Heart Rate Inaccurate during Aerobic Walks?

[Mark Stone]

I'm using a Series 5 watch, watchOS 8.5.1. I've noticed that the heart rate monitor on my watch is very accurate when I'm cycling or working out on machines at Planet Fitness. However, it is always waaaay off when I'm out on an aerobic walk. If I'm maintaining a 110 BPM, the watch is showing only 85 or so. I think it may be because of the pounding of my feet? Dunno. Any comments or suggestions? If it means anything, I had the same problem with a couple of Fitbit watches I used to own. Thanks in advance . . .

 

[mk313]

Guessing it's something you already tried, but maybe tighten the strap. I use a Nike Sport Band & I have to tighten it one hole when I run vs what I wear it on the rest of the time. I'm not sure if it's the movement or sweat or what, but I get inaccurate readings if it's not tight enough.

 

[Mark Stone]

Guessing it's something you already tried, but maybe tighten the strap. I use a Nike Sport Band & I have to tighten it one hole when I run vs what I wear it on the rest of the time. I'm not sure if it's the movement or sweat or what, but I get inaccurate readings if it's not tight enough.

Good suggestion - I'll give it a try, tks!

 

[Howard2k]

Guessing it's something you already tried, but maybe tighten the strap. I use a Nike Sport Band & I have to tighten it one hole when I run vs what I wear it on the rest of the time. I'm not sure if it's the movement or sweat or what, but I get inaccurate readings if it's not tight enough.

I do exactly the same.

I clean the sensor on occasion too, but I think the tightness matters more.

Good luck OP

 

[PaladinGuy]

Just chiming in to say I agree with the others. There’s a good chance that the tightness of your band is the issue.

 

[TonyC28]

I just noticed this same thing. I went for a casual walk with my dog and got this result:

Last night I did quick “ride” on the stationary bike but maintained a fairly brisk pace and was breathing hard the whole time and got this result:

I feel like I keep my watch pretty tight with a sport band but I’m definitely going to monitor it more now. I’ll also compare using another pulse monitor. One of these results is definitely off.