The leading, scientifically founded app from the experts in convenient Heart Rate Variability (HRV) measurement
Heart rate monitoring technology that tells you when to train and when to rest
No pain, no gain. Right? But what’s missing here is another critical aspect of training: rest and recovery. Overtraining leads to injury, illness and diminished performance. The body can endure just so much continual physical stress before it begins to break down.
So how do you know when to train and when to rest? The answer is heart-rate variability which measures the time-gap between your heartbeats when you’re resting. The heart, in fact, speeds up when you inhale, and slows down when you exhale. The difference is known as heart-rate variability (HRV). A healthy, well rested body will produce a wider gap than a stressed out, overtrained body.
Most endurance athletes are familiar with heart-rate monitoring during training and racing. But measuring your heart-rate variability is something you do at home, usually right after you wake up. HRV is not unlike the morning ritual of taking your resting heart rate to determine fatigue, overtraining or approaching illness. But measuring and tracking heart rate variability presents a more precise picture of your overall health. A high reading combined with a normal resting pulse is good news– you can train hard that day. A low reading means you should take it easy, providing you with a guilt-free rest day. And while your body is in recovery mode, your muscles are busy getting stronger.
That’s because: Training = workout + recovery
HRV was solely used by a small group of world-class athletes and their coaches. It was time consuming and difficult to track. Until now. The ithlete system is a smart, simple-to-use app that works with your heart-rate monitor chest strap and your smartphone. A special app and receiver displays a colour-coded graph of your HRV as well as a train / train easy / rest recommendation. The test takes just 60 seconds to complete. ithlete will change the way you train. This affordable biofeedback training tool will finally give you the competitive edge you’ve been looking for.
ithlete features and benefits:
- Objectively measure your body’s response to each workout
- Improve performance without risk of injury or illness
- Decide when and how hard to train
- Optimize your recovery
- Receive early warnings to help avoid overtraining
- Perfect your taper period before big races
- Track long-term changes in your aerobic fitness
- Enjoy rest days without feeling guilty
- Receiver works with most heart rate monitor chest straps
- App compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and Android devices
Follow these four easy steps to get started with ithlete today!
Choose a heart rate sensor
To measure heart rate variability (HRV) with ithlete you’ll need a heart rate sensor. You have the option to use an ithlete finger sensor or chest strap monitor. If you have a recent iPhone, iPad or Android device you may like to use our Bluetooth Smart chest strap monitor, or alternatively grab a Polar type analogue strap (we also offer one of these) and an ithlete ECG receiver to pick up the signal. Visit the ithlete store to find your preferred sensor.
Download the ithlete app
ithlete is available on both iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. If you do want to check your model of smartphone or tablet is compatible check our FAQ page.
One minute daily measurement
After waking each morning relax and sit comfortably, slip on a chest strap or finger sensor and follow the on screen instructions to get an accurate reading of your heart rate variability. Taking the measurement couldn’t be simpler and in 60 seconds you will have a personalised training recommendation for the day.
Reap the benefits of training with ithlete
The idea is quite simple. Training is all about stress and recovery. A hard session, lack of sleep, mental stress etc. will lower your number. If your reading drops significantly, take this as an early warning that you are overloading the system. On the other hand a high score lets you know you should make the most out of the day. Benefits of this include avoiding overtraining, workout optimisation, guilt free rest days, improved performance and much more!