Heart Rate Increases in "Workout" Before I Start

[ESH1986]

Has anyone else noticed that as soon as you press 'play'/'go' on any of the workoutmodes, that your heart rate instantly starts to rise? I have used it on 2 occasions now and in the few seconds between pressing 'start' on the workout and actually starting my routine, my heart rate goes up rapidly on the watch. This is obviously false. I tested it again today and just sat still whilst in "workout" and again, the heart rate went up wildly.

This is not just a minor issue; this really makes me not trust the device at all. I ask myself, is it ever really reading my true heart rate? 

I have seen other posts too about it being inaccurate during rest too, and I could not agree more. I have recently changed from a Garmin fitness tracker (which I loved) to an Ionic, as my husband bought it me for Christmas, but so far I'm nothing but disappointed. It is such a waste of money! (For many other reasons than just this but want to keep this post focussed on one thing).

[SantiR]

@ESH1986 Welcome to the Fitbit Community! Sorry for the delayed response. This is odd! Are you still experiencing the same?

First thing I'd recommend is performing a restart on your Ionic. This should help you out.

Then, I'd check the wrist placement I'm using while doing exercise. It has a lot to do with the accuracy of the heart rate readings. Make sure you are not wearing it too tight as that may interfere with the signal. Use the watch a little bit far up your wrist (like one or two fingers from your wrist bone on a regular day); blood flow is stronger there and you will get a better and more accurate reading. If you are doing exercise; it is recommended to use it 2 to 3 fingers from your wrist bone for improved heart rate accuracy.

Please check this helpful article for more details about heart rate accuracy.

Hope this helps. Keep me posted!