Instant Heart Rate App

never heard of it before. the likihood is its not going to be as accurate as a heart rate monitor... i need to invest in one lol!

It's pretty accurate at resting. I've taken my pulse and used it at the same time. But it's not really instant and you wouldn't be able to use it like a HRM to see continuous heart rate, it's more of a snapshot

I purchased a watch called My Mio, I love it! It tracks your work out time, HR, and Calories burned.

Thanks for the replies! I was looking for an alternative to a HRM, but I may just have to break down and buy one. I've been trying to download the app to test it out and my phone isn't downloading it (don't know why!).

Just get the HRM, you'll seriously thank yourself for getting one. You can pick up a Polar FT4 for around $50-$60 and it's super accurate.

Just downloaded it. It's pretty cool, thanks!

Hi,
I've read through a lot of the comments on the Instant Heart Rate app. I am from Azumio, the makers of the app. Let weigh in with some thoughts:

1. Instant Heart Rate is an accurate heart rate app. Using the flash on your camera, we illuminate the finger tip and use the camera to read the color changes/ pulse in your finger- thus giving a heart rate. We have done a lot of testing with other heart rate monitors and get a +/- 1 BPM variability.

2. You do have to learn how to place your finger over the phone. Ideally your finger is warm and dry. You hold the phone in portrait mode (up/down) in one hand and place your index finger over the camera. Covering the camera is the most important. Don't push too hard. We cannot detect the color changes if there is too much pressure. Once we pick up the heart rate, it takes 10 seconds to give an accurate reading.

3. It can be difficult to use the app while actively exercising as you have to hold the phone quite still. It is a snapshot of your heart rate at any given moment. We log that reading in the timeline which you can go back and reference for trends and patterns.

4. Some ideas for use: pre/post coffee, resting heart rate first thing in the morning, sitting down take one measurement and then stand up and quickly take another to see how your heart rate is effected. Many many athletes use the app pre, peak, and post workout.

5. We have two other applications that measure heart rate variability- the time and distance between each heart beat. These apps are called Stress Check and Stress Doctor. Check them out!

Let me know if you have any questions. Measuring your heart rate is an important way to track your fitness goals!

Jen