Quick Answer: Your Peloton connects to Bluetooth heart rate monitors natively, and FitSwitch adds ANT+ support plus rebroadcast capability. This means you can use any HR monitor, and FitSwitch can send your heart rate data to other devices like Garmin watches, Apple Watch, and training apps.
Table of Contents
- Heart Rate Monitoring on Peloton
- Compatible Heart Rate Monitors
- Connecting Your HR Monitor
- Heart Rate Rebroadcast with FitSwitch
- Heart Rate Training Tips
- FAQ
Heart Rate Monitoring on Peloton
Why Heart Rate Matters
Heart rate provides crucial training information: - Training zones — Target the right intensity - Effort level — Objective measure of how hard you're working - Recovery — Track heart rate during rest periods - Fitness trends — Lower HR at same power = improved fitness - Calorie accuracy — HR improves calorie calculations
Peloton's Native HR Support
Peloton supports Bluetooth heart rate monitors out of the box: - Connect in Peloton settings - HR displays during classes - Contributes to Strive Score (Peloton's effort metric) - Recorded in workout history
The Limitation
Peloton only accepts heart rate—it doesn't share it. Your HR data: - Shows in Peloton app only - Doesn't broadcast to other devices - Can't reach Garmin, Apple Watch, or training apps
FitSwitch solves this with heart rate rebroadcast.
Compatible Heart Rate Monitors
Bluetooth Heart Rate Monitors
These connect directly to Peloton:
Chest Straps (Most Accurate): - Polar H10, H9, H7 - Garmin HRM-Pro, HRM-Dual - Wahoo TICKR, TICKR X - Scosche Rhythm24 (chest mode)
Arm Bands: - Polar Verity Sense - Scosche Rhythm+ 2.0 - Whoop (with broadcast enabled) - Garmin HRM-Pro Plus
Watches (If Bluetooth HR Broadcast): - Some Garmin watches (check model) - Some fitness trackers with HR broadcast
ANT+ Heart Rate Monitors
With FitSwitch, ANT+ HR monitors also work: - Garmin HRM series (ANT+ mode) - Wahoo TICKR (ANT+ mode) - Polar H10 (ANT+ mode) - Any ANT+ HR strap
FitSwitch receives ANT+ and makes it available to the system.
Dual-Mode Monitors (Recommended)
Monitors that support both Bluetooth and ANT+ offer maximum flexibility: - Polar H10 — Gold standard for accuracy - Garmin HRM-Pro Plus — Running dynamics too - Wahoo TICKR X — Memory for offline recording - Garmin HRM-Dual — Simple, reliable
These can connect to Peloton via Bluetooth while simultaneously broadcasting ANT+ to other devices.
Connecting Your HR Monitor
Bluetooth Connection to Peloton
- Prepare your HR monitor — Put it on, activate it
- Open Peloton settings — Tap profile icon → Settings
- Go to Heart Rate Monitor — Under device settings
- Search for devices — Peloton scans for Bluetooth HR
- Select your monitor — Tap to pair
- Verify connection — HR should display
Your HR now shows during all Peloton content.
ANT+ Connection via FitSwitch
FitSwitch connects to ANT+ heart rate monitors directly. For detailed setup with screenshots, see the FitSwitch Heart Rate Instructions.
Quick steps:
- Wear your ANT+ HR monitor — Make sure it's active
- Open the FitSwitch app on your Peloton
- Tap "Heart Rate: Not Connected" — Located in the bottom left corner of the FitSwitch home screen
- Select your device — FitSwitch scans automatically and displays detected monitors with their device ID
- Confirm connection — Your device name appears in the bottom left, and HR shows in the metrics bar
FitSwitch remembers your HR monitor for automatic reconnection on future rides. To remove a saved device, tap the HR area and select "Clear."
Heart Rate Rebroadcast with FitSwitch
What is Rebroadcast?
FitSwitch can take your heart rate data and transmit it to other devices: - Your HR monitor connects to Peloton (Bluetooth) or FitSwitch (ANT+) - FitSwitch reads the HR data - FitSwitch rebroadcasts via ANT+ and Bluetooth - Other devices receive your HR
Why Rebroadcast Matters
Single HR Monitor, Multiple Receivers: - HR monitor → Peloton (for display) - HR monitor → FitSwitch → Garmin watch (for recording) - HR monitor → FitSwitch → Training app (for workout)
Without rebroadcast, you'd need multiple HR monitors or choose where to send the signal.
