Where the Blink Heart Rate Monitors Started
A little History
I bought my first heart rate monitor in 1981. I had co-founded Fleet Feet Sports five years earlier and I was on the hunt for a way to run faster and longer. That first monitor, biofeedback device, didn’t look like anything you see today because over the past 35 years technology has changed.
In 1978, the first commercially marketed heart rate monitor was released called the “Pulsar” manufactured by the Finnish company- Tunturi. That Pulsar allowed me for the first time to see my heart actually beating on an LED screen in real time. There was no watch and the heart rate display was attached to the elastic chest strap. It was bulky and uncomfortable. But, back in 1978, there was no Garmin, no Polar, and Timex made only watches, not heart rate monitors. This was all we had.
Times have changed. There are now probably over 200 models of EKG transmitter belt and wrist-worn heart heart rate monitors, another half dozen optical heart rate monitors including the new Blink Armband, and about the same number of wand contact heart rate monitors. Next, add in all of the apps on mobile devices that use heart rate – that’s probably another 100 droids and iOS devices that display, store, and possibly allow you to share the heart rate data for you. So, which is the best and why when there are hundreds to choose from?
The Result of 30 years of HRM experience
After nearly four decades of using a heart rate sensor, I can share that what I love in features are:
- 1. Simplicity and ease and in function
- 2. Data that makes sense
- 3. A price that health enthusiasts can afford
… and this is how/why the Blink line of heart rate sensors and watches came into existence and were developed by Heart Zones, Inc.
The Key Aspects of the Blink Heart Rate Monitors
- 1. One or Two Button Functionality:
Simple is an understatement – they have only one or two buttons to push. Ease of use means that you can quickly program them to fit your zones which are not dependent on your age. Many watches now have too many gadgets. The Blink is designed to make it easy & simple to get the data you need!
- 2. Three Flashing LED Colors:
The Blink flashes three colors so that at a glance you know which of the three zones you are in: easy Blue zone, the moderate Yellow zone, and the hard Red zone. This makes the data it is giving you easy to find and easy to understand. Actionable data is the best kind!
- 3. Affordable Price
All three models both the Blink Armband for the smart phone and the Blink watches are under $100. At this price point we are able to provide casual and avid athletes with a product that helps them reach their fitness goals but doesn’t break the bank.
In Conclusion
The Heart Zones Blink monitor line up is the first simple and affordable device that gives you your heart rate zone by the flash of a light as well as a number. Numbers are great if you know what they mean which means know what effort level or intensity you are at that moment. With a flashing LED lights you know instantaneously whether you are swimming or in a darkened indoor cycling studio.
So, now you know why we made the Blink HRM Models the way that we did, now we would love for you to tell us what do you love in a heart rate watch or armband? We always love to hear your stories and share them with others. Thanks for tuning into another edition of Heart-2-Heart | The Heart Zones, Inc Blog! Look forward to next time!
Sally Edwards
Founder & the Head Heart, Heart Zones, Inc.