Garmin's Forerunner series of running watches are used by workout enthusiasts to track and log workout data. One of the available additions to the running watches is a heart rate monitor that wirelessly syncs the watch to the chest heart rate monitor. Despite the advanced training capabilities, heart rate monitor problems can result in inaccurate or skewed workout data.
Function
Garmin sports watches and heart rate monitors are designed for several functions, including heart rate-based calorie consumption, heart rate training zones and heart rate tracking. The common components used to record, track and analyze the heart rate data include the wrist watch and chest strap. After calibrating the heart rate monitor to the wrist watch, the components should automatically sync and transfer data after being powered "on."
Features
Common features that can cause heart rate monitor problems include dry air, synthetic clothing materials, excessive wind and electrical interference. Dry air can be common during the winter when the air is cold and dry, causing your skin to become dry and preventing a transfer of data to the heart rate strap. Synthetic shirts are ideal for keeping you dry during a workout but they can also build up excessive static electricity that can cause mixed readings. Windy training conditions on the trail can prevent the strap and watch from sending the information wirelessly. External electrical interference can be common around power lines, trains or other electromagnetic signals.
Identification
You can identify a heart rate monitor problem through unusual readings, mixed data and a wide range of heart rates throughout workouts. An example of identifying a problem is a heart rate that starts off by gently rising from 150 to 160 but then jumps immediately to 200 and possibly exceeds 200. After entering the heart rate data into the computer, review the heart rate graph to find any major spikes or abnormal trends.
Prevention/Solution
The first step to preventing Garmin heart rate monitor problems is to maintain fresh batteries at all times. Other preventative measures include keeping the heart rate chest strap properly lubricated. Sweating during a workout provides essential moisture for conducting the electrical data. If sweating is reduced, consider licking the chest strap sensor pads or using a heart rate gel that is designed to improve conductivity.
Considerations
If the troubleshooting efforts using moisture and cleaning the electrical equipment don't work, consider contacting Garmin's support group directly. The staff at Garmin can coach you through calibrating the heart rate monitor, adding new software updates to the wrist watch or following a new troubleshooting technique.
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