Heart rate monitors can be very effective in a Indoor Cycling class environment. A heart rate monitor will tell you how hard you are working out. It will tell you if you need to pick up the pace, or easy off the pedals. It will also help you avoid a weight loss plateau, fatigue and injury. Without a heart rate monitor it is necessary to keep track of your rate of perceived exertion and then count your pulse. This involves slowing down on the bike and makes your heart rate drop, thus giving you a less than accurate measurement. Therefore you heart rate is the only accurate measurement of your intensity of the Indoor Cycling workout. By controlling your intensity, you can reach your weight loss and fitness goals.