We recently announced the ability to manually input Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Resting Heart Rate (RHR) data into the newly-customizable SportTracks Health page. In addition, HRV data can automatically be included in the .FIT files from specific Garmin sports watches!
If you have access to a Garmin 920XT, 910XT, fēnix 3, or a Forerunner 620, you can start tracking and analyzing your HRV data in SportTracks — but first you need to manually enable the recording of this data on your watch. Instructions are below...
Garmin 920XT, fēnix 3, and Forerunner 620
To enable HRV recording you need to do the following:
- Connect your watch to a computer with the supplied USB cable
- Download this file
- Put that file (which is named “enable_hrv_settings_file.fit”) into your watch in this folder: :\GARMIN\NEWFILES
- Sync your watch with Garmin Express and disconnect
Garmin 910XT
To enable HRV recording you need to do the following:
- Power up your 910XT
- Press the Menu button
- On the Menu screen, press the Up button then the Down button, and repeat this ten times.
- After pressing Up and Down a bunch of times, the watch will display its Diagnostic Menu. In the top right, select HRV to enable it.
Turning on this feature will eat a little more battery life than usual and make your FIT files noticeably larger, but it’s worth it to reap the benefits of HRV training.
NOTE: An article that clearly explains the benefits of training with HRV is coming soon. Stay tuned!
HRV App for Garmin Connect IQ
If you have access to a Garmin watch that features Connect IQ, you can download and run the free HRV app, which provides a simple way to test your HRV. The current Garmin products that are compatible with Connect IQ are the 920XT, 920XTJ, epix, fēnix 3, fēnix 3 HR, the vívoactive, and the D2 Bravo.
Is there another way to measure HRV?
If you don't have one of those Garmin watches, you can track your HRV with specialized mobile apps. If you use an iPhone or iPad, we recommend the excellent HRV4Training app. SportTracks is currently working with HRV app developers to integrate with our platform. Exciting new functionality is on the way!
The instructions for the 910XT were provided by the5krunner.com.