I've owned several heart rate monitors over the years. Especially for middle aged and older athletes, an HRM can inform you with great precision whether you are in your aerobic "zone" or how much under or over it you are. I have abandoned all my fancy bike computers and rely on my excellent Timex watch with HR display to get a good workout without having to track an array of stats.

My original Timex strap, even with new battery, became unable to communicate with the watch for longer and longer periods of time until it became useless. This new strap worked fine right away. Follow the tips below to get good results from your HR strap:

- Replace the C0232 battery every three months.

- Coat the strap's receiver zones with a thin film of Spectra 36O Electrode Gel. This works far better at maintaining a good connection than does spit or hair gel.

- Position the strap a little further down your rib cage than seems ideal. For me, having the center of the strap just below my sternum works best. If you start losing the signal during a ride or run, grab the middle of the strap from outside your shirt and position it a little higher or lower.

Happy aerobic exercising!