Heart rate monitors are used to sense and display your heart rate during different physical activities. Most people who use this are cyclists, walkers, and runners. They use it to adjust the intensity of their exercise. It is either they will slow down or speed up to achieve their preferred heart rate zone.

Two people going at the same intensity can have different heart rates. If you do your chosen physical activity often, it is possible that you perform at a higher intensity but you stay at the same heart rate.

What are the different types of heart rate monitors?

In this article, you will be introduced to three types of heart rate monitors.

1. Pulse Monitors

This kind of monitor works by placing your fingers – either one or two – to the sensor buttons to detect your pulse. However, a pulse monitor cannot provide you with constant reading. In fact, they are more difficult to use compared to other heart rate monitors. If you always have cold fingers, it can display wild readings or no readings at all.

1. Continuous Heart Rate Monitors Without a Strap

Continuous heart rate monitors are worn as an armband or a wristwatch. It reads your pulse through your skin with the optical sensors located at the back of the device. With this monitor, you can receive real-time heart rate readings.

However, just like pulse monitors, this device also has its limitations. If you use a monitor with infrared, your muscles might interfere with the readings. While if you use a device that uses green light as the Apple Watch, you might get zero readings if you have dark skin or tattoos.

If you prefer this monitor, you should look for one that uses yellow light to avoid the problems stated above.

1. Chest Strap Heart Rate Monitors

This device is the most accurate heart rate monitor in the market. It comes with a chest strap that can be placed around your chest, just below your breast. It has a transmitter that reads your heart rate like an ECG does.

The results are then displayed via Bluetooth on a wristwatch or through a mobile phone application.

Make sure that the strap is in close contact with your chest skin at all times to avoid wild readings.

What are the features that you should look for?

If you are going to purchase a basic model, you will also get the basic features which are: elapsed exercise time and heart rate. However, it is better if your heart rate monitor has the following features:

• Pre-programmed workouts
• Computer/app link
• Fitness test
• Time in zone splits
• Calories burned
• Timers: alarm, clock, interval timers, stopwatch, countdown timer
• Heart rate zone alarm

What other things should you consider in purchasing a heart rate monitor?

Aside from the different features, you should also consider its display, ease of use, and of course, the price. Make sure that the monitor is worth the money you are paying.

If you want to learn more about heart rate monitors, you can go to My Heart Rate Monitor.

Wooden chopping boards are the closest thing to perfection, starting from its durability, long lifespan, and aesthetic quality. The admirable features of this kitchen implement are the reasons why many love it.

If you are planning to buy a wooden cutting board, you’re in for a long ride. For one, this kitchen tool comes in a wide variety. Each one has unique features that are ideal for specific situations and purposes. And one of the things you need to know before buying a cutting board is the various type of cutting board wood grain.

There are three types of wood grain, namely, end-grain, edge-grain, and face-grain.

Face-grain is the most affordable among the three options. Sadly, it is vulnerable to warping and splitting over time.

On the other hand, edge-grain is more durable compared to a face grain. It is thicker and has a minimal chance of warping and splitting.

Between these three wood-grains, the best option is end-grain. This type of wood-grain is thicker and constructed from strips of wood. The exposed surface of the board is the wood’s end grain part that is more fibrous. A Knife can glide easily through the surface, keeping the edges sharp despite daily use. Moreover, it can heal itself from knife cuts. With this feature, an end-grain cutting board is less prone to bacterial contamination.

How to Find the Best End-Grain Cutting Board

Know that there is a wide variety of end-grain boards in the market. To guide you, here are some useful tips for choosing the best end grain cutting board.

No.1: Thicker Surfaces

Some buyers tend to go for thinner end-grain, thinking it has the same quality as long as it is an end-grain wood. Well, that is a big mistake for sure.

When buying an end-grain cutting board, go for thicker surfaces. It is more durable and has a longer lifespan compared to thinner boards. Likewise, it can withstand the impact of tough cutting.

No.2: Choose Hardwood

Regardless of whether you choose an end-grain or an edge-grain, it is crucial to pick the right type of wood. Always go for hardwood such as oak, maple, teak, and walnut. Such types of wood are stronger and tougher. Moreover, they have a longer lifespan.

