Myzone for Swimming: Compatibility, Usage, and Benefits

Can I Swim with Myzone?

Yes, you can swim with Myzone, but the compatibility and effectiveness depend significantly on the specific Myzone device you are using. The Myzone MZ-Switch is specifically designed to be waterproof and suitable for swimming, offering accurate heart rate tracking in aquatic environments.

Understanding Myzone Technology

Myzone is a widely recognized wearable fitness technology that tracks physical activity and heart rate, converting effort into Myzone Effort Points (MEPs). Its primary aim is to motivate users by rewarding effort, not just fitness level. Traditionally, Myzone devices like the MZ-3 and MZ-1 relied on an Electrocardiogram (ECG) chest strap for highly accurate heart rate monitoring. This method measures the electrical activity of the heart, providing medical-grade accuracy for most land-based activities.

Myzone Devices and Water Resistance

The ability to use Myzone in water hinges on the device's design and heart rate sensing technology:

• Myzone MZ-3 and MZ-1 (Chest Straps): These devices are designed to be water-resistant, meaning they can withstand splashes, rain, and sweat. However, they are not suitable for sustained immersion or swimming. The primary reason is that water creates a barrier between the chest strap's electrodes and the skin, disrupting the electrical signal necessary for ECG heart rate detection. This leads to inaccurate or no readings during swimming. Additionally, the Bluetooth signal used to transmit data is severely attenuated by water, preventing real-time data transmission to a connected receiver or app while submerged.
• Myzone MZ-Switch (Wrist/Arm/Chest): This is Myzone's versatile solution engineered for multi-sport use, including swimming. The MZ-Switch offers two primary methods for heart rate tracking:
  • ECG (Chest Strap Mode): When worn on the chest, it operates like the MZ-3, providing high accuracy for land-based activities.
  • Photoplethysmography (PPG) (Wrist/Arm Mode): This optical heart rate sensor uses LED lights to detect blood flow changes under the skin. PPG technology is effective for tracking heart rate from the wrist or arm, making it suitable for activities where a chest strap is impractical or uncomfortable, such as swimming.

Myzone MZ-Switch: The Game Changer for Swimming

The Myzone MZ-Switch's PPG technology is the key to its swim compatibility. When worn on the wrist or forearm, the optical sensor can consistently read heart rate in water.

• Why Wrist/Arm is Better for Swimming: Unlike ECG, which relies on electrical conductivity through the skin, PPG measures light absorption and reflection. This method is less susceptible to interference from water between the sensor and the skin, allowing for continuous heart rate data collection during aquatic exercise.
• Data Storage: While the Bluetooth signal doesn't transmit in real-time underwater, the MZ-Switch has internal memory that stores your workout data. Once you exit the water and the device reconnects to the Myzone app (or a compatible receiver), all stored heart rate data and MEPs from your swim session will upload to your account.

How to Use Myzone MZ-Switch for Swimming

To effectively use your Myzone MZ-Switch for swimming:

• Placement: Wear the MZ-Switch firmly on your wrist or forearm. Ensure the optical sensor (the green lights) is making good contact with your skin. Avoid wearing it over wetsuit material or loose clothing.
• Mode Selection: The MZ-Switch automatically detects whether it's on the chest or wrist/arm and switches modes accordingly. For swimming, ensure it's on your wrist or forearm.
• Start Your Workout: Begin your swim. The device will automatically start recording your heart rate data. There's no specific "swim mode" to activate manually on the device itself; it simply records.
• Data Upload: After your swim, exit the water and ensure your MZ-Switch is within Bluetooth range of your Myzone app on your smartphone. The stored data will then sync automatically, and your swim workout will appear in your activity feed, complete with MEPs earned.

Benefits of Using Myzone for Swim Training

Integrating Myzone into your swim routine offers several advantages:

• Effort Tracking (MEPs): Myzone's unique MEPs system quantifies your effort, not just your speed or distance. This is invaluable in swimming, where perceived exertion can vary greatly. Knowing you're hitting your target heart rate zones ensures you're training effectively.
• Zone Training: Myzone's color-coded zones (Grey, Blue, Green, Yellow, Red) provide real-time feedback on your intensity. This allows swimmers to tailor their workouts for specific goals, such as endurance (Blue/Green zones) or high-intensity interval training (Yellow/Red zones).
• Motivation and Accountability: Seeing your MEPs accumulate and your effort displayed post-swim can be a powerful motivator. It encourages consistency and helps you push yourself.
• Tracking Progress: Over time, you can review your swim workouts, analyze your heart rate data, and track improvements in your cardiovascular fitness and efficiency in the water.

Limitations and Considerations

While the MZ-Switch is excellent for swimming, be aware of these points:

• No Real-time Display Underwater: Due to Bluetooth signal attenuation, you won't see your heart rate or MEPs on your phone or a gym screen while you are submerged. Data is stored and uploaded afterward.
• Accuracy Variations: While generally accurate, optical heart rate sensors can sometimes be affected by factors like rapid arm movements (especially during strokes like freestyle), water clarity, or very cold water, which can constrict blood vessels. Ensuring a snug fit is crucial for optimal accuracy.
• Battery Life: Remember to charge your MZ-Switch regularly, especially if you're engaging in frequent or long swim sessions.
• Maintenance: Rinse your MZ-Switch with fresh water after each swim in chlorinated or saltwater to prevent corrosion and maintain its longevity.

Maximizing Your Myzone Swim Experience

To get the most out of Myzone during your swims:

• Wear it Snugly: A tight but comfortable fit on the wrist or forearm is paramount for accurate PPG readings.
• Positioning: Experiment with slight variations in wrist or forearm position to find where the sensor gets the most consistent reading for your body and stroke.
• Review Post-Workout: Always check your Myzone app after your swim to ensure data has synced and to review your effort.

Conclusion

For swimmers looking to track their effort and heart rate, the Myzone MZ-Switch is an excellent, purpose-built solution. While traditional Myzone chest straps are not suitable for immersion, the MZ-Switch's optical heart rate technology and internal memory bridge this gap, allowing aquatic enthusiasts to fully integrate their swim training into the Myzone ecosystem and gain valuable insights into their performance and effort.