Does the Heart Rate Monitor System Used by Orangetheory Fitness Work with Apple Watch?
Yes, the heart rate monitor system used by Orangetheory Fitness can work with the Apple Watch. Orangetheory Fitness utilizes a proprietary technology called OTBeat, which includes heart rate monitors that can connect to various devices, including the Apple Watch. However, to get the most accurate heart rate data, it's often recommended to use a chest strap heart rate monitor, as it provides more consistent readings during high-intensity exercises.
Integration of OTBeat with Apple Watch: The Apple Watch is not natively compatible with the OTBeat system, at least in terms of real-time display on studio screens. Users can, however, pair the heart rate monitor with the Apple Watch to track heart rate, calories burned, and other workout data. This is done by syncing the sensor via Bluetooth to the Apple Watch.
Official Compatibility and Features
Orangetheory Fitness offers their own proprietary technology for heart rate monitoring in their facilities. They have two types of heart rate monitors specifically designed for their system: one in the form of a watch and the other as a belt worn around the torso. These monitors sync seamlessly with the screens in their studios, making them the best option for users who want a device purpose-built for their training needs.
Users who prefer using their existing Apple Watch may find inconsistencies in heart rate data. The official recommendation is to use Orangetheory Fitness's proprietary devices, as they develop everything you need in-house, including heart rate monitors and sports clothing. This unique approach ensures that all aspects of the workout are optimized for consistency and performance.
Real-World Experiences
From personal experience, as of April 2017, the OTBeat system utilized by Orange Theory was not directly compatible with the Apple Watch in terms of displaying activity data on studio screens. However, users can sync the sensor via Bluetooth to their Apple Watch to override the built-in heart rate monitor on the watch.
My personal observations have shown that the Apple Watch tends to under-report heart rate and calorie burn compared to the OT Performance Summary email received after class. This discrepancy is likely due to the Apple Watch sports band not being as tight and comfortable as the OTBeat sensor, which leads to less accurate readings.
To ensure accurate and consistent results, I wear both the OTBeat device (on my left wrist) and my Apple Watch (on my right wrist). While this may seem a bit excessive, it's crucial for maintaining consistency in workout data and ensuring automatic syncing to my calorie tracking app, LoseIt!
Current Heart Rate Monitor Options
For those interested in the current offerings for heart rate monitors compatible with the OTBeat system used by Orangetheory Fitness, you can check the official website. The current options include:
The default chest strap Two watch options (OTBeat Link and OTBeat Flex)I have been using the OTBeat Link watch for over a year and find it superior to the chest strap option, despite the initial wear and tear.
Conclusion
While the Apple Watch can be used with Orangetheory Fitness's OTBeat system, it's important to consider the accuracy and consistency of heart rate data. Users who value precise and reliable workout data may find that specialist devices like the OTBeat watches provide the best results. However, compatibility and accuracy can vary, so it's advisable to explore all options and choose the solution that best suits individual needs.