Quick Answer: FitSwitch connects to both ANT+ and Bluetooth heart rate monitors, shows your heart rate on the Peloton screen in any app, and rebroadcasts it to Garmin watches, Apple Watch, training apps and Strava. Peloton's own app only takes Bluetooth straps and keeps the reading to itself. With FitSwitch, almost any chest strap, arm band or watch with heart rate broadcast works everywhere.
Table of Contents
- Heart Rate Monitoring on Peloton
- Compatible Heart Rate Monitors
- Connecting Your HR Monitor
- Heart Rate Rebroadcast with FitSwitch
- Heart Rate Training Tips
- FAQ
Heart Rate Monitoring on Peloton
Why Heart Rate Matters
Heart rate provides crucial training information: - Training zones — Target the right intensity - Effort level — Objective measure of how hard you're working - Recovery — Track heart rate during rest periods - Fitness trends — Lower HR at same power = improved fitness - Calorie accuracy — HR improves calorie calculations
Peloton's Native HR Support
Peloton supports Bluetooth heart rate monitors out of the box: - Connect in Peloton settings - HR displays during classes - Contributes to Strive Score (Peloton's effort metric) - Recorded in workout history
The Limitation
Peloton only accepts heart rate—it doesn't share it. Your HR data: - Shows in Peloton app only - Doesn't broadcast to other devices - Can't reach Garmin, Apple Watch, or training apps
FitSwitch solves this with heart rate rebroadcast.
Compatible Heart Rate Monitors
Bluetooth Heart Rate Monitors
These connect directly to Peloton:
Chest Straps (Most Accurate): - Polar H10, H9, H7 - Garmin HRM-Pro, HRM-Dual - Wahoo TICKR, TICKR X - Scosche Rhythm24 (chest mode)
Arm Bands: - Polar Verity Sense - Scosche Rhythm+ 2.0 - Whoop (with broadcast enabled) - Garmin HRM-Pro Plus
Watches (If Bluetooth HR Broadcast): - Some Garmin watches (check model) - Some fitness trackers with HR broadcast
ANT+ and Bluetooth Monitors with FitSwitch
FitSwitch connects to monitors over either ANT+ or Bluetooth, and lists both together when you search:
- Garmin HRM-Pro and HRM-Dual
- Wahoo TICKR and TICKR X
- Polar H10, H9 and Verity Sense
- Whoop and smartwatches with heart rate broadcast turned on
- Generic ANT+ or Bluetooth straps
FitSwitch feeds the reading to its overlay, its broadcasts and its Strava uploads.
Dual-Mode Monitors (Recommended)
Monitors that support both Bluetooth and ANT+ offer maximum flexibility: - Polar H10 — Gold standard for accuracy - Garmin HRM-Pro Plus — Running dynamics too - Wahoo TICKR X — Memory for offline recording - Garmin HRM-Dual — Simple, reliable
These can connect to Peloton via Bluetooth while simultaneously broadcasting ANT+ to other devices.
Want this with real resistance control?
FitSwitch broadcasts your power and cadence, and adds full ERG and SIM mode on the Bike+ so training apps actually respond to your effort.
See FitSwitch →30-day money-back guaranteeConnecting Your HR Monitor
Bluetooth Connection to Peloton
- Prepare your HR monitor — Put it on, activate it
- Open Peloton settings — Tap profile icon → Settings
- Go to Heart Rate Monitor — Under device settings
- Search for devices — Peloton scans for Bluetooth HR
- Select your monitor — Tap to pair
- Verify connection — HR should display
Your HR now shows during all Peloton content.
Connecting to FitSwitch (ANT+ or Bluetooth)
FitSwitch connects to ANT+ and Bluetooth heart rate monitors directly. For setup with screenshots, see the FitSwitch Heart Rate Instructions.
Quick steps:
- Wear your HR monitor — Most straps wake up once they sense your heartbeat
- Open FitSwitch on your Peloton
- Tap the heart icon — In the bottom left corner of the FitSwitch home screen (it says "Not connected"), or go to Settings → Heart rate
- Pick your monitor — FitSwitch searches for both kinds at once. ANT+ monitors show their device number (for example "ANT+ · #4120"), Bluetooth monitors show their name
- Confirm connection — The monitor's name appears in the bottom left, and your HR shows in the metrics bar
The first time you search, Android may ask FitSwitch for location access, which Bluetooth scanning on the Peloton needs. Tap Allow, or FitSwitch can only list ANT+ monitors.
Already paired to the Peloton app? A Bluetooth strap that's connected to the Peloton app shows as "already connected to this Peloton", and FitSwitch can share that connection.
FitSwitch remembers your HR monitor and reconnects automatically on future rides, including after the Peloton wakes from sleep. To remove a saved monitor, open the list and tap Clear.
Heart Rate Rebroadcast with FitSwitch
What is Rebroadcast?
