Bars above/below HR

Hi all, sorry I did not find an answer.

What do the bars above the HR (or below in runnin mode) tell me and why do they not show anything on my watch?

That is the Heart Rate Zone Gauge. Those bars are each represented by a different color depending on which zone you are in. Zone 1 is grey, 2 is blue, 3 is green, 4 is orange, and 5 is red. To make sure your zones are set correctly, please see Setting Your Heart Rate Zones. How Are Heart Rate Zones Used With My Garmin Device? contains more detailed information as well!