Ionic Incorrect HR reading during different exercise modes.

[JamesBelisle]

I have owned the Fitbit Ionic since January 2018. I've noticed that there are incorrect spikes in HR readings during specific exercise modes. I regularly run, cross train with weights, and various cardio/bootcamp workouts. I haven't had a HR error or spike with the running mode (I run minimum of 3/week between 4-10 miles), but using it either "Workout", "Weights", or "bootcamp" there are instances of ridiculously high heart rate readings (usually 5 sessions per week with over a third having HR reading problems). My resting HR is in the low 50's but during some workouts it'll spike to 180+ during low intensity workouts. The only fix is to either pause, remove watch, and hope it reads accurately or to stop the exercise app and then manual reset the watch both of which are inconvenient when participating in timed interval training sessions. Once the watch is reset oftentimes it'll start reading my HR accurately. Is there a known issue with the software that causes it to missread HR during certain exercise modes? I have contacted Fitbit support and got the standard line about fit on the wrist and watch placement, but this seems like more of an issue with exercise modes than fit. 

[tmizel10 · Accepted solution]

Wrist-based heart rate measurements are simply universally less accurate.  From my experience though, the Ionic is actually one of the better wrist-based heart rate monitors.  When you do activities that involve wrist flexion and extension, though, it becomes harder to read the heart rate from the wrist.  Unfortunately, that wrist movement is necessary for almost every form of weight and strength training.  Wrist-based heart rate monitors are also less accurate for workouts that include sudden spikes and drops.  They are far better suited for steady state cardio.  The combination of little wrist movement and a steady heart rate means that activities like running will give you a more accurate heart-rate reading.  When I lift, I wear the Ionic slightly higher on my wrist and tighten it one level more than usual.  That helps, but there's no simple way to fix the technology issue.

[JamesBelisle]

Believe it or not that actually worked. I worked out this morning and tightening the watch band one extra notch seemed to fix it. I misunderstood the directions from Fitbit Support on the proper tightness when exercising. Thanks for the great advice.