Episode Details
Back to Episodes
224 - From Data to Body Wisdom: When to Use (and Ditch) Heart Rate Monitoring
Description
In part two of Jackie’s conversation with physiotherapist and Long Covid patient Robin McNelis (“Robin the Physio”), they dig into how heart rate monitors and wearables can support (or sabotage) pacing in Long Covid and ME/CFS. Robin shares both clinical and personal examples of using tech as a behaviour-change tool, not a dictator, and how it can help people eventually trust their bodies more, not less.
In This Episode:
- When heart rate monitoring is helpful and when it becomes stressful and counterproductive
- Robin’s concept of “counterintuitive” heart rate monitoring and why some people need to start with higher alert thresholds
- Real-life examples of unexpected triggers (like showering, stairs, and bending) and how tiny tweaks made big differences
- Using devices first to learn your boundaries, then turning down or off alerts to lean more on body awareness
- How to decide if tech is right for you right now: What is it helping you change? Is it reducing crashes or just adding pressure?
Key Takeaways
- Tech is optional: it’s the right tool for the right person, at the right time, in the right way.
- The goal isn’t perfect data—it’s better awareness, steadier pacing, and fewer boom-and-bust crashes.
Links:
More about Robin: http://www.robinthephysio.co.uk
Check out Part 1 of this discussion: 223 - Holistic Detective Work: Unpicking Breath, Pacing & Fatigue with Robin the Physio
Message me! (I can't reply to these messages)
For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com
(music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thankyou for joining me in The Recovery Room. If you found this episode useful & are able to, you can support the show by buying me a coffee or checking out the merch
Visit The Recovery Room website: www.JackiesRecoveryRoom.com
Follow me on social media channels: @JackiesRecoveryRoom
**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**