Alternative to Garmin that doesn't hurt my arm

[Hippee]

I am one of the people that gets intense arm ache if I wear a Garmin watch for too long. It's not related to how tight the strap is - apparently this affects a small number of people and Garmin are aware, but I don't think that they know why. When I got my Garmin, I wore it for a week until I realised that it had caused the ache I was feeling. It took several days to subside after I stopped wearing it. I tried the opposite arm, but it happened again. I gave it to my MIL to see if dhe was okay with it, and she's been using it with no problems.

My question is - will any fitness tracker have thd same effect? Has anyone else had this with Garmin, but successfully moved to a different brand.

I'm particularly interested in hearing from people who have experienced this, rather that just suggestions for alternative brands.

Thank you!

Why is it making your arm ache? Because it’s heavy or is it the heart rate monitor sensor that’s causing it?

Presumably the ache is from the tracking sensors not the watch itself? In which case I assume all similar ones will have the same. Have you tried a HR monitor strap around your chest and/or a ring style device? There are also shoe trackers at least a few years ago there were

I assume it's the monitor, as the watch itself isn't heavy.

I don't need a particularly fancy fitness tracker - would just be interested to know how my lifestyle matches with healthy recommendations for sleep and exercise. That's why I am hoping that someone in the same situation has found an easy solution. Thanks though.

have you tried one without a HR Monitor? You can usually sync a chest strap HR monitor to them to use when exercising if you want that sort of data.

You could try one of those Oura rings, or the cheaper alternatives?
Otherwise Polar used to be the brand for chest strap HRMs, they may still be!

There are fitbits that are more like bracelets that may be better ? But it really depends on what is causing the ache. Without that hard to know

Eta: if you just want some hasic health info. Phones can track steps and you can input some other data to get some recommendations. Maybe worth a try

I don’t think that Garmin is much good at sleep tracking as it will say I got 8 or 9 hours when I know I was wide awake reading for a 2 or 3 hours in the middle of the night.

What about a Hr monitor that goes round your bicep? Not sure they track anything other than HR though.

I get this. it happened with an old Fitbit and happens with an Apple watch. I have switched to the other arm and it's been ok for a few months but is starting to affect that arm too. I also can't wear it to bed for sleep tracking.

I think your best option might be an oura ring or something similar. They've just released a new smaller one.

would just be interested to know how my lifestyle matches with healthy recommendations for sleep and exercise.

If you want to monitor exercise by tracking heart rate, then a chest strap would do that. Or only wear the Garmin when actually out of the house/ exercising.

If you want to monitor sleep you can keep track on paper.

I wear my garmin on my ankle when I'm asleep or sitting around, in case that could work 4 U.

You could try the Coros Pace watches but if it's the HR monitor that makes your arm ache that might not make any difference.

I wonder if you could buy a cheap reconditioned one from ebay to try out.