Nowadays, you can use many fitness tracking devices to monitor and track your heart rate while training, thanks to the wide selection of apps and tools out there. However, iFit is the most popular option for heart rate monitoring, especially with the release of the ActivePulse feature.
In addition, ActivePulse allows your heart rate to change your treadmill incline & speed while exercising automatically. This will help you train in your specific heart rate zone, ensuring you get the best results from your workout.
At the same time, the feature will help you to perform heart training with your iFit-enabled machine. However, for that to happen, you'll need a heart rate monitor that is compatible with the iFit program.
Don't worry, though! In this guide, I'll help determine what heart rate monitors work with iFit and how to connect them to your treadmill. Let's get started!
What is iFit ActivePulse?
ActivePulse is an ultimate heart rate exercise feature that allows you to reach the full potential of your workouts depending on a real-time feedback loop between your treadmill's speed & incline and your measured heart rate. As a result, you don't have to depend on your machine only to get an accurate measurement of your treadmill training intensity.
For example, if you're performing an iFit workout on your treadmill, ActivePulse will help determine if you are pushing yourself during the exercise. Specifically, it will tell you whether you need to decrease or increase the intensity. In addition, it will automatically change your workout equipment to that resistance and level, thus eliminating the need for self-monitoring.
Advantages of Active Pulse Heart Rate Training
If it's ActivePulse comes with many benefits both for beginners in the fitness industry and experienced fitness enthusiasts.
First, ActivePulse allows you to stay in your optimal zone by automatically changing your treadmill's incline & speed. Initially, the benefits of heart rate training depended on how well you would manually monitor and change their effort to start in a specific zone. ActivePulse will allow you to create a real-time feedback loop between your measured heart rate and the machine's incline or speed.
Another benefit of ActivePulse is that it adds an extra layer of customization by changing the intensity of your iFit training. This ensures that your workout meets your fitness requirements by using advanced algorithms to study your training patterns over time slowly. More notably, this ensures that your iFit workouts are set accordingly in the future.
Lastly, ActivePulse is compatible with all Ifit-enabled workout machines like NordicTrack, FreeMotion, and Proform treadmills through an automatic iFit software update. Also, it will become available for other workout machines from these brands, including rowers, bikes, and elliptical trainers.
Still, on ActivePulse compatibility, this feature works with many BlueTooth heart rate monitors that are equipped with broadcast functionality, which takes us to the main question of this article;
What Heart Rate Monitors Work with iFit?
iFit Active Pulse compatible devices support several kinds of heart rate monitors from popular brands. However, before you buy a heart rate monitor, it's important to ensure that it's compatible with your fitness equipment. More importantly, you should check whether your fitness equipment comes with the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) connectivity feature.
All in all, iFit works with Bluetooth fitness tracking devices like the iFit SmartBeat forearm HRM. Even better, it supports 3rd party fitness and heart rate monitor devices from popular brands like Wahoo, Polar, Garmin, and some WHOOP devices.
iFit Heart Rate Monitor Reviews
iFit SmartBeam Forearm Heart rate monitor
iFit SmartBeam is a Bluetooth-compatible heart rate monitor that allows you to train more effectively. It's equipped with optical PPG technology that senses your heart rate, making it one of the most reliable HRM out there. Moreover, you can use it for outdoor workouts and runs or even sync it to the iFit heart rate monitor app. Alternatively, you can connect it to your iFit-enabled fitness machine and use it with the iFit patented Active Pulse feature.
Lastly, this HRM has an adjustable, non-slip band, allowing you to wear it on your upper arm or forearm.
Highlighted features
- one-size-fits-all, non-slip band
- LED power button
- A Rechargeable Li-Ion battery lasts up to 30 hours per charge
- Magnetic charging cable
- Syns to iFit-enabled equipment and workout app
- Bluetooth connectivity
Polar iFit wireless heart rate monitor
Available in 5 different colors, this device from Polar is one of the most versatile fitness tracking devices that work with iFit. It works with different smartwatches and popular fitness apps like Nike and Strava. Moreover, you can use it when performing workout exercises like swimming, rowing, treadmill running, etc.
Another interesting feature about this heart rate tracking device is its high accuracy. In addition, it has various connection options, including ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity.
Overall, this Polar fitness heart rate monitor is an excellent device for tracking your workouts with the iFit fitness program. Best of all, its chest strap design has an easy-to-use buckle and silicone dots that keep it intact when you're training.
Highlighted Features
- Works with most smart and sports watches
- Compatible with iOS and Android mobile devices
- Bluetooth 4.0 capability
- Consistent and accurate heart rate tracking
- Convenient chest strap design
Wahoo iFit Heart rate monitor
Weighing just 1.7 oz, the Wahoo chest strap fitness, and heart rate monitor is one of the lightest heart rate tracking devices that work with iFit. In addition, its fitness app can measure real-time workout metrics like calorie burn and heart rate. This device can still send those metrics to compatible 3rd fitness apps.
Talking of compatibility, this device can be connected wirelessly both to GPS devices and smartphones, thanks to its dual-band ANT+ and Bluetooth functionality. This allows you to connect up to 3 Bluetooth connections simultaneously for a convenient workout.
In addition, the device has a strap connection and a front sensor. At the same time, this integrated chest strap design provides a more secure fit to prevent the monitor from shifting or sliding while exercising.
Highlighted Features
- Real-time heart rate and calorie burn tracking
- Integrated sensor and chest strap design
- ANT+ and Bluetooth capability
- Slim & lightweight design
- Works with popular fitness apps, including the iFit app
How to Connect iFit Heart Rate Monitor
Any heart rate monitor I've listed above works with iFit-enabled workout equipment. However, if you're experiencing some difficulty trying to connect your new heart rate monitor to iFit, follow these steps;
- First, open your heart rate monitor manual guide and carefully read how to use it. Next, put the device around your chest or forearm, according to the manual guide.
- Turn on your heart rate monitor and wait a few seconds until your iFit-enabled fitness equipment automatically scans and connects to the device's Bluetooth.
- Choose your desired iFit workout according to your body requirements and select the play button.
- Start your warm session and tap the 'End warm-up' option when you are done. Now, you can start enjoying your workout and the benefits of heart rate training. Once the device is connected, you'll start seeing your heart rate readings within your exercise metrics.
Final Word
To sum up, finding a heart rate monitor that works with iFit is a great way to enjoy the benefits of the ActivePulse feature. Best of all, it will help you to reevaluate your fitness goals since it allows you to exercise at the optimal heart rate zones. In addition, heart rate training is one of the best ways to achieve consistent and measurable progress as you aim to improve your overall health.
FAQs
Question-1. What are fitness trackers compatible with iFit?
iFit is now compatible with different fitness tracking programs available to keep your workout in one place. As an example, it works with popular fitness programs like Strava, Apple Health, Google Fit, and Garmin Connect.
Question-2. Does iFit track heart rate?
For iFit to show heart rate, you'll need an iFit-compatible device that works with your workout machine for accurate and consistent heart rate reading. You can use Bluetooth-enabled fitness equipment, iFit wearable, or a smart device.
Question-3. Which heart rate monitor works with NordicTrack?
iFit's SmartBeat Forearm HRM is the best heart rate monitor that works with NordicTrack fitness equipment.
Question-4. Does Garmin's heart rate monitor work with iFit?
Yes, iFit works with Garmin wireless heart rate monitors and even connects with Garmin Connect. Moreover, the recordings in Garmin Connect will sync to iFit, keeping your updated workout history in the iFit app.