Price: $149.99
Battery life: 1 year (used 1 hour per day)
Battery type: CR2032
Compatible devices: Garmin smartwatches, Edge cycling computers, Apple watch, Strava app (complete list found here)
Transmission: ANT+ and Bluetooth
Weight: 1.9 oz (53 g)
Availability: Retail and online
How obtained: Company sample
RBR advertiser: No
Chest Heart Rate Readings without the Full Strap
Garmin introduced the HRM-FIT women’s heart rate monitor strap in early 2024. What sets it apart is its design specifically for women. Instead of a full strap, it’s half a strap that attaches to a sports bra. This is an excellent option for those who dislike wearing a full strap.
I switched to a Garmin smartwatch a few years back because I prefer the convenience of monitoring my heart rate anytime, anywhere, and during any activity. I also found that traditional HRM straps would often chafe or not stay in place, sliding down to my waist. Worse yet, having a moist strap around my body on winter rides isn’t pleasant.
The HRM-FIT is particularly suitable for women on either end of the size spectrum. This new design offers a solution for petite women who struggle to adjust a full strap to fit properly, or for larger women who find it challenging to extend the strap enough. It is also beneficial for individuals like a friend of mine who has Raynaud’s syndrome. Due to the narrowing of her arteries, she cannot obtain an accurate heart rate reading from her wrist, as blood flow to her hands is limited.
How it Attaches
Attaching the HRM-FIT is a straightforward process. It connects to a sports bra using three points of attachment ― a large center snap and two smaller ones on the side. Garmin recommends using it with a medium or high-support sports bra to ensure the electrodes remain in place and provide the most accurate readings. If you plan to use it while swimming, remember that you will need to wear a sports bra underneath your swimsuit.
I found attaching the HRM-FIT to my sports bra to be easy. I installed the center snap first, followed by the sides, ensuring the strap was snug against my skin. To ensure good contact, I moistened the electrodes by wetting my fingers. After finishing my workout, I inspected the bra to see if the snaps had caused any damage to the fabric. However, it was impossible to detect any signs of attachment points.
Pairing and Accuracy
Pairing the HRM-FIT with my Garmin Edge 1040 Solar cycling computer was straightforward, similar to pairing any new sensor. I searched for the heart rate monitor sensor and connected it. The HRM-FIT is compatible with ANT+ and Bluetooth to pair with various devices such as Garmin smartwatches, Apple watches, Peloton app, Strava app, and more. It can also be connected to provide heart rate readings for indoor activities like using gym equipment or a treadmill, where GPS may not be available or accurate.
When I wasn’t wearing my smartwatch, the HRM-FIT still captured data such as steps, calories burned, intensity minutes, and all-day heart rate. Once I connected it again, the data would be updated on my Garmin devices through the Garmin Connect smartphone app.
During my indoor training sessions, I monitored my heart rate in real-time on both the Edge head unit and my smartwatch. The readings were almost identical on every ride, differing only by one or two beats. This level of accuracy gave me confidence in the HRM-FIT’s reliability.
Post-workout Care
Once I’ve completed my workout, I simply clean the strap by wiping it down, just like any other heart rate monitor strap. The company recommends rinsing it with water after each use and hand washing it every seven uses. Always line dry and never put in the washing machine or dryer.
Replacing the battery is a breeze. The device uses a standard CR2032 coin battery commonly found in power meters, speed sensors, and other cycling gadgets. According to Garmin, you’ll only need to change the battery once a year (assuming one hour of daily use). When it’s time for a new battery, use a coin or wide screwdriver to open the casing and easily swap out the old battery for a fresh one.
Bottom Line
The Garmin HRM-FIT women’s heart rate monitor’s reliability and versatility make it a valuable tool for women looking to track their fitness and optimize their training. Cyclists get all the benefits of a full-strap heart rate monitor. For runners, run dynamics are available, and swimmers can record an accurate heart rate in the pool or open water. The HRM-FIT solves the problem many women have with a traditional full strap monitor; however, it is pricy ― $149.99. You’ll need to determine if the added features are worth the expense.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
Kimberly says
There have been a few manufacturers that made sports bras with the transmitter pads built into the chest band and snaps in the center for the transmitter device. Numetrex made a really great bra but they are no longer manufacturing them. Sensoria currently makes a version. I much prefer having the transmitter as part of the bra instead of having a piece of plastic that clips in place. It’s a shame that more options are not available to have the technology built into the bra rather than a clumsy afterthought.