Threshold Flour. When I first started training with the heart rate monitor I was unable to jog even for five uninterrupted minutes without gasping for air. After a few months of following one of the training principles lay out in the book (The Hard/Easy Principle): alternating hard training days with easy training days, I was able to go jogging for 90 uninterrupted minutes six days a week. The book is written in a clear and conversational way, that makes it a must have for anyone and everyone looking for introductory information on the use of heart rate monitors training for sport performance, health improvement or weight control.

During the years that I've been training and competing in races from the mile to the marathon, I've read everything I could get my hands on about running. This Book Is The BEST!. It is the only book I have ever recommended to anyone on the subject. Here's why.. (1) The author is extremely readable. He informs without being condescending or a becoming a statistical drone. (2) The program works for you and with you. No more guessing whether you're training to hard or not hard enough. As you're fitness improves (and it will), so does your pace -- with NO ADDITIONAL effort. (3) Running has becomes a pleasure again. The core of the program are runs done at 70% of your max heart rate. These runs build endurance at a pace that leaves you looking forward to the next run. (4) The book gives training plans for those who don't want to plan a program, but, also explains the "philosophy" clearly enough so that one could confidently adapt your training to meet your individual needs. Now, you may notice that I haven't mentioned faster race times. I believe the author has the best comment on that -- IF YOU DON'T RUN A PERSONAL RECORD AFTER FOLLOWING HIS PROGRAM. HE PROMISES TO REFUND YOUR MONEY. I could go on but the proof is in the pages. If you want to improve your health and your running THIS IS THE BOOK.

Before you strap on a heart monitor, you should definitely read this book. It will improve your PRs (it did mine). If your running has become a chore, the tips in this book will put the fun back into your training. I definitely recommend this book!

With the introduction of Heart Rate Monitors for endurance sports, a number of training guides have been written regarding their use. Most of the ones that I've previously read have been given to people who suffer from sleep disorders as reading material. "Heart Monitor Training for the Compleat Idiot" by John L. Parker is totally different. This guide is hilarious and may end up being the most useful book on training that I've ever purchased. The schedules that Parker outlines range from novice athlete to those intended for the serious competitor. I would highly recommend this book for those who want to use a HRM to improve their performances and have some fun at the same time. Parker is the author of the legendary "Once a Runner" a classic in the running world.

This is the best book I have found for heart rate monitor training with running. He explains why and how HRM training works. He gives good max heart rate tests. He also suggest training programs and gives several case studies. I also bought Ed Burke's book "Precision Heart Rate Training". It was more suited for a variety of sports and did not go into the depth that Parker's book does. Sally Edwards' "Heart Zone Training" is too basic for the serious recreational athlete. This is THE book to get if you have or are thinking about getting a HRM to use with running!