Inaccurate heart rate

[SunsetRunner]

Does anyone have an issue with heart rate numbers while working out? I have tried wearing it high, low, loose, tight, left-hand right hand and every possible way. Either the heart rate on blaze is way too low or too high. I have been using polar fitness for years and rarely does these two match. I'm benching 250 lbs and I see blaze showing my heart rate as 104. So either I am a super human or this is a defective piece. One more thing, blaze does not work through sweat. 

[Sanat]

I face the same problem during workouts. The heart rate works well for running and other cardio excercises, but it always shows low readings during weight lifting excercises. As low as 80 BPM sometimes. 

However, what i noticed is that if i keep my arm steady after a set, it picks up the correct reart rate in about 10 seconds. But getting the correct reading at this point is not so useful. I doubt whether there are other wrist based HRMs out there which show accurate heart rate reading during intense weight lifting workout. I find chest strap based HRMs to be more accurate in this regard. Wrist based monitors are good for running.

[SunsetRunner]

Per you response, I tried using blaze while running, but the problem remains the same. It shows correct readings for some time, but then as I pick up pace it's numbers are all over the place. Another thing I noticed today is that the distance it measures is about 30% less. I run on a marked path so I track my miles. Have you noticed if sweat interferes with the reading?

[Sanat]

Sweat could affect the functioning of the HRM. I have noticed this few times. 

Regarding the inaccurate distance, i think the way fitbit calculates the distance is by simply multiplying the steps walked with your stride length. You could check if your stride length setting is correct. I have mine set to "auto", and it is not accurate in all situations, especially during running. You can measure your stride length and manually set it in the app. This should help reduce the inaccuracy. I'd suggest you use GPS to track distance during runs, unless you are running on a treadmill. Hope this helps.

[FerdinandFitbit]

Hi there guys @Sanat @SunsetRunner, good to see you in the Community! 🙂

If you notice your tracker not to be tracking your information accurately, I can also suggest restarting it by pressing and holding the left and lower right buttons for 10-12 seconds and this should reboot your tracker and after that you can try it out and see if that makes any difference.

Let me know how it goes!

[SunsetRunner]

Moderator, thanks for your suggestion. I usually reset my Fitbit before workout. I make sure it's always synced with my phone. The heart rate readings accuracy does not improve. While doing cardio, this issue remains.

[SunsetRunner]

Also, I did get a new replacement Fitbit this week. But the issue is the same.

[shipo]

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@SunsetRunner wrote:
...Another thing I noticed today is that the distance it measures is about 30% less. I run on a marked path so I track my miles...

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It sounds very much like you have your stride length set incorrectly in your profile.  That said, if you get it set perfectly for a run today, it will more than likely be incorrect for tomorrow's run.  Why?  Because your stride length will change from day to day, and even mile to mile for that matter.

The only way to have your Blaze be relatively accurate when it comes to running is to A) run outside, and B) have your Blaze tethered to the Location Services on your smart phone.  If you do not do both of those things, then the distance will always be, at best, a guess.

[SunsetRunner]

Thanks Shipo. I corrected my stride length and the blaze numbers match with the actual physical distance. Were you able to solve the incorrect heart rate issue due to during cardio? Fitbit sent me a replacement device, but heart rate is not even close to accurate. I have followed the instructions, tried wearing it high and low, inside and outside wrist but the numbers are just out of wack. Any recommendation will be appreciated.

[shipo]

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@SunsetRunner wrote:
Thanks Shipo. I corrected my stride length and the blaze numbers match with the actual physical distance. Were you able to solve the incorrect heart rate issue due to during cardio? Fitbit sent me a replacement device, but heart rate is not even close to accurate. I have followed the instructions, tried wearing it high and low, inside and outside wrist but the numbers are just out of wack. Any recommendation will be appreciated.

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Regarding your heart rate monitoring; I have a Surge so my experiences may vary a bit, that said, I solved my heart rate monitoring issues by cinching the band one notch; I didn't find the position of the tracker helped or hurt, but the snugness did it all.