How did you first encounter Heart Zones?
The Sherwood Elementary PE teacher, Danielle O'Neil, first experienced Heart Zones back in 2019 at the MOSHAPE PE convention. She remarks how:
" I was instantly hooked and asked my coordinator what I could do to raise funds for a set.
I loved that it was an easy velcro strap and the heart rate tiles popped up with certain colors to represent the heart rate zones, which was perfect for my elementary students. I just knew it would make the data easily comprehendible to my students and that they could learn a lot about their health, body signals, and fitness levels from it. "
How has Heart Zones changed your PE program?
Before the heart rate monitors, I would teach heart rate through having students find their pulse. While important, this method came with a few flaws. It would be hard for students to find their pulse and in the 30 minutes I have for class, it was impossible to help each and every one with finger placement.
After I got the monitors, I loved seeing the students truly be able to see their data without having to stop activity. Having the data on the big board allows students to monitor their heart rate and relate it to their body signals during activity. We also love to celebrate achieving the white star for reaching 51% or above MVPA.
I think it is important that students realize that you can get health benefits from activity, even when it is not strenuous and Heart Zones helps visually show them the data to back up that claim.
What do you like most about using Heart Zones?
At their last school, one challenge Danielle faced was not having a lot of space, as it was an APR school with not a lot of room for the kids to move. The heart rate monitors helped me monitor their activity levels and assess the impact of my lessons accordingly. Danielle also noticed that the heart rate monitors helped to motivate the students, even the students who were reluctant to get sweaty, who bumped up their intensity any time they wore the monitors.
" One of the things I love most about using Heart Zones' heart rate monitors with my 3rd–5th graders is how it helps students take ownership of their activity levels. "
They can see real-time feedback on how hard their bodies are working, which builds a better understanding of what it means to be active and healthy. The colored tiles make it incredibly easy for students to identify their heart rate zone and quickly see if they are reaching moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during class.
" I also love how easy it is to incorporate the monitors into our routine — students can slip them on quickly, and we can begin PE like normal without changing my lesson plans. "
It’s seamless, student-friendly, and provides meaningful data that allows me to encourage, support, and individualize feedback for every student. It truly helps make PE more inclusive, goal-oriented, and empowering for all learners.
How do you secure funding for Heart Zones?
I started fundraising with a basic PE program fundraiser, but then I was able to use district funds to purchase a set (shoutout to Brad Brummel, our district health and PE coordinator, for their invaluable help allocating the necessary funds!). I was also in the process of finding grants to use.
Testimonials
“ They have helped me see my heart rate and tell me how hard I am pushing myself, it’s like a mini coach on my arm! ”
– Kimber, 3rd grade
" Heart Zones monitors engage students by helping them track their physical activity, showing them the importance of exercise while empowering them to set personal goals and work toward achieving them. "
“ I like that it shows my intensity, the colored squares are helpful to remind myself what zone I am in. ”
– Neymar, 5th grade
" Heart rate monitors empower elementary students to take ownership of their effort, physical activity, and learning. They provide real-time feedback that encourages reflection and fosters a deeper understanding of their body's response to movement. Regular and intentional use of heart rate technology prepares students to be a lifelong mover. "
Danielle O'Neil
I have been in education for 10 years, 7 of those years in elementary PE at Title One schools. I am on the Marketing and Communications Committee for MOSHAPE, I also present sessions at MOSHAPE and SHAPE every year. I was MOSHAPE 22-23 Elementary PE TOY, and currently SHAPE 24-25 Central District Elementary PE TOY. I was recently named the 2026 Springfield Public Schools Teacher of the Year as well.
I enjoy getting parents involved in PE, I host an Active Families Week, where a student’s grown up can come into PE and I have worked with Fit & Fun Playscapes to bring SEL and movement to the PE world, and GagaXP to help promote a wonderful product designed by PE teachers to fit in multiple units.
I also think it is important to connect students with community events, I partner with Bass Pro to bring free race entries to local running events to my students and bring groups to participate in a golf tournament against other district elementary schools (which also raises funds for my PE program).
If you want to know more about Sherwood Elementary, Danielle O'Neil, and how Heart Zones has changed her PE program, shoot her an email at dnoneil@spsmail.org or follow her on socials!
Instagram: @Coach.Oneil_PE
X (Twitter): @CoachONeil_PE