Heart rate zones and the oscilloscope are two great tools for anyone who wants to improve their bicycle performance through targeted and attentive training. You may be using an oscilloscope, perhaps years, but it is not unlikely that you have done – or even do – any of the following common mistakes in using an oscilloscope!

1. Wear it upside down (left / right) or in the wrong position!

With the development of technology, sports oscilloscopes are widespread and can be obtained at a relatively low cost. In addition, the most quality models of these, have very accurate measurements, are comfortable, waterproof and can be connected to more than one device. Of course, these models are the known “belts” we wear on the chest. If, however, it is not placed in the right direction, then the measurements we take will have a very large deviation from the actual ones. Also important is the role of the oscilloscope. It should be just below the chest, at the height of the heart and the “transmitter” is just below the center of the sternum.

2. Do not clean it frequently.

The heartbeat band – the instrument that measures your pulses – due to the accumulation of sweat salts can cause mechanical acne (mechanical acne) from constant friction with the skin when not frequently washed. Also, the net zone can improve the performance of the measurements. Depending on the manufacturer, there are instructions on washing the heartbeat zone, as well as the way the washing should be carried out.

3. Do not dampen enough the heartbeat zone.

In winter, the problem is bigger, but it can also occur in the summer until you sweat. The dry heartbeat may show edges in the measurements at the beginning of the activity. To avoid this, you need to damp the belt before starting your workout / ride.

4. You do not know how to “decode” the oscilloscope data.

A typical cycle cruiser who uses an oscilloscope, he may maybe say that in his last ride / training our average pulses was at 145 with the maximum being at 184. But we know what these numbers mean? Do we know what we should do the next day, or how many pulses we should work to improve our particular weakness? You should be ready to answer all these questions before using this device.

5. Do not take into account the factors that affect your heartbeat.

Some days we notice that we have an increased or decreased heart rate for the same intensity exercise and that’s perfectly normal. Heartbeat is the effort of the body in some form of exercise and it makes sense to change it. Your pulses may be increased by 10 if you are tired, if you are overweight, if you have an elevated temperature or even if you have had a frantic night! On the other hand, you may notice fewer pulses if you are training at low temperatures. Being angry can also increase your pulse, so you do not need to get yourself into this situation. You should stay focused and leave your heart not get bothered by anything.

To sum up, the best way to use any device you want to add to your bicycle is by reading carefully all the instructions before they are going to be used. You should also think that cycling is the best way to train all your muscles including your heart. You need to add anything that may seem useful on your bike and think that a oscilloscope is one of the major devices that need to be bought, even before you start cycling.