Benefits of Training with Heart Rate Control

Would you like to get the most out of your workouts?  If so, you need to engage in exercise that is vigorous enough to raise your heart rate for a minimum of 20 minutes per session.  But, how can you be certain that your heart rate has reached the desired level?  How can you be certain that you maintain the proper intensity level throughout your workout?  Perhaps it’s time to consider the benefits of training with heart rate control!

How Does Heart Rate Control Work?

Heart rate control features can be found on a number of treadmill and elliptical trainer models.  Unlike heart rate monitors, which merely read your heart rate when you make contact with sensors that are built into the fitness equipment, the heart rate control feature actually controls the intensity of your workouts.

Based upon monitored heart rate readings, a heart rate control automatically adjusts the level of intensity during exercise to ensure that you are always working at the desired intensity level.

Heart rate control may be of the handgrip variety or wireless heart rate control.  Handgrip heart rate control requires that you constantly hold onto handlebars with built-in sensors.  This can be rather awkward when walking, jogging, or pedaling.  Wireless heart rate control, on the other hand, allows you the freedom to exercise without having to hold onto the handlebars.  With wireless heart rate control, you simply attach a strap around your chest that will monitor your heart rate and feed the readings to the console.  In turn, the computer in the console will automatically adjust the exertion level of your workout accordingly to keep you working within a predetermined heart rate level. Read More

Skillet Gnocchi with Chard & White Beans
6 servings, Total Time: 30 minutes

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 16-ounce package shelf-stable gnocchi
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup water
6 cups chopped chard leaves, (about 1 small bunch) or spinach
1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes with Italian seasonings
1 15-ounce can white beans, rinsed
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese

Preparation
1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add gnocchi and cook, stirring often, until plumped and starting to brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
2. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon oil and onion to the pan and cook, stirring, over medium heat, for 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and water. Cover and cook until the onion is soft, 4 to 6 minutes. Add chard (or spinach) and cook, stirring, until starting to wilt, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, beans and pepper and bring to a simmer. Stir in the gnocchi and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover and cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling, about 3 minutes.

Nutrition
Per serving: 325 calories; 7 g fat (2 g sat, 3 g mono); 8 mg cholesterol; 55 g carbohydrates; 14 g protein; 6 g fiber; 616 mg sodium; 360 mg potassium.