HRM question

ooter

I bought a crivit HRM in lidl a while ago and have been using it a lot recently,I've noticed that for the first mile or so of every run the HR reading is way off but then eventually it settles down and is grand then for the rest of the run.
Is this normal for HRM's,anyone know the reason why this might be happening?

An_Reathai

This happens with my Garmin 310xt too. Might not take quite a mile to settle down but it's definitely all over the place for the first few minutes.

TFBubendorfer

That means the it doesn't get a proper signal over the first mile. It usually helps to moisten the contacts of the HR strap immediately before you start running.

ooter

Thanks lads,I'll give that a try.

career move

ooter wrote: »

I bought a crivit HRM in lidl a while ago and have been using it a lot recently,I've noticed that for the first mile or so of every run the HR reading is way off but then eventually it settles down and is grand then for the rest of the run.
Is this normal for HRM's,anyone know the reason why this might be happening?

I don't use a HRM but I know that when you start running you get release of adrenaline into the blood stream which increases blood pressure and heart rate. It's part of the 'flight or fight' response and it's the body's way of preparing you for action. After 2-3 min your body realises that it's not in immediate danger and the secretion of adrenaline levels off as do the heart rate and blood pressure

ooter

career move wrote: »

I don't use a HRM but I know that when you start running you get release of adrenaline into the blood stream which increases blood pressure and heart rate. It's part of the 'flight or fight' response and it's the body's way of preparing you for action. After 2-3 min your body realises that it's not in immediate danger and the secretion of adrenaline levels off as do the heart rate and blood pressure

I always start off slow for the first half to 1mile,usually around 8:30 - 9 min/mile pace,and then ramp it up to around 7:30 pace,my HR rate never feels high for that first mile,it's very comfortable but the reading on my watch is always up around 170-180 BPM but then around the mile mark it always then drops dramatically to around 120,then i kick on and the reading stays pretty consistent around the 140 mark.

pointer28

If it's a Garmin, mine usually plays up depending on what I'm wearing, something to do with static in your clothes. I have one particular Nike gilet which seems to drive it nuts. Same thing as you, data for the first 20 mins is junk then it seems to settle down.

Far less issues in summer when wearing less and absolutely zero issue on the bicycle as your upper body isn't moving as much.

Ceepo

career move wrote: »

I don't use a HRM but I know that when you start running you get release of adrenaline into the blood stream which increases blood pressure and heart rate. It's part of the 'flight or fight' response and it's the body's way of preparing you for action. After 2-3 min your body realises that it's not in immediate danger and the secretion of adrenaline levels off as do the heart rate and blood pressure

Not saying I disagree with your theory, but I have been using a hrm for approx 12 years. Polar, Timex and now Garmin I never had any spike issues with Polar or Timex however the same cannot be said for Garmin.

Ps I have the premium strap which I belive have less glitches than the hard strap. Could be wrong here.

pointer28

Ceepo wrote: »

Ps I have the premium strap which I belive have less glitches than the hard strap. Could be wrong here.

I have the premium too, definitely less glitches but still not perfect.

I can't understand how it's so hard to get it right, I mean Polar have been doing it for years.

ooter

I wear my strap as tight as it'll possibly go and then put a compression top over it so the strap is really tight to my chest,just annoying that it takes so long to kick in.

viperlogic

I usually get a spike at the start unless I moisten the contact pads, thou I do have one top that always drives it crazy with static.

sconhome

Best thing to do is lick the pads, saliva is thicker than just smearing water on the pads and ensures a proper connection (may also help with electrolyte intake too )

I've no issue with spiking but then that is Polar too.

Clearlier

Just to add a little balance I've only had spiking issues with my polar, never with my Garmin. Then again, my polar is 12-13 years old now whereas my garmin is not quite 6.

As for the OP, as others have mentioned contact issues are the most likely source of the odd numbers.

ooter

http://i.ytimg.com/vi/DkOn3UFqzog/maxresdefault.jpg
This is the strap I have,there are no pads on it.

pointer28

Pads was probably the wrong description, the large piece in the middle is the actual HRM, about an inch or two both sides of it you should have two contact points, probably of a shiny type material, these are what you need to moisten, a blob of saliva should do the trick.

ooter

Worked a treat tonight,thanks a lot lads..