Why do treadmills currently avoid measuring heart rate from the handrails?

Pulse measurement during exercise is a valuable feature that allows you to monitor the intensity of your workout and your health. Many fitness devices, including exercise bikes and ellipticals, are equipped with heart rate sensors. So why don't some treadmill models offer this feature? There are several reasons why manufacturers may choose not to include this option in their products.

1. Measurement precision

One of the main challenges of measuring heart rate on a treadmill is maintaining accuracy. Running, especially at higher speeds, generates a lot of vibration and movement, which can make it difficult to accurately read heart rate using traditional sensors placed on the handlebars of the device.

2. Production costs

Adding heart rate monitoring to a treadmill involves additional manufacturing costs. This includes not only the cost of the sensors themselves, but also the integration of electronic systems and software. In some cases, manufacturers decide to eliminate this feature in order to keep their products competitively priced.

3. User Preferences

Not all treadmill users attach importance to monitoring their heart rate during training. Some prefer to use separate devices, such as smartwatches or chest straps, which can offer more advanced functions for monitoring physical activity and health.

4. Alternative monitoring methods

Treadmill manufacturers may also choose to offer alternative methods of monitoring workout intensity, such as calorie-burning estimation systems or intensity-zone-based training programs. These methods do not always require direct heart rate measurement, which may be sufficient for the needs of many users.

5. Technological choice

The rise of wearable technology, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, has meant that many users already own devices capable of monitoring heart rate and other health metrics. As a result, some treadmill manufacturers may find that built-in heart rate sensors are no longer as appealing a feature as they once were.

6. Electronics damage issues

One of the less obvious but important reasons why manufacturers may not implement heart rate measurement in treadmills is the risk of damaging the electronics. During intense treadmill workouts, the human body generates and accumulates an electrostatic charge. When touching the heart rate sensors, the accumulated charge can jump from the user to the sensors, and from there – directly to the sensitive electronics of the device.

In special cases, when the potential difference between the stored charge and the ground is significant, the flow of electrostatic charge can lead to voltage surges that damage delicate electronic components. Such damage not only shortens the life of the device, but can also lead to expensive repairs and replacement of parts.

To minimize the risk of damage to electronics, some manufacturers decide to avoid direct contact between the user and the heart rate sensors on treadmills. Alternatively, they can use advanced technologies for isolating and protecting the circuits, which, however, increase the cost of producing the equipment. This decision is often the result of striving to optimize the quality-price ratio of the offered devices, with a view to protecting both users and the equipment itself from potential failures.

Summary

The lack of a heart rate monitor on some treadmills may be due to a variety of reasons, from technical challenges to strategic business decisions. While heart rate monitoring is a valuable tool for many exercisers, there are many alternative methods and devices that can serve the same purpose. Ultimately, treadmill selection should be based on individual needs and preferences, taking into account both the features offered by the device and your personal training goals.

Matching functions and technology to the needs of users while maintaining high reliability and safety of use are key challenges facing manufacturers of fitness equipment. The abandonment of built-in heart rate sensors in some treadmill models is a decision dictated by a number of technical and economic reasons, including the risk of damage to electronics caused by electrostatic charge flow. Understanding these aspects allows users to make a more informed choice of equipment that best meets their individual needs and expectations.