Q: Can the heart rate readings provide reliable results while on a stair stepper?
I wear my watch with the workout app on other activity while on a stair stepper, rowing machine, weight lifting, and TRX training. The BPM is accurate at the start but then drops to 48 or other readings which are not correct. I use an oximeter to verify my actual BPM. Occasionally I will get a correct reading but then it drops too low again. I have cleaned the watch, worn it with different tightness, and do not have tattoos.
Apple Watch, watchOS 2.2, Sport
Posted on Apr 11, 2016 5:46 PM
Hi
Many factors can affect the heart rate sensor's performance, but it is expected that the sensor will give better results for workouts that involve rhythmic movements (eg running) rather than irregular activity, such as weight lifting.
For the most accurate tracking of results, record your workouts under whichever activity type most closely matches your actual activity. For example: when using the stair stepper or rower, record your workouts under Stair Stepper or Rower respectively.
Check that you are wearing your watch snugly on the top of your wrist (Apple suggests that you consider tightening the band before starting a workout and loosening it again afterwards). When lifting weights and during any other activities that involve flexing your wrist, it may also help to wear your watch a little further up your arm (to help retain skin contact).
It will not hurt to also try restarting both your iPhone and your watch:
- Turn your devices off together, then restart your iPhone first;
- To turn your watch off: press and hold the side button until you see the Power Off slider; drag it to turn off;
- To turn it on: press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.
Even under ideal conditions, however, Apple Watch may not be able to record a reliable heart rate reading every time. It may be the case, for example, that your skin perfusion is too low to achieve consistently accurate readings. If this is the case, you may wish to consider pairing an external heart rate monitor / Bluetooth chest strap to your watch.
More information:
Your heart rate. What it means, and where on Apple Watch you’ll find it. - Apple Support
Use Bluetooth accessories with your Apple Watch - Apple Support
Posted on Apr 12, 2016 12:08 AM