FAQs: Heart Rate Monitor

OMRON Heart Rate Monitor FAQs| OMRON Heart Rate Monitors are programmable so you can maintain a workout within your target training zone.

By exercising within your target training zone, you’ll achieve more in less time. Each zone offers different benefits. The most popular zone is 50 to 80 percent of your maximum heart rate. This is where you achieve cardio benefits, burn fat and become more fit. OMRON Heart Rate Monitors are programmable so you can maintain your workout within your chosen zone.

  • Health Maintenance [65-78%]: low intensity level training. Good if you’re a beginner and strengthening your cardiovascular system.
  • Aerobic Exercise [65-85%]: increases strength and endurance. Burns calories faster and can be sustained during longer workouts.
  • Anaerobic Exercise [78-90%]: improves speed and power. This zone builds muscle faster, but cannot be maintained for long workouts.
  • Red Line [90-100%]: maximum capacity.

  1. Take your pulse for one minute first thing in the morning to determine your resting heart rate [ e.g. 60 beats per minute]
  2. Calculate your maximum heart rate by subtracting your age from 220 [e.g. 220 – 40 = 180]
  3. Subtract your resting heart rate from your maximum heart rate to calculate your heart rate reserve [e.g. 180 – 60 = 120]
  4. Calculate the lower limit of your target heart rate by multiplying your heart rate reserve by .60. Add that total to your resting heart rate [e.g. (120 * .60) + 60 = 132]
  5. Calculate the upper limit of your target heart rate by multiplying your heart rate reserve by .80. Add that total to your resting heart rate [e.g. (120 * .80) + 60 = 156]
  6. Combine the upper and lower limits of your target heart rate, and divide that total by 2. This is your target heart rate [e.g. (132 + 156) / 2 = 144]

Walk 10 steps with your normal stride (for jogging stride, job 10 steps in your normal stride). Measure the distance from start to end in inches. Calculate your stride length by dividing the total distance that you measures by 10. Stride length = total distance in inches.

For example:

Total distance (10 steps) = 320″
Stride length formula = 320″ / 10 = 32″

Yes, the batteries will occasionally need to be replaced throughout the life of the product. Both the watch and the transmitter belt for the HR-100C, HR-210 and HR-310 require Lithium CR2032, 3V batteries. The CR2032 batteries can be changed with a small Phillips head screwdriver. Batteries should be inserted with the “+” side facing up.

The HR-500U monitor requires a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (100 mAh).

Always keep the watch and chest transmitter clean by wiping away any dirt with a soft, dry cloth. Do NOT immerse the watch or transmitter in water.

Clean the chest or wrist strap by placing it in warm water with a neutral detergent. Rinse thoroughly with water and allow to air dry out of direct sunlight.

The HR-100C, HR-210 and HR-310 heart rate monitors can be worn in the shower and during light swimming in shallow water. The HR-500U and chest transmitter can NOT be submerged in water.

Wet the conductive pads on the underside of the chest transmitter with a few drops of water to ensure solid contact throughout your workout. Strap the transmitter across your chest, making sure the belt sits snugly below your pectoral muscles. For accurate heart rate readings, make sure the belt is placed above your heart.

In the event of a weak or disrupted signal, shorten the distance between the chest belt and watch (less than 25″), re-adjust the position of the chest belt and check the conductive pads are moist enough to ensure solid contact.

Ensure your USB connector is inserted into your monitor correctly. If the battery still doesn’t charge, refer to your instruction manual for additional instructions.

To prevent deterioration of the battery due to over-discharge, charge at least once every two month, even when not using the watch for an extended period of time.

Your data and settings will be saved even if the battery completely drains. You will only need to reset the time for the watch.

Your monitor may not be turned on. Press and hold the ENTER button for at least 3 seconds. If the screen is still blank, make sure that the battery is fully charged before using.

Fasten the wristband securely around your wrist. Loose wristbands will prevent accurate readings.

Press the reset switch with a pin or similar tool and then press and hold the ENTER button for at least 3 seconds to turn on the watch. Pressing the reset switch will not cause settings to be erased.

Plug in the USB connector into your PC/Mac. If the error still occurs after trying the above solutions, contact OMRON Healthcare’s Customer Service.

Your jogging and walking stride settings may be incorrect. Determine your stride length and enter the settings before using the monitor again.

The symbol represents the Memory/Transfer indicator. It is continuously displayed when eight hours of data has been stored in the memory, indicating that you should transfer the data via optional NFC Communication Tray soon. When the memory is full, the unit will begin to delete the oldest data to make room for new workouts.