How To Use Orangetheory Heart Rate Monitor? Explained
You absolutely do not need to use the Orangetheory heart rate monitor. They allow you to take classes even without a HRM, Even; Some people use other fitness tracker like apple watch, smartwatches etc.
It is not necessary to have an Oranegtheory heart rate monitor in order to take classes at the studio, however, having one would be a valuable accessory for the exercise.
Orangetheory Heart Rate Monitor and the Apple watch with OTBeat Link are the only options which can be used to show personal splats/stats on the OTBeat screen; other heart rate monitors will not be compatible.
All About Orangetheory Heart Rate Monitor
Orangetheory heart rate zones are a great feature of the gym that are displayed during classes and can be tracked with an Orangetheory heart rate monitor or Apple watch. Sadly, not all heart rate monitors have these features.
There are three main Orangetheory heart rate monitors;
- The OTBeat Core: The pioneering OrangeTheory heart rate monitor, the OTBeat Core, is the only chest strap present in the gym. Despite its unappealing size and shape, this device has a well-deserved reputation for top-notch accuracy.
- The OTBeat Flex: The OTBeat Flex is the perfect solution for those looking for a convenient way to track their rowing and cycling performances. Compared to the OTBeat Core, the Flex provides an easier and more comfortable way to monitor your progress.
- The OTBeat Burn: The Burn is the latest OTF heart rate monitor technology, boasting a durable battery life and sleek design. It is more expensive than its predecessors, but it is worth the investment for its top-of-the-line features.
OTBeat Burn Specifications:
| Technical Feature | Description |
| Functions | Heart rate detection and transmission (ANT+ or Bluetooth 4.0), low battery alert |
| Heart Rate Range | 30 to 220 BPM in 1 BPM resolution |
| Transmission | ANT+ /BLE |
| Power Supply | 3.8V Li-ion Polymer rechargeable battery |
| ANT+ or BLE Transmission Distance | 15 Meters |
| Water Resistance Level | IP67 |
| Storage Temperature | -20 to +60◦C |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to +40C |
| Memory capacity | 6 hours detection |
| Heart Rate Accuracy | +/-5 BPM |
| Battery Life time (PPG&BLE always on) | Up to 24 hours of continuous detection |
Why You Need the Orangetheory Heart Rate Monitor?
Because, Orangetheory heart rate monitors are highly accurate and feature heart rate zones, making them ideal for productive exercise activities. They are expensive but can be used with multiple fitness apps, providing the best possible use of the device. You also can buy a used orange theory heart rate monitor at cheaper price but be careful to check conditions before you buy.
How Does the Orangetheory Heart Rate Monitor Work?
After wearing the Orangetheory heart rate monitor in class, you’ll see your name appear on the screen as a signal that it has synced. During your workout, the HRM will project your different heart rate zones on the screen, so you can monitor how hard you’re working out.
Orangetheory fitness use 5 different heart rate zones, each represented by its own color to help you track your workout intensity.
Gray zone: In Orangetheory, the first zone is where you start your workout. This zone gets you up to 50-60% of your optimal heart rate and sets you up for a successful exercise session.
Blue zone: During your warm-up, your heart rate will increase up to a range of 61 to 70%, allowing you to use your optimal heart rate.
Green zone: Feeling the sweat dripping as you work out, you’re pushing yourself to the limit with your heart rate soaring between 71 and 83%. Make sure to keep pushing for at least 25 minutes in your 60-minute class for maximum results!
Orange zone: Reach the zone in your OTF class to get the most out of your session and earn splat points! Your exercise should use 84-91% of your optimal heart rate for at least 12 minutes, allowing you to burn fat even after the class.
Red zone: Reach your optimal heart rate with 12 minutes or more in the red and orange zones to unlock your full potential and get OTF splat points!
In class, everyone’s progress will be shown on the screen, allowing each student to track their own pace. While you and your neighbor or friend may look at your own metrics, the rest of the class will be occupied by competing to get the most splat points.
Do You Need an Orangetheory Heart Rate Monitor for Orangetheory class?
Having an Orangetheory heart rate monitor may be advantageous due to its accuracy and durability, however, not everyone can afford it.
