Hey OTF’ers,
I have read recently that several members are experiencing inconsistent
readings with the “Pulse” heart rate monitor during class. Both styles of
monitors that OTF offers are very reliable, but both work very differently.
Both also have their unique “quirks” that may lead to a temporary loss of
reading.
Let’s start with how the two work.
The “Core”-
This is the original OTF heart rate monitor.
This devise basically works by “listening” to your heart beat. It is worn snuggly across your chest right
about at the level of your Xiphoid process.
The closer to the heart the better the reading. Also important to note, the “Core” can
sometimes take 3 to 5 minutes to read your heart rate and sometimes requires
movement/ activity.
Common wearing flaws:
- Worn to low
- Worn to lose
- Core attached upside down
- Loses contact with body when body is “rounded” forward… when on the rower for example.
- Adjusting to frequently- If you feel that your “Core” is not reading well, make an adjustment and then let the monitor relocate your heart rate. This can sometimes take a minute. Continual adjustment of the strap will not allow the devise to detect your HR
Possible Solutions:
·
Lightly wet the strap to help with conductivity
on your body
·
Wash strap weekly to remove accumulated sweat/
salt from band
·
Be sure strap is worn “high and tight”
·
Shift strap and core slightly to the left (more
directly over heart). Let device relocate
HR.
The “Pulse”- The
Pulse utilizes optical sensors to “look” for your heart rate by reading blood
flow under the skin. Placement of the
Pulse is very important for proper reading.
Proper placement:
·
3 finger widths from your wrist. - Wear the “Pulse”
approximately 2-3 finger widths from your wrist, toward your elbow (the higher
the better). Placing “Pulse” here will allow for optimal contact– allowing “Pulses”
sensors to better ‘sense’ the volume of blood under the skin and detect your
pulse.
·
Wear the “Pulse” above your ANT+ or BLE watch. -
Want to pair your “Pulse” with your favorite ANT+ or BLE watch? No problem!
Simply place your “Pulse” above the watch of your choice. Wearing the “Pulse”
on the same arm as your watch will allow for optimal communication between
devices.
·
When cycling, wear the “Pulse” with the sensor
on the inside of your arm. - Want to track your heart rate with the “Pulse”
while cycling? Go for it! Simply turn your “Pulse” around, so that the sensor
faces the inside of your forearm. This will allow Mio’s sensor to better
“sense” your blood flow while you ride on a trail or road.
·
Turn on your “Pulse” about 10 minutes prior to
the start of a workout. This will allow adequate
time to detect blood flow.
Common wearing flaws:
·
Band slides down too low on the wrist- When the “Pulse”
slides down the wrist, movement of the wrist creates “noise” which causes an inaccurate
reading. I recommend wearing a sweat band on your wrist to hold your “Pulse” in
proper place.
·
Tightly gripping dumbbells or the rower handle
could reduce blood flow to the wrist, which could lead to a temporary loss of
reading.
·
Members with low blood pressure could experience
an inconsistent reading since there could possibly be less blood flow to the
arms while exercising.
Charging note:
- “Pulse” only takes about 45 minutes to charge completely. After the charging light goes off, the “Pulse” should be removed from the charger.
- The Pulse has a “charge life cycles” of approximately 350 charges. Improve “Pulse” life by only charging when almost completely dead. A complete charge should last 3-4 classes.
- Do not charge your “Pulse” via your lighter socket in your car. Socket could be too powerful and literally burn the unit… I have seen this happen once!
**Important note- Splat points are not designed to be obtained during
the weight room portion. We design an
OTF workout so members will get at least 12 Splat points during the cardio
portion of the workout**
Hope this helps!
Win the Day,
Scott
