Fitness enthusiasts are always on the lookout for the next gadget that can enhance their training, and the pulse oximeter could very well be that gadget. Traditionally used by medical professionals to monitor patients’ oxygen saturation levels, these devices have gained recognition among athletes for their ability to provide valuable information about the body’s response to physical exertion. Here’s why you should be using a fingertip oximeter to level up your training.
How Pulse Oximeters Work
Pulse oximeters are compact and non-invasive devices that work by shining a light through the skin to a sensor on the other side. By analyzing the light that passes through, the device can measure the level of oxygen saturation in the blood or SpO2. Essentially, it can tell you how effectively your body is delivering oxygen to your tissues.
This information can provide insights into your cardiovascular and pulmonary performance – two key elements in athletic performance. For example, a drop in SpO2 levels during or after a workout could indicate that your body is struggling to meet the oxygen demands of your muscles, which could in turn suggest areas for improvement in your training program.
Using Pulse Oximeters for Altitude Acclimatization
For athletes who train or compete at high altitudes, a pulse oximeter can be an invaluable tool. At higher altitudes, the air is thinner and contains less oxygen, which can put strain on the body and hinder performance.
A pulse oximeter can help athletes monitor their SpO2 levels as they acclimatize to higher altitudes.
Recovering with a Pulse Oximeter
A pulse oximeter can also play a crucial role in recovery. Following a strenuous workout, monitoring your SpO2 levels can provide insights into how effectively your body is recovering. For instance, if your oxygen saturation levels remain low after a workout, it could suggest that your body needs more time to recover before the next training session.
Measuring Heart Rate and Blood Oxygen for Better Training
Most pulse oximeters can also measure heart rate, providing another vital metric for athletes. By tracking both heart rate and SpO2 levels simultaneously, athletes can gain a comprehensive understanding of how their body is responding to exercise.
Knowing Your Respiratory Rate Change
Respiratory rate, or the number of breaths taken per minute, is another crucial metric that can be monitored with a pulse oximeter. Changes in respiratory rate can indicate various things about your body’s physiological state.
Shop for Fingertip Oximeters Now to Improve Your Training
With their ability to monitor SpO2 levels, heart rate, and respiratory rate, pulse oximeters offer a wealth of information that can help athletes optimize their training and recovery. These devices are now readily available, affordable, and easy to use, making them an excellent addition to any athlete’s training toolkit.
There are various models of pulse oximeters available on the market, with the fingertip oximeter models being the most popular due to their convenience and ease of use. Shop for a fingertip oximeter today and start levelling up your training.