The OTBeat Link technology has made it possible to sync an Apple Watch with Orangetheory, providing similar results.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use a heart rate monitor is up to the user, depending on their individual needs and preferences.
What Type of Heart Rate Monitor Does Orangetheory Use?
Orangetheory uses three types of heart rate monitors, the OTBeat Core chest strap, the OTBeat Flex and OTBeat Burn armbands, and the OTBeat Link for Apple Watches, allowing users to choose the most convenient option for their needs.
Which OTF Heart Rate Monitor is Best? Which One Provides Accurate Data?
The Orangetheory heart rate monitors vary in specific features – The OTBeat Core is best for optimal sensitivity and value, the OTBeat Burn offers the longest-lasting battery, the OTBeat Flex is a convenient armband suitable for rowing, and the OTBeat Link is a great addition to an Apple Watch.
Where Should I Wear My Orangetheory Heart Rate Monitor?
Wearing an OTF heart rate monitor correctly depends on the type of device you own. Armbands should be worn on the wrist, bicep, or forearm and activated by pressing and holding onto the OTF logo until it lights blue.
Chest straps should be worn around the chest and the pod placed between the sensors on the sternum. Once connected to the Orangetheory screens, users can then begin their workout.
Precautions for Oranegtheory Heart Rate Monitor
To ensure accurate readings from the OTF heart rate monitor, one should avoid leaving it in the cold, wet the sensors when using the OT Core and make sure to wear it neither too loose nor too snug.
Where to Buy Orangetheory Heart Rate Monitor
For those looking to purchase an Orangetheory heart rate monitor, new versions can be found in all Orangetheory studios and their online shops.
For a used version of the device, potential buyers can search for them on eBay, Craigslist or Facebook.
How to Use Orangetheory Heart Rate Monitor Outside of Class?
Can you use your Orangetheory heart rate monitor outside of class? Yes you can use orangetheory heart rate monitor at home or outside of orangetheory. OT Fitness has developed a mobile app to allow users to experience the same benefits of their in-studio workouts from home.
By connecting the Orangetheory heart rate monitor via Bluetooth, users can enjoy various at-home or outdoor workout apps with their own device.
How to Connect the Orangetheory Heart Rate Monitor to the Orangetheory Mobile App?
Orangetheory Fitness is known for its unique heart rate monitoring system, and the only way to use it outside of the studio is to connect it with the mobile app.
To do this, users need to download the app, turn on their heart rate monitor and Bluetooth, and connect them in the settings bar.
Once connected, users can choose from a range of at-home workouts that will track their metrics such as calories burned and splat points.
Can you use orangetheory heart rate monitor with other apps?
Yes, the Orangetheory heart rate monitor can be connected to a range of fitness apps via Bluetooth, such as Strava, Peloton, Fitiv, MapMyFitness, FitBit, iCardio and more. This allows users to use the monitor for various other fitness activities outside of Orangetheory.
Orangetheory launches fitness tracker that connects to your Apple Watch
Orangetheory has launched the OTbeatLink, a device that attaches to an Apple Watch and allows members to monitor their heart rate and see their stats on a live leaderboard during classes.
This eliminates the need for members to buy a separate heart rate monitoring device, as they can now use their own Apple Watch. The Apple Workout app also mirrors the in-studio heart rate monitors, enabling users to track which color “zone” they are in.
According to Orangetheory’s CEO and co-founder, over 90% of its members use an iOS device, with 43% using an Apple Watch. There are currently no plans to develop integrations with other fitness tracker brands.
So, what’s the best Orangetheory heart-rate monitor?
Orangetheory offers four heart-rate monitors to choose from, and the OT Core is usually offered for free when signing up. The OT Flex and OT Burn are good options for those who don’t want a chest strap and have the budget for them.
It’s important to have one of these monitors in order to track performance during OTF classes according to the “Orange Theory”.
Final Thoughts
Oranegtheory heart rate monitors are not 100% accurate, but they have better accuracy levels than most other heart rate monitors. They allow users to track their heart rate, calories burned, distance and time, which is then projected onto Orangetheory screens.
Alternatively, one can use other heart rate monitors if the screen projection and heart rate zones are not of priority.
