What Does This Error Mean?

Bowflex heart rate monitor not reading is usually caused by dry hands on the grip sensors — the sensors require good skin contact with slight moisture. Moisten your palms slightly and grip both metal contact areas on the handlebars firmly for 10–15 seconds to get a reading.

Affected Models

Bowflex BXT116
Bowflex BXT216
Bowflex T10
Bowflex Max Trainer M8
Bowflex Max Trainer M9
Bowflex LateralX LX5

Common Causes

Dry hands — grip sensors require skin moisture for accurate conductance reading
Not gripping both sensors simultaneously — both left and right sensors must be held
Grip sensors dirty or tarnished — oxidation on metal contacts reduces signal
Chest strap battery dead (if using an optional wireless chest strap)
Chest strap not properly wet before use

How to Fix It

Grip both left and right sensors simultaneously.

The grip heart rate system measures the tiny electrical current that flows through your body between the two metal contact strips. You must grip both left and right handlebar sensor areas at the same time. Gripping only one side will not produce a reading.
Moisten your hands slightly.

Very dry hands conduct poorly and the sensor cannot measure your pulse. Lick your palms slightly or apply a tiny amount of water to your hands. Hold the sensors firmly for at least 10–15 seconds without moving your hands for the reading to stabilize.
Clean the grip sensor contacts.

The metal sensor strips can develop oxidation or a film of sweat residue over time, which reduces conductivity. Wipe the metal contact areas with a damp cloth, then dry them. For heavy tarnish, a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on a cloth will clean the contacts.
Use a wireless chest strap for accurate readings.

Grip sensors are accurate only when you grip them steadily while not moving your arms — difficult during intense exercise. For continuous heart rate monitoring during a full workout, a compatible Bluetooth or ANT+ chest strap (Polar, Wahoo) gives much more accurate and consistent readings.
Replace chest strap battery if applicable.

If you are using a wireless chest strap and it has stopped reading, the coin cell battery (usually CR2032) may be dead. Most chest straps have a battery cover on the transmitter module — replace the battery and wet the strap electrodes before putting it on.

When to Call a Professional

Grip heart rate sensors are generally reliable. If sensors consistently show no reading even with moist hands and clean contacts, the sensor wiring or display board may have a fault. Contact Bowflex support.