Amazfit has introduced the Helio Strap Pro, a new, subscription-free training system consisting of two sensors: a heart rate sensor for the arm or wrist and a new motion sensor for the waist. Rather than being just another fitness wristband, the Pro aims to track movement quality and core stability during workouts—with a clear focus on HYROX and hybrid training. The system was aptly unveiled at the HYROX World Championship in Stockholm.
Key Points at a Glance
- Two-component system: Helio Core Motion HR (arm/wrist) plus the new Helio Core Motion Waist (waist)
- Target audience: athletes and hybrid sports enthusiasts, specifically HYROX with dedicated Race and Simulation modes
- An Amazfit Balance 3 or Balance Ultra is required at launch to access the full range of features
- Price according to Amazfit: $199.99; sales launch in “a few weeks”; still available without a subscription
Two sensors instead of a wristband
The original Amazfit Helio Strap (approx. 99 euros on Amazon) stood out for its precise sensors at a fair price and without a mandatory subscription. The Helio Strap Pro builds on this concept but expands it into a complete workout system.
At its heart is a combination of two modules. The Helio Core Motion HR is an evolution of the previous Strap and measures heart rate—either on the wrist or, for more precise readings, on the upper arm. The latter is designed to provide more stable readings, especially during exercises involving a lot of wrist movement, grip strength, and contact with equipment. New to the lineup is the Helio Core Motion Waist: a 9-axis motion sensor worn around the waist that tracks the movements, position, and stability of the torso.
The key is how they work together: Both sensors sync with a compatible Amazfit smartwatch to track not only heart rate but also muscle exertion, stability, and movement quality. After your workout, the Zepp app compiles this data into a structured performance summary.
Built for HYROX
The launch is clearly focused on HYROX, the booming fitness competition format. The Helio Strap Pro works with the HYROX Race and HYROX Simulation modes on the Amazfit Balance 3 and Balance Ultra. After the workout, the eight classic HYROX stations can be evaluated individually—including SkiErg, Sled Push, Sled Pull, Burpee Broad Jumps, Rowing, Farmer’s Carry, Sandbag Lunges, and Wall Balls.
The idea behind this, in the words of Amazfit’s Chief Marketing Officer Scott Shepley: While heart rate shows how hard you’re working, it doesn’t show how your movement changes as fatigue sets in. The combination of upper-arm heart rate, waist motion sensor, and smartwatch data is designed to close precisely this gap. Important to note: To get started, one of the two Balance watches is required for the full system, but support for additional Amazfit models is planned.
Technical Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Helio Core Motion HR | Helio Core Motion Waist |
|---|---|---|
| Wearing Position | Wrist or upper arm | Waist (center) |
| Sensors | Optical heart rate, SpO2, sleep, stress, HRV | 9-axis motion sensor |
| Battery life | up to 11 days | Up to 40 days |
| Sports modes | Over 60 (including HYROX detection) | Active during HYROX Race/Simulation |
| Water resistance | 5 ATM (swim-ready) | |
| Readiness Score | HybridCharge (24/7) | |
| Subscription required? | No | |
The difference in battery life is due to the way the devices function: While the heart rate sensor measures continuously around the clock, the waist sensor is only active during HYROX Race and Simulation sessions—so its battery lasts longer.
Market Position: Strong market, clear niche
Amazfit positions the Helio Strap Pro against display-less trackers such as the Polar Loop, Google Fitbit Air, and Whoop 5.0. The difference: While these devices are broadly aimed at everyday tracking and some require a subscription, Amazfit continues to follow a subscription-free approach and, with the Pro, specializes in competition and hybrid training. For those who already use a compatible Amazfit watch, such as the Amazfit Balance series, this provides a well-designed supplementary system. For everyone else, however, the requirement to own a smartwatch from the start is a noticeable hurdle.
Price and Availability
According to Amazfit, sales are set to begin in “a few weeks,” with a price of $199.99. In addition to the wristband and a charger, the package also includes the Helio Core Motion Waist belt and a clip for attaching it to clothing. Specific details on price and release date for Germany have not yet been announced. If you don’t want to wait and are satisfied with basic heart rate tracking, you can already find suitable alternatives in our guide to the best fitness trackers.
Conclusion
The Amazfit Helio Strap Pro isn’t just a simple strap update—it’s a specialized training system designed for a specific target audience. The idea of combining heart rate, torso movement, and smartwatch data is clever and, with its HYROX focus, taps into a real trend. The catch: It requires a Balance 3 or Balance Ultra to get started, which initially limits the pool of potential users. Whether the system delivers the promised added value in everyday use remains to be seen in a detailed test—but the concept is one of the more interesting ones in the currently highly competitive market for subscription-free wearables.
