Biometric Monitors
Biometric monitors measure what's happening inside your training: heart rate, body composition and daily activity. This collection includes Garmin heart rate straps, a smart scale and activity trackers for adults and kids.
Pick by the metric you care about most. A chest strap gives the most dependable heart rate for intervals and zone training, while a smart scale tracks weight and body composition trends over time. Pair them with Garmin smart watches or see all fitness tech and wearables.
Frequently asked questions
Who needs a heart rate or blood pressure monitor?
Heart rate monitors benefit anyone training seriously — they take the guesswork out of intensity and let you spend the right time in the right zones. Blood pressure monitors are essential for anyone with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or age/family history risk factors. Both are affordable enough that most serious trainees own at least a basic HR monitor.
Chest strap vs. armband vs. wrist monitor — what's most accurate?
Order of accuracy: chest strap (best) → armband (very good) → wrist/watch (variable). Chest straps read electrical activity directly from the heart and are nearly ECG-accurate. Armbands use optical sensors on the bicep (cleaner reading than wrist). Wrist monitors are convenient but lose accuracy during high-intensity or weight-training movements.
How do I use heart rate zones?
Max HR ≈ 220 − your age (rough estimate). Five zones: Zone 1 (50–60%) recovery walking; Zone 2 (60–70%) base cardio and fat burn; Zone 3 (70–80%) aerobic fitness; Zone 4 (80–90%) threshold and high intensity; Zone 5 (90%+) max effort intervals. Most training should be Zone 2 with occasional Zone 4–5 intervals.
How accurate are home blood pressure monitors?
Quality upper-arm monitors from reputable brands are within 3–5 mmHg of clinical readings — more than accurate enough for home tracking. Wrist-cuff monitors are less accurate (typically 5–10 mmHg off) and require specific positioning. For serious BP tracking, use an upper-arm monitor and take readings at the same time each day.
Do these connect to my phone or smartwatch?
Most modern monitors offer Bluetooth connectivity to apps like Apple Health, Google Fit, Garmin Connect, or manufacturer-specific apps. Chest strap HR monitors work natively with most cardio machines (ANT+ or Bluetooth) — your HR shows on the machine console during workouts. Check specific compatibility on product pages.
Not sure which one fits your space?
Talk to our equipment specialists about fit, power needs and delivery before you buy, or plan it yourself with our free tools and calculators.
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