Meanwhile, softwood is weaker and has a tendency to split and warp. Thus, this type of wood won’t make a great cutting board. Examples of softwood are pine, spruce, juniper, redwood, and yew.

No.3: Pick a Reliable Brand

A good rule of thumb when buying a cutting board is selecting a reliable brand with a great reputation. It is why reading product reviews is a must.

Reading product reviews will provide you in-depth details about the product. Moreover, you get the chance to find better alternatives. One of the trustworthy sources of cutting board reviews is the Kitchen Hacker Shop.

Conclusion

An end-grain cutting board is the best type of wooden cutting board out there. However, there are a few things you have to consider before deciding to buy one. The good thing is there are reliable online sources that can assist you.

If you have questions, the Kitchen Hacker Shop is your best guide.

If you love camping, then you should have all the necessary things to enjoy your camping whether with your friends or family. One of the most essential things that you should pack is a camping tent.

You may think that it is easy to buy a tent because there is a lot available online and in different local stores. But did you know that there are certain factors that you should consider in choosing one? If you ignore these factors, you might end up buying the wrong tent that would not fit your needs and the environment of the camping site.

Here are the different factors that you should keep in mind before deciding what kind of camping tent to buy:

1. Sleeping Capacity

If you are choosing your camping tent, the first thing that you should consider is the number of people that are going to use a tent. Aside from that, you must also take note of whether you will bring pets or will need extra space for gears. Who knows, maybe a friend will decide to join you impromptu so it is best to be ready for such situations.

It is recommended that you add your expected tent capacity by 1 person. This decision is essential especially if:

• You or your companions are bringing a pet or a child
• You or your companions cannot sleep well if you do not have enough elbow room
• You or your companions toss and turn at night
• You or your companions are claustrophobic
• You or your companions have a large body built

1. Seasonality

There is three tent seasonality that you can choose from which are 4-season tents, 3-4 season tents, and 3 season tents.

The first tent seasonality is the 4 season tent which is designed to withstand substantial snow loads and fierce winds. As the name suggests, this type of tent can be used in all seasons. The feature that makes it different from other tent types is it sturdy enough to stand in any kind of weather, especially above the treeline and during the winter season.

It uses heavier fabrics and more poles compared to other types of tent. The dome-shaped design prevents snow from accumulating. It has lesser rainfly and mesh panels that are extended to the ground. As a result, the people inside the tent will feel warm.

The second one is the 3-4 season tent which is designed for prolonged use especially during the summer season. The good thing about this tent is you can still use it during late fall and early spring. The main goals of this type of tent is to offer its inhabitants a warmth-retention, durability, and balanced ventilation.

The last type is the 3 season tent which is the most popular choice of campers. The 3 season tent is lightweight and can be used during fall, summer, and spring. Unlike 4 seasons, 3 season has adequate numbers of mesh panels that allow airflow inside the tent. Although the mesh panels can keep insects out such as mosquitoes, it can still allow sand to enter.

Choosing a tent can be difficult. Fortunately, the difficulty level can be reduced if you check our review of CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent.

Are your shoes too big for you? Are you feeling uncomfortable and in pain after wearing your shoes for the entire day? If you experiencing these unfortunate situations, maybe it is time to use shoe insoles.

Some people take shoe insoles for granted because they think that their shoes alone are enough to protect them and get them comfortable. If you continue using your shoes without insoles, you will eventually suffer from various foot disorders.

Why should you use shoe insoles?

The most common reason that people use insoles is to make the shoe feel a bit smaller or to improve the fit of the shoe to their feet. However, there are other beneficial reasons that most people don’t know. Here are some of those reasons:

1. It extends the lifespan of the shoe

Insoles come in different types in the market. Most of them are made from the finest materials to ensure durability and longevity. The insoles can reduce the impact on your shoe as you perform different activities daily, thus increasing the lifespan of your shoe.

Moreover, the insoles keep your feet in the perfect shape while inside the shoe. As a result, the shoe can maintain its shape and would have an extended lifespan.

