Issue with heart rate monitor reading

[OakLeaf]

The instructions on mine say that some people get a better reading with the electrodes in back. I would think that would be especially true in cycling position, and especially for someone with a smaller chest circumference, where the ribs might lift one edge of the strap.

I've also read that some people do better if they actually soak the strap before use, not just moisten the electrodes - since yours works once it gets going, you might try that.

Personally I use aloe vera gel in place of electrode gel - the 100% stuff without any lotions or oils.

[Helene2013]

Thank you. Where can I get the gel? I will try to dip the whole strap in "warm" water - don't want something freezing on a cold body before training. hihi I have intervals training tomorrow night so will soak and let you know.

So you mean I could try to position the reading part in the back instead of in the front? And it would still capture the heart beats? Neat! Worth trying if this is what you meant.

[OakLeaf]

I just use aloe vera gel from the drugstore. Fruit of the Earth brand, don't know if they sell that in Canada or not.

You got the rest of it right - that's just stuff I've read, haven't had a need personally, but worth a try.

[Helene2013]

Thanks. We have a natural product store in the building I work in. I'll go check them out. Or might order through Amazon. Generally free delivery and fast.

I'll keep you posted on the "tests" I'll be trying. Just weird that husband has no issues and I do EVERY single training session.

[Wahine]

Thanks. We have a natural product store in the building I work in. I'll go check them out. Or might order through Amazon. Generally free delivery and fast.

I'll keep you posted on the "tests" I'll be trying. Just weird that husband has no issues and I do EVERY single training session.

Ask Oak said, it's likely due to contact and/or sweat (moisture levels). Your rib cage is a different shape than his and I'm willing to bet that your sweat response takes longer to kick in... keeping those points in mind, it makes sense that he may not have an issue and you do.

Oak's suggestions are good ones and will hopefully solve the problem. If not, you may need to try a different HR strap. My Kurt Kinetic strap is identical to the one for my Garmin, I wonder if they are interchangeable? Garmin has some very nice soft strap designs that fit smaller rib cages much better. Though you'd want to make damn sure the Kinetic soft ware could communicate with it before investing in another strap.

[Helene2013]

Oups...pressed send before noticing another reply. Thanks Wahine. While I had sent this (below) you had mentioned the sweat thing...which may totally makes sense (from what I wrote too).

********

While googling internet about something else, I happened to link to this website which explains a lot of what you said, and more. Very interesting points they have.

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2010/04/t...eart-rate.html

One thing I noticed is that I don't sweat a lot from chest/cage. In fact, I'm not much of a sweater but for the forehead and neck (and not much there). Since I train with a big fan right in front of me, it is possible that my strap gets dried too quickly. So the gel maybe my best bet.

We also have a "running room" store in that same building I work. I could check it out at lunch time for gel bottles.

To be continued....I'll beat that strap mystery.

[Helene2013]

By the way, I knew I'd find the answers to my mystery strap issue by addressing it here. I cannot be the only one for sure with this problem. It is not defective since it works very well on husband, no issues at all on him.

I do have other straps (polar and Garmin) but they are not compatible as they are not bluetooth. I tried...trust me. One evening it was a mess of straps and readers (we have 4 of those) on a shelf in basement. Had fun sorting them out after (which goes with which as straps are not always that obvious - especially when mad haha)

[Catrin]

It sounds like the strap is washable, how often do you toss it in the washer? This probably isn't it since your DH doesn't have the problem but it is good to do from time to time. I rinse mine after every use, but things do build on the contacts that rinsing doesn't remove. So, when my HRM starts telling me that my heart rate is 270, or it takes forever to connect with my transmitter or keeps disconnecting, I know it is time to toss it into the cold wash with my gym clothes. I've taken to doing this on a regular basis to keep the problem from developing.

I am not much of a sweater myself, regardless of intensity level, I never thought that could be a problem. But I don't have a fan in front of me Let us know how it works with moving the strap around, I never thought about that myself (several of my sports bras tend to push my transmitter down).