Rebroadcast to Garmin
Your Garmin watch can receive HR via ANT+ from FitSwitch: 1. FitSwitch receives HR (Bluetooth or ANT+ from your monitor) 2. FitSwitch broadcasts ANT+ HR profile 3. Garmin watch pairs to FitSwitch HR broadcast 4. Your ride records accurate HR data
Rebroadcast to Apple Watch
Through FitSwitch's Bluetooth capabilities: 1. FitSwitch receives your HR data 2. Broadcasts to Apple Watch compatible apps 3. Workout tracking includes HR from your chest strap
This gives Apple Watch users chest strap accuracy instead of wrist-based HR.
Rebroadcast to Training Apps
For Zwift, TrainerRoad, Rouvy via the Bridge app: 1. Your HR monitor connects 2. FitSwitch makes HR available 3. Training app receives HR data 4. Complete workout data (power, cadence, HR)
Heart Rate Training Tips
Understanding HR Zones
| Zone | % Max HR | Feel | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | 50-60% | Very easy | Recovery |
| Zone 2 | 60-70% | Comfortable | Endurance base |
| Zone 3 | 70-80% | Moderate | Aerobic capacity |
| Zone 4 | 80-90% | Hard | Threshold |
| Zone 5 | 90-100% | Maximum | VO2max/sprints |
Calculating Max HR
Common formulas: - 220 - age — Simple but imprecise - 208 - (0.7 × age) — Slightly better - Actual max HR test — Most accurate
For training, consider a proper max HR test or use perceived exertion alongside HR.
HR Drift
During long rides, HR increases even at constant power—this is "cardiac drift." It's normal: - Happens after 30-60+ minutes - Caused by dehydration, heat, fatigue - Doesn't mean you're working harder
Use power as primary metric; HR confirms effort level.
HR and Power Together
The combination tells you more than either alone: - High power, low HR — Fresh, strong, well-recovered - Low power, high HR — Fatigued, stressed, need recovery - Consistent relationship — Normal training state
Track both with FitSwitch for complete workout data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Peloton have a built-in heart rate sensor?
No. Peloton bikes don't have built-in HR sensors—you need an external monitor.
What about the handlebar sensors I've seen?
Some gyms have bikes with grip sensors. Peloton doesn't have these. You need a chest strap or arm band.
Which HR monitor is most accurate?
Chest straps (Polar H10, Garmin HRM-Pro) are most accurate. Arm bands are good but slightly less precise. Wrist-based (watches) are least accurate during cycling.
Can I use Apple Watch for heart rate on Peloton?
Not directly—Apple Watch doesn't broadcast HR to Peloton. You can use a separate HR strap for Peloton, and FitSwitch sends power/cadence to Apple Watch.
Do I need FitSwitch just for heart rate?
Peloton connects to Bluetooth HR monitors natively. FitSwitch adds: - ANT+ HR monitor support - HR rebroadcast to other devices - HR data in training apps via Bridge
If you only need HR on the Peloton screen, a Bluetooth strap works without FitSwitch.
Can multiple devices receive my HR simultaneously?
Yes, with FitSwitch rebroadcast. Your HR can go to Peloton display, Garmin watch, and training apps all at once.
Why is my HR reading erratic?
Common causes: - Dry electrode pads (wet them) - Loose fit (adjust strap) - Low battery - Interference from other devices - Static from clothing
Does heart rate affect calorie calculation?
Yes. HR data improves calorie accuracy. Without HR, calories are estimated from power alone.
Can FitSwitch connect to Whoop?
If your Whoop broadcasts HR via Bluetooth (check Whoop settings), it should work. Whoop's broadcast feature may require specific setup.
What about optical HR sensors in the Peloton arm band?
Peloton sells an arm band HR monitor that connects via Bluetooth—it works like any Bluetooth HR strap.
Complete Heart Rate Integration
Your heart rate data shouldn't be trapped in one device. FitSwitch enables:
- Any HR monitor — Bluetooth and ANT+
- HR rebroadcast — To Garmin, Apple Watch, training apps
- Combined data — Power, cadence, and HR together
- Complete workout tracking — All metrics to all devices
Get the full picture of your training.
Get FitSwitch — Heart rate everywhere you need it.
Heart Rate Setup Instructions — Step-by-step guide with screenshots.
Last updated: January 2025