Timex Ironman Zone Trainer Heart Rate Monitor

The Timex Ironman Zone Trainer heart rate monitor is an intermediate heart rate monitor. It is one model up from the Timex T5G971 (Personal Trainer). It uses digital transmission. This timex heart monitor has four variants, two full-sized and two mid-sized models, each with different colors and trims. Their numeric designations are T5J031 (Full Size), T5H911 (Full Size), T5H881 (Mid Size) and T5J983 (Mid Size).

The main features of the Timex Ironman Zone Trainer heart rate monitor are:

• Continuous Heart Rate Monitoring
• Manual Heart Rate Training Zone with Audio Alerts (when exercising heart rate goes above or below the zone)
• Based on your maximum heart rate (which you input), the HRM automatically calculates 5 target heart rate zones. You can choose which one you want to train in a particular session.
• You can change the watch display so that the 2 rows show different combinations of training data
• In the graphical heart rate zone display a moving square block is used to indicate where you are in your training zone
• Heart rate can be displayed as BPM or % of Max HR
• 100 hour stop watch to time exercise duration
• Store lap and split time. Lap time is elapsed time for one lap. Split time is total elapsed time from the start. You can store up to 27 laps in total. It also records the average heart rate per lap.
• 100 hour countdown timer
• Recovery Heart Rate Timer (1 or 2 minutes)
• The following session data can be reviewed: total duration, time in target zone, average heart rate, maximum heart rate, minimum heart rate, calories burnt, recovery heart rate, lap and split times (showing also the average heart rate for each lap)
• Basic Time and Date Keeping, 2 Time Zones, Alarm
• Backlight
• Wireless heart rate monitor composed of a digital chest strap transmitter and a wrist watch receiver
• Water resistant up to 30m. However, do not press any buttons under water.
• User-replaceable Battery
• Compatible with Data Recorder and Data Recorder 2 (both optional extras). The Data Recorder records workout data which can then uploaded to a computer and displayed as graphs.

The features printed in bold are found in the Timex Ironman Zone Trainer model but not in the preceding T5G971 Personal Trainer model. So these are the differences between the two models.

The most important feature is the fact that the wireless transmission is now digital. That means that there is no longer a problem of cross-talk interference with other heart rate monitors.

You can now exercise in one of the 5 automatically calculated heart rate zones. The 5 zones are: Zone 1: 50% to 60%, Zone 2: 60% to 70%, Zone 3: 70% to 80%, Zone 4: 80% to 90% and Zone 5: 90% to 100%. For example, according to the manual, choose Zone 2 if you aim to burn fat and lose weight, or choose Zone 3 if you aim to increase stamina and build aerobic endurance.

The stop watch and the facility to take up to 27 laps are great additional features. These features are not just useful for runners, but can be imaginatively used in many kinds of aerobic training environment.

The Timex Ironman Zone Trainer also introduces a countdown timer, to help you run/walk/train for an exact and specific period of time.

Summary

The Timex Ironman Zone Trainer is considerably more advanced than preceding T5G971 model. It is now digital, has a stop watch, can take laps, and has a count down timer. It also makes it easier for you to set your heart rate training zone by using one of its 5 automatically calculated heart rate zones.

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Useful Information

Next one up in the Timex series is the Timex Ironman Road Trainer. It also comes with several colors, shapes and sizes. There are 4 sub-models with the numeric designation of T5K212, T5K211, T5K213 and T5K214. These 4 models all have the same features.

Not sure which heart rate monitor is right for you? Take a look at the Which Heart Rate Monitor page.