Heart Rate Zone Distribution

Former Member
Former Member
Heart Rate Zone Distribution

Heart Rate Zone Distribution v1.0




This data field shows the heart rate zone distribution. The bar colors change dynamically during the activity depending on how much time is spent in each heart rate zone.

When the heart rate is in zone 4 and 5, the text color changes to orange and red respectively to make it easier to spot the high heart rate by just glancing at the watch.
To aid when doing intervals, when the heart rate has been above Zone 4 and drops back below Zone 1, the text color turns green to show you are recovered and ready for the next interval.

The data field is only functional in layouts where the field has sufficient width and height. If the field is too small, the text 'N/A' (Not Applicable) is shown.

The data field now supports user configurable heart rate zones on watches supporting Connect IQ 1.2.1.

How to change App Settings

Default zone threshold values (for watches not supporting CIQ 1.2.1) are::
  • Zone 1: 120 BPM
  • Zone 2: 132 BPM
  • Zone 3: 146 BPM
  • Zone 4: 153 BPM
  • Zone 5: 163 BPM
  • Max HR: 194 BPM


Version 1.0 - November 10, 2015
  • Added support for user settings.
  • Added support for the new Forerunners.

Version 0.5.1 - August 07, 2015
  • A few graphical tweaks.

Version 0.5 - August 04, 2015
  • Initial version.
  • Former Member
    Former Member over 9 years ago
    I saw another app that just seems to just use the age parameter (which I presume can be read OK?)

    Max = 208-0.7*age

    Is this possible?
  • Former Member
    Former Member over 9 years ago
    Yes, it is possible, but wildly inaccurate. That's why I haven't used that formula (yet).
    I'm 45 years old, and according to that formula my maximum heartrate should be around 176 BPM. I have, however, measured it to around 194 BPM...

    I'd prefer to wait until Garmin provides user settings, they have indicated that this should be available in September.
    But if user settings aren't available at the end of September, I'll consider an update using some sort of formula based on age.

    -Torstein
  • Former Member
    Former Member over 9 years ago
    Great idea

    I think this is a great idea!
    My wife and I both train at OrangeTheory Fitness, and this would be a great option if you are able to make a version with personalized heart rate zones.


    Heart Rate Zone Distribution

    Heart Rate Zone Distribution v0.5.1




    This data field shows the heart rate zone distribution. The bar colors change dynamically during the activity depending on how much time is spent in each heart rate zone.

    When the heart rate is in zone 4 and 5, the text color changes to orange and red respectively to make it easier to spot the high heart rate by just glancing at the watch.
    To aid when doing intervals, when the heart rate has been above the defined threshold, and drops back below another defined threshold, the text color turns green to show you are recovered and ready for the next interval.

    The data field is only functional in layouts where the field has sufficient width and height. If the field is too small, the text 'N/A' (Not Applicable) is shown.

    This version has hard coded threshold values, so in it's current form it should be regarded as a 'proof of concept'.

    When user configuration is made possible (probably in September), or when it is possible to read HR Zones from the watch, I will release an updated version where the heart rate zones can be customized.

    In this version the zone values are:
    • Zone 1: 0 - 132 BPM
    • Zone 2: 132 - 146 BPM
    • Zone 3: 146 - 153 BPM
    • Zone 4: 153 - 163 BPM
    • Zone 5: 163 - 194 BPM
    • Recovery OK: Heart rate below 120 BPM after it has been in the yellow or red zone


    If anyone is interested in beta testing, I can compile a special version with your personal threshold values. Just send me a PM with details, or post in this thread :)

    Version 0.5.1 - August 07, 2015
    • A few graphical tweaks.

    Version 0.5 - August 04, 2015
    • Initial version.
  • Former Member
    Former Member over 9 years ago
    Personalized heart rate zones are coming in the next update :)
    Garmin has just released a beta SDK with support for this, so I'm working on the update now.

    -Torstein
  • Former Member
    Former Member over 9 years ago
    Garmin has added support for user settings, so the data field now supports user configurable heart rate zones on watches supporting Connect IQ 1.2.1 :)
    Support for the new Forerunner watches is also added.

    -Torstein
  • I'm trying to use the latest version on my fenix 3 running the 6.15 beta firmware, and the field displays a connect IQ error with an exclamation point as soon as I start an activity. Any ideas?

    Also, and I apologize if this is a stupid question, are the threshold values for the different HR zones the minimum or maximum HR for that zone?
  • Former Member
    Former Member over 9 years ago
    Sorry about that, @jburchm1. There was a small bug in the datafield, I discovered it just myself. It didn't show up until I tried the datafield with the HR strap on, so I didn't catch it before. Regardless, it is fixed now, and a new version 1.0.3. is available.

    The HR threshold question isn't stupid at all, the value is the minimum value for the zone, or in other words the value where the zone begins. I have added some more descriptive text to the fields on the settings page.

    Please download the new version and try the data field again :)

    Best regards,
    Torstein