Myzone for Swimming: Compatibility, Models, and Optimizing Use

Can I use Myzone for swimming?

While Myzone's traditional chest strap (MZ-3) is not designed for real-time data transmission during swimming due to water interference with wireless signals, the newer Myzone MZ-Switch offers a viable solution for tracking heart rate and effort during aquatic activities by utilizing its internal memory and optical sensor.

Understanding Myzone Technology

Myzone is a popular wearable fitness tracker system that measures physiological effort primarily through heart rate. Its core mechanism involves monitoring your heart rate and converting this data into "Myzone Effort Points" (MEPs), which quantify the intensity and duration of your exercise. The system typically uses an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor in a chest strap for highly accurate heart rate readings, transmitting this data wirelessly (via Bluetooth or ANT+) to a receiver, app, or display in real-time.

Myzone and Water: The Core Challenge

The primary challenge with using most fitness trackers, including Myzone's original MZ-3 chest strap, for swimming lies in the physics of wireless signal transmission through water. Bluetooth and ANT+ signals, which Myzone uses to communicate, are severely attenuated (weakened) by water. This means that a device worn on your chest attempting to transmit data to a receiver outside the water (or even on your wrist) will experience significant, if not complete, signal loss. Consequently, the MZ-3 chest strap, while water-resistant for sweat and splashes, cannot reliably transmit live heart rate data when submerged.

Specific Myzone Models for Swimming

Myzone has addressed the demand for aquatic tracking with specific product developments:

• Myzone MZ-3 (Chest Strap): This model is water-resistant (IP67 rated), meaning it can withstand submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. However, as explained, it cannot transmit data reliably while submerged. Its primary function is for land-based activities where live data transmission is crucial.

• Myzone MZ-Switch (Multi-Sport Wearable): This innovative device is Myzone's answer for comprehensive multi-sport tracking, including swimming. The MZ-Switch is unique because it offers three interchangeable wearing options:

  • Chest: For ECG-accurate heart rate, ideal for land-based activities.
  • Wrist: For optical heart rate (PPG), suitable for activities where a chest strap is impractical or uncomfortable.
  • Arm: Also for optical heart rate (PPG), offering an alternative to the wrist.

  Crucially for swimming, the MZ-Switch, when worn on the wrist or arm, uses its optical heart rate sensor. While optical heart rate sensors can be less precise than ECG sensors for very high-intensity, rapid movement activities, they work effectively in water. The key feature is its internal memory. When submerged, the MZ-Switch stores your heart rate data internally. Once you complete your swim and the device is brought out of the water and within range of your Myzone app, it automatically uploads the stored data, allowing your MEPs to be calculated and added to your activity history.

Optimizing Myzone Use for Aquatic Environments

If you plan to use your Myzone MZ-Switch for swimming, consider the following for optimal performance:

• Wearing Position: Always use the MZ-Switch on your wrist or arm for swimming. The chest strap module should not be used for submerged activities if you intend to capture data.
• Secure Fit: Ensure the MZ-Switch is worn snugly on your wrist or arm. A loose fit can lead to inaccurate optical heart rate readings due to water ingress or movement artifacts.
• Data Synchronization: Remember that data will not be streamed live. After your swim, exit the water, and ensure your MZ-Switch is within Bluetooth range of your Myzone app to allow the stored data to sync.
• Accuracy Considerations: While optical heart rate sensors have improved significantly, they can sometimes be less accurate than ECG chest straps, especially during activities involving rapid arm movements or significant changes in blood flow. For steady-state swimming, the MZ-Switch generally provides reliable data.

Alternatives to Myzone for Swim Tracking

While the MZ-Switch offers a Myzone-integrated solution, other dedicated swim trackers or multi-sport smartwatches provide comprehensive aquatic metrics. These often include:

• Dedicated Swim Watches: Devices from brands like Garmin (e.g., Forerunner, Fenix, Swim series), Polar, and Apple Watch (Series 2 and later) offer advanced swim tracking features, including stroke count, stroke type identification, SWOLF score (swim efficiency), lap counting, and pace, in addition to heart rate (often optical).
• Smartwatches with Swim Modes: Many general-purpose smartwatches now include robust swim tracking capabilities, some offering live heart rate monitoring via optical sensors during swimming.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

In summary, while the original Myzone MZ-3 chest strap is not suitable for tracking heart rate during swimming due to wireless signal limitations in water, the Myzone MZ-Switch provides an effective solution. By utilizing its optical sensor and internal memory when worn on the wrist or arm, the MZ-Switch allows you to capture valuable heart rate and effort data during your aquatic workouts, seamlessly integrating it into your Myzone ecosystem once you're out of the water. For those committed to the Myzone platform and seeking a versatile tracker for both land and water activities, the MZ-Switch is the definitive choice.