FitSwitch can take your heart rate data and transmit it to other devices:
- Your HR monitor connects to FitSwitch over ANT+ or Bluetooth
- FitSwitch reads the HR data
- FitSwitch rebroadcasts via ANT+ and Bluetooth
- Other devices receive your HR
Why Rebroadcast Matters
Single HR Monitor, Multiple Receivers: - HR monitor → Peloton (for display) - HR monitor → FitSwitch → Garmin watch (for recording) - HR monitor → FitSwitch → Training app (for workout)
Without rebroadcast, you'd need multiple HR monitors or choose where to send the signal.
Rebroadcast to Garmin
Your Garmin watch can receive HR via ANT+ from FitSwitch: 1. FitSwitch receives HR (Bluetooth or ANT+ from your monitor) 2. FitSwitch broadcasts ANT+ HR profile 3. Garmin watch pairs to FitSwitch HR broadcast 4. Your ride records accurate HR data
Rebroadcast to Apple Watch
Through FitSwitch's Bluetooth capabilities: 1. FitSwitch receives your HR data 2. Broadcasts to Apple Watch compatible apps 3. Workout tracking includes HR from your chest strap
This gives Apple Watch users chest strap accuracy instead of wrist-based HR.
Rebroadcast to Training Apps
For training apps on the Peloton screen — Rouvy and Zwift over Wi-Fi, TrainerRoad and Kinomap via the Bridge app: 1. Your HR monitor connects 2. FitSwitch makes HR available 3. Training app receives HR data 4. Complete workout data (power, cadence, HR)
Heart Rate Training Tips
Understanding HR Zones
| Zone | % Max HR | Feel | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | 50-60% | Very easy | Recovery |
| Zone 2 | 60-70% | Comfortable | Endurance base |
| Zone 3 | 70-80% | Moderate | Aerobic capacity |
| Zone 4 | 80-90% | Hard | Threshold |
| Zone 5 | 90-100% | Maximum | VO2max/sprints |
Calculating Max HR
Common formulas: - 220 - age — Simple but imprecise - 208 - (0.7 × age) — Slightly better - Actual max HR test — Most accurate
For training, consider a proper max HR test or use perceived exertion alongside HR.
HR Drift
During long rides, HR increases even at constant power—this is "cardiac drift." It's normal: - Happens after 30-60+ minutes - Caused by dehydration, heat, fatigue - Doesn't mean you're working harder
Use power as primary metric; HR confirms effort level.
HR and Power Together
The combination tells you more than either alone: - High power, low HR — Fresh, strong, well-recovered - Low power, high HR — Fatigued, stressed, need recovery - Consistent relationship — Normal training state
Track both with FitSwitch for complete workout data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Peloton have a built-in heart rate sensor?
No. Peloton bikes don't have built-in HR sensors—you need an external monitor.
What about the handlebar sensors I've seen?
Some gyms have bikes with grip sensors. Peloton doesn't have these. You need a chest strap or arm band.
Which HR monitor is most accurate?
Chest straps (Polar H10, Garmin HRM-Pro) are most accurate. Arm bands are good but slightly less precise. Wrist-based (watches) are least accurate during cycling.
Can I use Apple Watch for heart rate on Peloton?
Not directly—Apple Watch doesn't broadcast HR to Peloton. You can use a separate HR strap for Peloton, and FitSwitch sends power/cadence to Apple Watch.
Do I need FitSwitch just for heart rate?
If you only want heart rate inside Peloton classes, a Bluetooth strap works without FitSwitch. FitSwitch adds:
- ANT+ and Bluetooth monitors
- Heart rate on screen in any app, not just the Peloton app
- HR rebroadcast to Garmin, Apple Watch and training apps
- Heart rate in your Strava uploads
Can multiple devices receive my HR simultaneously?
Yes, with FitSwitch rebroadcast. Your HR can go to Peloton display, Garmin watch, and training apps all at once.
Why is my HR reading erratic?
Common causes: - Dry electrode pads (wet them) - Loose fit (adjust strap) - Low battery - Interference from other devices - Static from clothing
Does heart rate affect calorie calculation?
Yes. HR data improves calorie accuracy. Without HR, calories are estimated from power alone.
Can FitSwitch connect to Whoop?
Yes. Turn on Broadcast Heart Rate in the Whoop app, then pick your Whoop from FitSwitch's heart rate list. It appears as a Bluetooth monitor.
What about optical HR sensors in the Peloton arm band?
Peloton sells an arm band HR monitor that connects via Bluetooth—it works like any Bluetooth HR strap.
Complete Heart Rate Integration
Your heart rate data shouldn't be trapped in one device. FitSwitch enables:
- Any HR monitor — Bluetooth and ANT+
- HR rebroadcast — To Garmin, Apple Watch, training apps
- Combined data — Power, cadence, and HR together
- Complete workout tracking — All metrics to all devices
Get the full picture of your training.
Get FitSwitch — Heart rate everywhere you need it.
Heart Rate Setup Instructions — Step-by-step guide with screenshots.
Last updated: October 2026
Related Guides
- How to See Peloton Metrics in Any App
- ANT+ on Peloton: Broadcast Your Power and Cadence
- Connect Peloton to Garmin Watch or Computer
- How to Connect Peloton to Strava: Sync Your Workouts
- How to See Peloton Data on Apple Watch
- How Does Peloton Calculate Power? Calibration, Resistance & Output Explained