how do i measure heartrate

[petedem]

Hi there everyone I have just got my Fitbit 1 and would like to know which is the best heartrate monitor or monitor app that goes best with the 1. Thanks for any advise.

[Dominique · Accepted solution]

Go for a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) one, if you have a smartphone that supports BLE. BLE is what  recent Fitbit trackers use for wireless syncing, so if your Fitbit can sync with your phone, you should be able to use a BLE compatible HRM.

The Polar H7 is a good chest-strap HRM. The Mio Alpha is a good wrist-watch HRM. Both are BLE compatible and equally accurate. The Mio Alpha is significantly more expensive, but you may find it more convenient if you don't like the idea of wearing a strap around your chest. You can also use it standalone (your HR is displayed on the watch), whereas the Polar H7 is just a transmitter: in order to actually see your HR, you need a Polar watch or a compatible smartphone + an app.

Regarding apps, I like both Runtastic and Digifit iCardio, for different reasons. Both are available for iOS and Android. I'm using the Android version on a Nexus 4.

[josephz2va]

If you're looking for a portable HRM, you can visit your local sporting goods store. The best available for treadmills is a Polar FT7 which is readily available anywhere. If you are looking for a Smartphone Reader, H7 is also available from Polar.

If you're a multisport runner, 

V800
GPS SPORTS WATCH from the polar website.

If you're not into Polar or not using a Polar Equipped machine, you can also look at others that are Ant+ based, but if you swing by a gym or own a home cardio machine, Polar would be your best bet.

[slysam]

There are a few options. Do you have a smart phone? If so... It may depend what type but generally you would need a heart rate monitor strap that can sync with your phone and an app that can sync with fitbit.

I use a Polar H7 with the app Digifit Icardio. Digifit automatically logs my workouts to my fitbit.com account overwriting the fitibt calorie burn. It does work with a number of hrm straps, I got the H7 because I already had an older Polar HRM watch/chest strap and the H7 works with both bluetooth and the signal usually used by HRM watches (I think ant+?).  The H7 works with a number of apps, I just like Digifit best so far (better than Polar's app). Also, Digifit pulls over some of my fitbit activity to my Digifit dashboard. It updates my weight when I log a new weight on Fitbit, pulls over my steps, floors, distance, sleep and the time spent and calories burned in four activity levels (sedentary/sleep, lightly active, moderately active and very active mintues). Unfortunately the bluetooth monitor doesn't work for water activities and also doesn't seem to work if there isn't cell phone coverage. I use my older HRM watch for those situations.

There are others so it may dpends which actvities you enjoy since some are more suited to some activities. I do a variety of activities including dance, fitness classes and fitness videos. I liked the features on Digifit for tracking a range of activities. Someone who is a serious runner might prefer something different (though it is fine for running, it also uses GPS for outdoor activities). 

[petedem]

Thanks everyone that is very helpful,I'll be looking at Polar and the Mia Alpha before I make my mind up. The Digifit App looks like a winner also.

[TandemWalker]

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@petedem wrote:

Hi there everyone I have just got my Fitbit 1 and would like to know which is the best heartrate monitor or monitor app that goes best with the 1. Thanks for any advise.

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I don't know if it's the best, but like @Dominique  I use the Mio Alpha. If all you're looking for is HRM functionality and nothing else, the Mio Alpha is a very accurate HRM and its display is clearly visible under any light condition except total darkness - no backlight.  I use the Mio in combination with my iPod Touch and a small app called HeartWorks - a very simple app that basically monitors your heart rate and saves the data. Once you set up your upper and lower BMP limits, it sends audible signals when you're working outside the zone. You can review your stats, both in numerical and graphical format.

[Kirk8506]

How do you know which devices support ble?

[Kirk8506]

How do you know which devices support ble? My Samsung galaxy s2 does not sync at all. Only s3 and above.

Not even my Asus tablet not syncing and its a TF700T. Consider the last years latest.