Heart Rate Reading Accuracy for Push Ups

Question

Level 1

5 points

Heart Rate Reading Accuracy for Push Ups

I was doing an Insanity Max 30 workout this morning and noticed that during one of the push-up phases of the workout, my HR reading was in the 50s and 60s which is below my normal resting heart rate. At the time I could feel my heart pumping. I'm wondering if it has something to do with my wrist being bent during the exercise. My wife suggested rotating the watch to the inside of my wrist. Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions? My HR for any part of the workout where my wrist wasn't bent or non push up/tricep dip was

Apple Watch, Other OS, 42mm Sport Space Grey

Posted on Apr 28, 2015 8:18 AM

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Answer 1

pillguy

Level 4

1,339 points

Apr 28, 2015 11:54 AM in response to BigHum

Check out this article from Apple.

Your heart rate. What it means, and where on Apple Watch you’ll find it. - Apple Support

A few things I would start with:

1. Make sure fit is good and watch is not slipping when you go down for push ups.

2. The "jarring" nature of an insanity workout might be causing the watch to miss readings on the blood flow in your wrist. The article mentions boxing as an activity that might give poor readings.

3. Probably the best way to take care of this is to come back up to standing position for a few seconds and let the heart rate sensor give you the correct rate (if you are just wanting to monitor it periodically). If you want a constant monitor it might be best to get a bluetooth option.

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Answer 2

BigHum Author

Level 1

5 points

May 1, 2015 9:13 AM in response to pillguy

I did the same Insanity Max workout yesterday and moved the watch and sensors to the inside of my wrist and it seemed to give more accurate readings during the push up phases and other phases where my wrists are bent for an extended period of time. Only once did I see a reading in the 50s.

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