Amazfit Helio Strap Pro adds a new layer to hybrid training
Amazfit introduced the Helio Strap Pro at the HYROX World Championships in Stockholm, transitioning from a single heart-rate strap to a two-sensor body-worn training system. According to the company, the system pairs an upper-arm heart-rate sensor with a waist-mounted 9-axis motion sensor to track stability and muscle load during hybrid athletics.
Why does hybrid training require more than a wrist-based watch?
Wrist-only tracking fails during high-intensity hybrid workouts because gripping handles and wrist flexion interfere with sensor accuracy. According to Amazfit, movements like the sled push, farmer’s carry, and wall balls create physical barriers between the watch sensor and the skin.
The Helio Strap Pro solves this by moving the heart-rate sensor to the upper arm. This position remains stable regardless of whether an athlete is bracing against the floor or carrying heavy kettlebells. By separating the heart-rate data from the wrist, the system avoids the “noise” created by muscle tension in the forearm.
How does the Helio Strap Pro differ from the original Helio Strap?
The original Helio Strap functioned as a screen-free fitness and recovery tracker. The Helio Strap Pro evolves this into a multi-position system. While the original was a single strap, the Pro version splits duties between the Helio Core Motion HR (upper arm) and the Helio Core Motion Waist (waist).
The waist sensor uses a 9-axis motion sensor to track core-body movement and stability. This allows the system to identify when an athlete’s form breaks down due to fatigue, a metric that heart-rate alone cannot capture. FCC filings previously suggested Zepp Health was moving toward a multi-position system rather than a simple strap iteration.
| Feature | Helio Strap | Helio Strap Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Setup | Single strap | Upper-arm HR + Waist motion |
| Battery (HR) | Up to 10 days | Up to 11 days |
| Battery (Waist) | N/A | Up to 40 days |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
What hardware is included in the Helio Strap Pro system?
The package includes the Helio Core Motion HR, Helio Core Motion Waist, and a Helio Pro Clip. It also comes with a wristband, armband, and a magnetic charging head. These components work together to feed data into the Zepp Health app.
At launch, the system integrates specifically with the Amazfit Balance 3 and Balance Ultra. These watches support dedicated HYROX Race and HYROX Simulation modes, making the Pro system dependent on Amazfit’s latest performance hardware for full functionality.
What happens next for body-worn sensor trends?
The shift toward waist-mounted pods mirrors strategies used by other high-end fitness brands. For example, Garmin uses a Running Dynamics Pod to track vertical oscillation and ground contact time. Amazfit is applying a similar logic to hybrid training, where the core of the body is the center of gravity and movement.
Because Zepp Health maintains a three-year global partnership with HYROX, the Helio Strap Pro serves as a blueprint for broader strength and conditioning tracking. If the waist sensor is opened to more sports modes, it could potentially automate the identification of strength exercises in the Zepp Health app, reducing the need for manual logging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Helio Strap Pro work with any smartwatch?
No. At launch, it is designed to work with the Amazfit Balance 3 and Balance Ultra via specific HYROX modes.
How long does the battery last on the waist sensor?
According to Amazfit, the Helio Core Motion Waist sensor lasts up to 40 days on a single charge.
Can I use the Helio Strap Pro for swimming?
The sensors are rated at 5 ATM, meaning they are water-resistant, though their primary design is for hybrid land-based training.
Where can I buy the Helio Strap Pro?
Sales are expected to begin in a few weeks, with pricing to be announced by Zepp Health.
What do you think about the move to waist-mounted sensors? Would you trade your wrist-based tracker for a multi-pod system to get better data? Let us know in the comments below.