The accuracy of the devices listed below is good for steady runs, cycles and workouts – but accuracy can dip during HIIT and workouts that flex the wrist. The optical heart rate sensors found on most wearables are less accurate than EKG chest straps, and should be chosen by those that favor comfort and convenience over accuracy. However, there are a few things to be aware of. Heart rate monitors are found on pretty much every smartwatch, fitness tracker and sports watch these days.
#SCOSCHE HEART RATE MONITY MANUAL SKIN#
Sadly, not enough work has been done across the board to overcome accuracy issues because of ethnicity, so if you have dark skin and want the very best data from your workouts, think about a chest strap.Ĭhest straps use electrocardiogram (EKG) sensors are more accurate and responsive to rises and falls in heart rate, and the relatively steady position on your chest makes the data less noisy. They can also be flummoxed by movement of the wrist during exercises, such as press-ups, burpees or Olympic lifting, as the skin contracts and tightens making it harder for the sensor.ĭark skin and tattoos can also affect accuracy, as skin tone can affect the light reflection. However, when you start ramping up the intensity, doing functional fitness, or HIIT workouts, optical sensors placed on the wrist will struggle to cope with the rapid rises and falls in heart rate. They're more comfortable and convenient, and, if you're running steadily, should do the job just fine. Optical sensors are integrated into most wearables from the likes of Garmin, Fitbit, Polar and Apple.
The latter use an LED array to "see" the blood pulsing through your veins, and estimate your heart rate.
The biggest battleground is chest straps versus watches or fitness trackers with heart rate monitors. We've reviewed and tested pretty much every heart rate monitor on the market – this is our favorites. The latest devices can help monitor your heart rate 24/7, help spot illness, stress, tiredness – and help tell you when to take a break. Whether you're a novice runner, or a serious athlete, everyone can gain something from monitoring their heart rate.Ĭhest strap monitors are still the most accurate for working out, but heart rate monitor watches (and smartwatches) are now excellent options – if you use them in the right way.Īnd heart rate monitors are for more than sport. Using a heart rate monitor is the best way to get more data from your training sessions.
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