These days it seems everyone has a GPS watch that is also a heart rate monitor (HRM). Everyone, that is, except me. Actually, I’m pretty sure that there are other active people out there that don’t have HRMs — but would like one, if it were comfortable and easy to use.
Today I’d like to introduce you to the Blink 3.0 from Heartzones. Heartzones was founded by Sally Edwards — triathlete, ultramarthoner, and founder of Fleet Feet. Sally’s mission is to help people get and keep active — and that’s a mission I can get behind.
So first things first: hear rate training is all the rage these days. But why? There are many reasons, but here’s what it boils down to: your heart rate gives you precise feedback on when you’re training too hard or too light — or just right.
Today I am joining up with the Friday Five 2.0 from Fairytales & Fitness and Rachel @ Running on Happy to share five reasons you should consider the Blink 3.0 wearable.
The Blink 3.0 allows you to customize three zones:
- Blue: easy
- Yellow: moderate
- Red: strenuous
The device itself blinks, and the blinker color changes as your heart rate changes to match your zones — when you’re working out easy, it blinks blue; as you ramp it up, it blinks yellow, and of course it blinks red when you’re going hard.
Disclaimer: I received at Blink 3.0 wearable free in exchange for an honest review. The opinions in this post are my own.
HRM — no chest strap necessary!
I don’t know about you, but I really don’t want to have to strap something extra around my chest. My treadmill actually has a heart rate monitor — but since I have to strap it around my chest, I can probably count the number of times I’ve used it on two hands — and I’ve had the treadmill about fifteen years or so.
Comfortable and versatile
The stretchy neoprene band makes it easy to put on and light to wear.
Waterproof
Yes, it’s waterproof up to 10-20 meters. I didn’t end up testing it since I don’t like to take my iPod into the pool with me, but Holly @ Hohoruns did, and she gave it two thumbs up here. I also got to test it out in a torrential downpour yesterday — it definitely seemed to have survived!
Sensors for different skin zones
There are actually two optical sensors, which makes it more accurate for people with pale skin and people of color.
Run naked
Okay, if you’re wearing your Blink 3.0, you’re not running naked. But what about those days you just want to run without worrying about pace or distance? Wouldn’t it be nice to still know you’re getting a good workout?
The Blink 3.0 is very lightweight, and very simple to use. In order to collect data and be able to easily see which zone you’re working out in, you will need to have your smartphone so that you can have the Heartzones App running (unfortunately only available for iOS devices presently).
Unless you enjoy running with your phone in your hand (hey, I’ve seen it!), the only actual feedback you’ll get on the run is the changing color of your Blink 3.0. This makes it easy to adjust your pace without getting hung up on the numbers — but you’ll have all the data on the app after you finish your run.
Also check out Teresa @ Findingfabulousatfifty’s in-depth review here.
So let me know in the comments:
Do you use a HRM?
Has your HRM helped you train smarter?
Does the Blink 3.0 sound interesting to you?
Chocolaterunsjudy 
My watch shows hr but I never look. I run naked all the time and I sometimes do carry my phone in my hand. It’s easier to take pics while I’m running.
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That’s what the pockets & walk break s are for — to take photos. 🙂
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I know people love doing HR training and I have never tried it. Maybe I should? I like the looks of this watch though
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It’s actually not a watch. It’s just a HRM, but not a chest strap. Although the app tracks more than just HR.
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I don’t use a heart rate monitor, but I’ve gotten pretty good at running by feel over the years. A watch HRM would certainly be more enjoyable than the chest straps, as long as it’s actually accurate.
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This one seems pretty accurate — but it’s not actually a watch. But sometimes it goes off the deep end. Just like my Garmin. Which thought I hiked 9 miles in an hour last week. 🙂
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I do love my Blink but sure hoping they’ll come out with an Android app! Currently I have to sync it to another app which requires me to run with my phone if I want all of the stats. It will not sync the information after the fact. 😕
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I agree on the android.
I happen to have an Ipod Touch, too, so it requires me to carry that (which I often do anyway because it takes better photos than my phone).
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I’ve never used a HRM because I’m not sure it would make a difference in the way I run based on the data. However, I would like to try it just to see if I really am running too hard or if I have more in me!
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I’m not super religious about looking at the data, I admit, but it’s nice to have!
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I’ve never tried HRM training but I’m very intrigued by it. I have the chest strap for my HRM but I hate wearing it!
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This is definitely much better than wearing a chest strap!
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It does actually sound interesting to me. I have been running without my Garmin for about a month and I love it. In my head I am running “easy” but I wonder if I really am. Are they expensive?
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They aren’t cheap — they’re $99.
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Sounds like a neat product!
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I find the HRM data interesting and useful…my FR235 has a built-in optical HRM that I really like and I can customize the zones as needed and break the data down on Strava. This looks like a cool gadget and I like the simplicity of the concept.
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Obviously, my GPS doesn’t have HR. Not yet, anyway,
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This does sound interesting! I don’t care about numbers (I know, I’m one of the weirdos who does not embrace on-going stats as I run), but the blinking lights would be sufficient…and having access to the stats when I’m done is a plus! I’m gonna look into this, thanks for the info!
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Sounds like a fun little device. I can’t stand those strappy things around the chest, but I am curious about the HR.
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My treadmill came with a chest strap HRM. I have worn it a few times, but not in a long time (remember, it’s 16 years old!).
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My Garmin vivosmart has a built it HRM. A quick look on my wrist on the run gives me the info I need to know if I am working in the zone. I have done some Heart Rate training & it has helped me. I am not sure I would spend $99 for another gadget that a gadget I have already performs.
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I bought my Vivoactive before it had a HR version. If you already have a HRM, then no, I wouldn’t see a need for the Blink.
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