The ithlete blog
Welcome to the ithlete blog, the central place to get the latest company news, read real user stories, get our take on heart rate variability news and research, get top tips on using ithlete and share your thoughts.
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Top tips for using your HRV sensor
The ithlete sensors are the best around, independently validated for accuracy, convenient and durable. Some users don’t get the hang of taking measurements right away, so to ensure you don’t waste any time follow the tip tips found here.
Time of measurement
Time of measurement We recommend taking your ithlete heart rate variability (HRV) reading first thing in the morning, preferably right after waking. There are several reasons behind this recommendation… Following a full night of rest It’s a well-known fact that the...
How does your HRV vary throughout the day, and why does it matter what time of day you take an HRV reading?
We recommend you take your Heart Rate Variability (HRV) reading at the same time of day – just after waking up and before drinking tea / coffee or checking your emails and social media. But why does it matter what time of day you take an HRV reading, and why can’t you compare a reading taken in the morning with one taken after lunch or in the evening?
Collaboration with Bournemouth University for a clinical project
By Claire Forbes ithlete users know the value of tracking changes in their heart rate variability (HRV) over time to optimise recovery and athletic performance. But what benefits could tracking HRV have for a clinical population? In 2018, HRV Fit Ltd (the company...
Can HRV predict changes in performance in swimmers?
Research performed over several decades has shown that when performed regularly aerobic exercise increases heart rate variability (HRV). Studies, such as this one, demonstrated that changes in HRV have corresponded with changes in performance brought about by training...
Overreaching in trained cyclists – Update Spring 2019
How two different approaches to training camps in quick succession drove results, impacted wellness and how all of this is shown in HRV.
5 tips for training in summer
Follow these 5 simple summer training tips to keep your workouts on track during the warmer weather.
Five top breathing hacks to improve your HRV, health & performance
Breathing is one of a very few functions in the body that run perfectly well independently, but where we can also take conscious control. By doing so we can produce surprisingly large health and performance benefits. In this post, we are going to take a brief look at...
How to use the ithlete Pro Training Guide
Most ithlete Pro users really love this feature when they get used to it, but we have been told others don’t fully understand what the chart is showing them. We have written this starter guide to help you learn what it can tell you more quickly.
What to look for in an HRV monitor
Why choose ithlete as your HRV tool?
There are an increasing number of ways to track Heart Rate Variability (HRV). Here are some of the key reasons to still choose the pioneer HRV app ithlete…
7 key sleep factors – could you improve yours?
We know sleep is hugely important for recovery. Here are some excellent tips from an article by expert Nick Littlehales.
5 tips for managing your taper using Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
You’ve done the training and logged the miles – so how do you ensure your taper is on track to deliver the best possible performance on the big day?
Are you Inflamm-Aging well?
What is inflamm-aging? And what can you do to ensure you’re inflamm-aging well? A reseaarch summary of the origional paper and how tracking HRV relates.
5 ways to improve Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is an excellent measure of overall health and fitness. Upward trends have consistently been shown to correlate with increases in health, fitness and sporting performance. So how do you get your baseline rising?
What makes ithlete special?
ithlete has been copied by many imitators since 2009, but as we continue to develop and innovate no one competitor has achieved the combination of easy to access ithlete’s features and benefits.
Want to know more about ithlete?
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!