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Alternative to Garmin that doesn't hurt my arm

9 replies

Hippee · 03/08/2026 07:07

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!

OP posts:
MiddleAgedDread · 03/08/2026 07:15

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

Whyherewego · 03/08/2026 07:22

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

Hippee · 03/08/2026 07:58

MiddleAgedDread · 03/08/2026 07:15

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

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

OP posts:
Hippee · 03/08/2026 08:01

Whyherewego · 03/08/2026 07:22

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 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.

OP posts:
MiddleAgedDread · 03/08/2026 08:31

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.

Wonkybaby · 03/08/2026 09:15

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!

Whyherewego · 03/08/2026 09:30

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

MagpiePi · 03/08/2026 09:55

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.

SometimesThingsHappen · 03/08/2026 10:10

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.

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