With its unique design, excellent battery life, and convenient connectivity smarts that allow seamless connection to other Garmin products, the HRM-Fit is an excellent investment for sports bra-wearing fitness enthusiasts.
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Design
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Features
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Fit
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Value
Stuff isn’t only home to tech nerds, you’ll find one or two “avid fitness enthusiasts” in our ranks too, as well as a “non-practising health fanatic”. Recently, one of our avid fitness enthusiasts got hold of the Garmin HRM-Fit to try out.
In case the abbreviation and pictures weren’t a giveaway, it’s a heart rate monitor that’s designed to fit snuggly below your bosom and attach itself to a sports bra. We’ve tried our fair share of heart rate monitors, with and without sports bras, but when it comes to the former, the Garmin HRM-Fit is a great choice.
Health stats without the chaffing
Garmin has nailed the design with the HRM-Fit. Its sleek, compact profile sits comfortably against your body so it doesn’t interfere with your workouts. The soft, adjustable strap and three snap clips ensure a snug fit for people of all shapes and sizes without causing any irritation or chaffing, even during intense exercise sessions.
Whether you’re hitting the gym, riding a bike, pounding the pavement, or tackling a challenging trail, this heart rate monitor stays in place without any slippage, providing accurate stats throughout your workout. We loved that it allows for freedom of movement without the restriction of a band around your body.
However, you’ll want to make sure you have a tight-fitting medium- or high-support sports bra to ensure it sits flush with your chest. It won’t do much good if it’s allowed to dangle and flap in the wind or you finish your run with it around your waist.
It is, of course, water (and sweat) resistant up to 3 ATM so you don’t have to worry if it will survive a bit of sweat or the odd downpour but it wasn’t designed to be worn in the pool or submerged. There’s the Garmin HRM-Pro for that.
Accurate data right from the source
One of the standout features of the Garmin HRM-Fit is its accuracy. Powered by advanced sensor technology, it delivers precise heart rate data, allowing you to optimize your workout with real-time feedback.
Additionally, it seamlessly connects with various Garmin devices, and of course Training Peaks and Strava, to provide comprehensive health and activity tracking. You aren’t locked into the Garmin ecosystem, though, as it does support pairing with third-party devices too.
Battery life is a crucial factor for any fitness gadget, and the Garmin HRM-Fit doesn’t disappoint. It uses a small coin-sized CR2032 battery so you don’t have to remember to recharge it after every workout. In fact, with the quoted battery life of up to 12 months, you can pretty much forget about keeping it alive until it shouts at you for a new battery. Thankfully, swapping it out is as easy as snapping it onto your sports bra.
Garmin HRM-Fit verdict
In terms of value, the asking price of R3,400 is higher than other heart rate monitors on the market but the Garmin HRM-Fit is still an excellent investment for sports bra-wearing fitness enthusiasts seeking reliable heart rate monitoring.
Its unique design, coupled with its robust features and durable construction, make it a standout choice. Considering its accuracy, comfort, and compatibility with Garmin devices, it’s a worthwhile addition to any fitness arsenal. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a casual exerciser, this device delivers on its promises, empowering you to reach your fitness goals with confidence and precision.
