How to track non-stepping cardio activities (martial arts, swimming, mountain biking)?

[roastedseaweed]

I love that I can track my running, hiking, and dog-walking activities.  But I'm a little disappointed that I can't track my other high-intensity cardio activties such as martial arts, mountain biking, etc.  Is there a version of fitbit w/ a heart rate monitor coming out so it can track true activity for the day?

[SteveH]

I haven't heard any rumours about new models. Don't forget that the current models are essentially pedometers so great for step based activities only.

You can manually log other, non-step based, activities though through the dashboard. Go into the log tab on the dashboard, then the activities tab. Near the bottom you'll see a search field where you can find many pre-defined activities.

[Dominique]

There's a device called the Basis B1 Band that claims to do what you want. You can read about it here:

http://walking.about.com/od/Computer-Linked-Pedometers/fl/Basis-B1-Band.htm?nl=1

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2013/07/basis-b1-review.html

Selected excerpts from these reviews:

"It is not a substitute for a chest strap heart rate monitor to track exertion during a workout, or a workout coaching program."

"... the Basis B1 was designed “for the other 23 hours of the day”, and as such the optical heart rate measurement has significant issues when it comes to accurately tracking heart rate at elevated levels associated with sports activities.  Much of this originates from the fact that the optical heart rate sensor within the unit simply hasn’t been tuned to the constant and sharp movements associated with sports activity."

At one point, I considered getting one. However, for the reasons mentioned above, I didn't and I ended up getting a Mio Alpha instead. I don't regret my choice, as the Alpha has proved to be a great HRM during my workouts.