1. It adds comfort

As mentioned earlier, shoe insoles are made from the finest or high-quality materials. With that said, insoles can offer additional comfort, cushioning, and support. It minimizes the shock that your feet feel as you do different activities which makes you comfortable.

1. It corrects foot disorders

Insoles can correct certain foot disorders like the following:

• Neuroma
• Bunions
• Achilles heel pain
• Metatarsalgia
• Corns
• Knee pain
• Toe pain
• Plantar fasciitis

Take note that you should consult your doctor first before using insoles to treat the disorders mentioned above. There are different types of insoles and your doctor can help you choose the type of insoles that is perfect for you.

1. It makes your feet more flexible

The tissue in the heels of your feet is very thin which means that inflammation can happen when you run, walk, or stand for a long time. The inflammation would be due to the pressure and shock that your feet receive while doing those activities.

Through using insoles, your feet will feel more comfortable and you would not be afraid to do extra activities or movements with your feet.

1. It prevents foot disorders

Aside from treating foot disorders, shoe insoles are also effective in preventing foot disorders. The comfort level that shoe insoles have to offer can avoid shock and pressure cause damage to your tissues and muscles.

1. It improves posture

There is a specific type of shoe insoles that improves posture. It is called orthotic insoles. It can be custom-made to help you improve posture while running, walking, or simply standing up. Orthotic insoles can give you the necessary support for your posture.

1. It adds warmth

Shoe insoles can help your feet feel warmer especially during the cold season. Since your shoe will have an additional layer, your feet will feel insulated.

If you are looking for the best shoe insoles in the market, you can read this protalus insoles review to narrow down your choices.

Hiking is fun; but for a first-time hiker, choosing the right gear is confusing, especially when there are myriads of options available in the market today.

One of the essential gears to wear when hiking is a reliable, durable, and comfortable pair of hiking boots; however, like any other important hiking gear and equipment, looking the best pair of hiking boots is not easy. Fortunately, there is a trick that you can use to find a good pair of hiking boots, which is looking for a pair that is built with Gore-Tex lining.

What is the Gore-Tex Lining?

Gore-Tex lining or GTX lining is one of the critically popular materials for the inner portion of the boots. It is known for its purpose, which includes keeping the feet dry and ensuring comfortability, even after long hours of trekking on different terrain and under different weather. To know more about GTX, the following are the top reasons to choose Gore-Tex lining-made hiking boots:

Reason #1: It is waterproof

The Gore-Tex lining is made from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), which is considered as water-resistant. Even though the material is thermo-mechanically expanded with 9 billion pores for every square inch, the boots are guaranteed water-resistant; this is also because, each pore is at 1/20,000 size of a water droplet, which is impossible for the water to pass through and into the interior of the footwear.

For this reason, professional hikers prefer a pair of hiking boots with guaranteed Gore-Tex lining than known brands without any. Moreover, the boots are ideal for all-terrain (rocky, snowy, muddy, and wet terrain) and under all types of weather, especially during the rainy and winter season.

Reason #2: It is breathable but warm

The Gore-Tex lining is manufactured with 9 billion pores for every square inch; this allows the air to flow inside the boots, which keeps the interior dry, fresh, and comfortable, even after long hours of trekking.

Also, the Gore-Tex lining provides warmth, especially when hiking during the winter season. As mentioned, the Gore-Tex lining is thermo-mechanically engineered material, which keeps the inner part of the boots warm, dry, comfortable, and water-resistant.

Reason #3: It is durable

If you buy hiking boots with a Gore-Tex lining, you know that it will last longer than those expensive brands without GTX lining. Most of the hiking boots with Gore-Tex lining are also equipped with GV or with Vibram outsole. If GTX was made to keep the water from penetrating the boots, the Vibram, on the other hand, was designed to absorb the pressure and shock from trekking at difficult terrains (rocky, muddy, and more).

In other words, if you purchase GTX-based boots, you’ll get more than what you were expecting.

Final Thoughts

Hiking shoes are a critical part of hiking gear; if you want to keep your feet warm, dry, and comfortable throughout the long hours of hiking at difficult terrain, you should consider purchasing hiking boots with GTX lining.

If you need additional details on this, you may visit Hikers Shop’s website.