Thinking about using a heart rate monitor for running, cycling, or other workouts? Not sure how it might help you or what information you might gain from using one? Check out my quick review of the Garmin Heart Rate Monitor Pro.
Garmin Heart Rate Monitor Pro Review
Heart Rate. Monitors have come a long way in the past few years in terms of comfort, reliability and usefulness.Let’s take a look at some of the features of the GHRM Pro.
Comfort
Gone are the days of the hard plastic stiff feel of a monitor. The GHRM Pro has a soft and flexible strap with a small rigid piece in the center. It is easy to adjust and stays in place while exercising. I have not found a need to wet the sensor to activate it the way I remember needing to in the past. Chafing was not an issue and I did not experience any slipping. In fact, I forget that I am wearing it most days!
Pairing
Pairing the GHRM Pro to a Garmin watch is achieved in seconds. Once this is done, all the information collected is visible in your Garmin Connect App. I was pleasantly surprised to see how easily this HRM paired with my Peloton bike as well. It works even better than the Peloton branded HRM that came with the bike.
Accuracy
“Because they use electrical detection, chest-band monitors are the most accurate, especially when used properly. That’s because they measure your heart rate directly — rather than your pulse rate — which gives them higher accuracy regardless of whether you’re resting, running, cycling or using various exercise devices.” Source
How can heart rate monitors help your fitness?
You have heard lots of talk the last few years about keeping your “easy runs” well easy. But what does that actually mean for you? Learning what you heart rate zone for easy runs really is may help you stay in your easy run and thus, improve your running and your recovery.
Mixing up your training and learning how to train in different heart rate zones and intensities can lead to greater overall fitness. Have you tried HIIT or LIIT training?
Having detailed information about your heart rate during exercise can give you important information about your improvement in your sport. Accomplishing the same workout with a lower heart rate and how quickly your heart rate recovers after exercise for example.
Usability
When the Garmin HRM pro is paired with your Garmin watch, you will see detailed information in your Garmin Connect app after each workout. It is easy to track how much time you spend in each of your heart rate zones.
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Do you run with a heart rate monitor? What have you learned from your metrics?
Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
I used to use a heart rate monitor in the days when they were hard plastic and quite uncomfortable. Nice to know that they have developed a much better version!
My Garmin measures the HR on my wrist. It would be interesting to know how much more accurate the band is vs. the watch, but I can’t find that kind of info anywhere on Garmin’s website.
I guess there was no info either in their documentation?
I am finding the strap is much more reliable and I do see much more information in my Garmin connect after wearing it. It is quite comfortable as well
Very interesting post. My Garmin measures the heart rate on my wrist but I don’t know if it is accurate.
Sometimes when I don’t feel tired it says “too high – level 5”, on the contrary when I feel very tired the response is “maintenance level 3,2” (?????).
I know that I am wrong but I prefer to listen to my body or …. to buy the “Garmin Heart Rate Monitor Pro” (thinking about this solution).
I am finding the strap gives much more accurate information than the watch. Yes, sometimes the watch tells me I need rest when I feel okay too.
My Coros does pretty well with tracking my hr on my wrist but I do wear my polar chest strap sometimes to check it. No matter what, I get chafing, especially in the summer (even using body glide). I do think its really beneficial for runners to have a chest strap so they can determine their training zone and check on those easy runs!
I have not had any issues with chafing yet after about a month of use. I do agree it is beneficial to really track your zones
Thanks for the review. It was very interesting.
I have never run with a heart monitor but my Apple watch does give me metrics — but I never have looked at them.
I am finding the info from the HR strap much more reliable and in depth
I have never paid much attention to my heart rate. I know, my bad. I do scroll through the metrics on the Garmin Connect app after most workouts (well, for me they’re runs or bike rides since I don’t track my strength workouts on my Garmin).
It is interesting to view the metrics and see some suggested recovery info as well
I know a lot of ultra runners are very focused on “zone 2” training. My garmin measures my heart rate but I’ll admit I rarely look at it. i agree that a chest strap would be much more accurate. If I decide to embrace zone 2 training I’ll probably get the HRM pro- it sounds like a great product. Thanks for the review!
I really do think it is accurate and easy to use
This look so much more different (and more comfortable) than monitors were when I started running 10 years ago. I don’t wear one, but this looks awesome for those who want to or need to. Technology is always so incredbly amazing. I bet this gives super in-depth and accurate metrics.
I find it to give much more info than I get from just using my watch and it is way more accurate.
Great information. It’s been a long time since I’ve worn a heart rate monitor. I depend on my Garmin watch and Oura ring. Does this connect to any Garmin watch? Also, have you noticed a difference between what your watch says with or without the strap?
Yes, it does connect with my Garmin watch and I do get much more detailed info. I use my Oura for sleeping hr but I like this for running and cycling