Chest Strap vs Watch. Which Heart Rate Monitor Should You Use?

Summary

Alecia from WILDR discusses the differences between heart rate straps and optical heart rate monitors in sports watches. She explains how heart rate straps, which measure electrical signals from the heart, offer 99.6% accuracy but can be uncomfortable. In contrast, optical monitors on sports watches use green light to track blood flow but may be less reliable during high-intensity activities. Alecia recommends using a heart rate strap for precise interval training and a watch for lower-intensity exercises. She also suggests starting with a strap for zone training and using the optical monitor for resting heart rate measurements.

Takeaways

• 😊 Heart rate training is a common topic of confusion when choosing the right device for accurate readings.
• 💪 Heart rate straps are 99.6% accurate if worn correctly and detect electrical signals from the heart.
• 😬 The main drawback of heart rate straps is that they can be uncomfortable to wear, especially during long workouts.
• 💧 Moisture, such as sweat or water, can help improve signal transmission for heart rate straps.
• ⌚ Optical heart rate monitors on watches use green light to detect blood flow changes, offering a more comfortable experience.
• 🤔 Optical heart rate monitors can sometimes misinterpret rhythmic movement as heartbeats, leading to less accurate readings.
• 😓 Dirt, sweat, or excessive blood flow can interfere with the optical heart rate monitor's accuracy.
• 🏃 For high-intensity interval training, a heart rate strap is recommended for its precision.
• 🚶 For lower-intensity, long-duration workouts, the optical heart rate monitor on a watch may be more convenient.
• 📱 A heart rate strap connected to a smartphone is a good starting point for heart rate training, while optical watches can be a long-term upgrade.

Q & A

What is the purpose of heart rate training?

Heart rate training helps individuals monitor their fitness levels and optimize their training intensity by ensuring they are exercising in the correct heart rate zones for specific goals, such as improving endurance or speed.

What are the two types of heart rate monitors discussed in the video?

The two types of heart rate monitors discussed are heart rate straps, which use electrical signals, and optical heart rate monitors, which use light sensors built into sports watches.

How does a heart rate strap work?

A heart rate strap detects the electrical signals from the heart to measure the time between beats and calculate heart rate. It is highly accurate, with a 99.6% accuracy rate when worn properly.

What are the common drawbacks of using a heart rate strap?

The main drawbacks of using a heart rate strap are that it can be uncomfortable to wear on the chest, especially during long workouts, and it may not pick up a signal well before the user starts sweating.

How can users improve the performance of a heart rate strap if it's not picking up signals well?

Users can apply water or spit to the sensors on the strap to improve conductivity and ensure a better connection between the strap and their skin.

How does an optical heart rate monitor work?

An optical heart rate monitor measures heart rate by emitting light into the skin and detecting changes in blood flow, based on how much light is absorbed by hemoglobin in the blood.

What are the potential issues with optical heart rate monitors?

Optical heart rate monitors can be less accurate due to factors like rhythmic movement, dirt or sweat on the sensor, or changes in blood flow during high-intensity exercise.

When is it better to use a heart rate strap over an optical monitor?

A heart rate strap is preferred during interval training or exercises where precise heart rate monitoring is needed within a small, specific range.

When is it better to use an optical heart rate monitor instead of a strap?

An optical heart rate monitor is more suitable for long, slow, lower-intensity activities or for monitoring resting heart rate, as it is more comfortable and provides sufficient accuracy for these purposes.

What should someone new to heart rate training consider when choosing a device?

For beginners, it's recommended to start with a heart rate strap that connects to a smartphone for accurate zone training. Eventually, they can invest in a sports watch with an optical heart rate monitor.