Amazfit has unveiled a screenless wearable that ditches the display entirely, relying instead on a waist-mounted motion sensor to deliver deep training insights for Hyrox and hybrid athletes. The Helio Strap Pro is a niche play for a sport that demands precise movement tracking—and it signals a growing shift toward specialized, screen-free fitness tech.
Amazfit, a subsidiary of Huami and a major player in affordable wearables, announced the Helio Strap Pro as its first device built specifically for Hyrox—a competition that blends running with functional exercises like sled pushes, burpees, and rowing. The strap lacks a screen but pairs with a smartphone app to display real-time metrics. Its key innovation is an additional waist motion sensor that captures hip rotation and torso dynamics, data that wrist-based trackers often miss.
Why now? Hyrox has exploded in popularity since launching in 2015, with events drawing thousands of participants worldwide in 2024. Existing fitness trackers, designed for running or weightlifting, struggle to accurately measure the hybrid movements Hyrox demands. Amazfit recognized this gap and created a wearable purpose-built for the sport.
The Helio Strap Pro uses a combination of accelerometers, gyroscopes, and the dedicated waist sensor to calculate metrics like stroke efficiency during rowing, power output during sled pushes, and running cadence with torso alignment. Amazfit claims the waist sensor improves form-analysis accuracy by up to 30% compared to wrist-only devices. The strap itself runs for up to 14 days on a single charge and is water-resistant to 50 meters.
Observers note that the screenless design lowers cost and weight (the strap weighs just 28 grams) while extending battery life. It also reduces distractions during high-intensity workouts. However, the reliance on a phone for feedback may alienate athletes who want glanceable data during an event. Fitness tech analyst Dr. Elena Marchetti of GlobalTech Insights says, 'The Helio Strap Pro proves that not every wearable needs a flashy screen. For sport-specific training, data depth matters more than display size.'
Amazfit expects to ship the Helio Strap Pro in early 2025, priced at around $129. The company plans to add support for other hybrid sports like CrossFit and obstacle course racing through firmware updates. Watch for third-party integrations with platforms like Strava and TrainingPeaks—or a potential full-spectrum sensor suite in a future version. The Helio Strap Pro may remain a niche player, but it sets a precedent: when a sport grows singular enough, purpose-built wearables follow.
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Amazfit's Screenless Wearable Tracks Fitness With an Added Waist Motion Sensor
The Helio Strap Pro was designed for Hyrox and hybrid athletes who want in-depth training insights.
Anna Gragert
CNET
2 min read
4/10
Key Takeaways
- Amazfit Helio Strap Pro is a screenless fitness tracker designed specifically for Hyrox, a hybrid sport combining 8km running with 8 functional workout stations.
- It features a dedicated waist motion sensor to capture hip and torso dynamics, improving form analysis by up to 30% compared to wrist-only trackers.
- The strap weighs just 28 grams, offers 14 days of battery life, and is water-resistant to 50 meters.
- Hyrox events have grown from 5,000 participants in 2018 to over 150,000 globally in 2024, driving demand for specialized training tools.
- Priced at $129, the Helio Strap Pro pairs with a smartphone app, with planned firmware updates to support CrossFit and OCR disciplines.
"The Helio Strap Pro proves that not every wearable needs a flashy screen. For sport-specific training, data depth matters more than display size."
"Amazfit identified a gap in the market: hybrid athletes were stuck with general-purpose trackers. The waist sensor was a direct answer to their biggest complaint about wrist-only metrics."
Frequently Asked Questions
The Amazfit Helio Strap Pro is a screenless fitness tracker designed for Hyrox and hybrid athletes. It uses a waist-mounted motion sensor to capture torso and hip dynamics, providing deeper form analysis than wrist-only trackers.
The waist sensor contains accelerometers and gyroscopes that measure hip rotation, torso lean, and lateral movement. This data syncs with the strap's wrist component to give a complete picture of movement efficiency during exercises like rowing, sled pushes, and running.
If you're serious about Hyrox or hybrid sports, the Helio Strap Pro offers targeted metrics no general tracker provides. The $129 price is competitive for a sport-specific device, though you need a smartphone for real-time feedback as there is no screen.
Amazfit claims up to 14 days on a single charge, depending on usage. The screenless design helps conserve power, and the strap is water-resistant to 50 meters for sweaty workouts.
Initially optimized for Hyrox, Amazfit plans to add firmware support for CrossFit, obstacle course racing, and general hybrid training. The waist sensor's data can also benefit runners looking to improve running form.
Hyrox is a fitness competition format that combines an 8-kilometer run with eight functional workout stations, such as rowing, sled pushing, burpees, and kettlebell swings. It tests both endurance and strength and has grown rapidly since its launch in 2015.
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