How to Use Your Smartwatch for Guided Workouts
How to use your running watch for interval training
Whether you're a 5 or a 15-minute mile runner,the desire to go faster is in every runner's DNA. But what's the best way to add a bit ofpace to your game? One answer is to build interval training into your weeklyrunning regime.
The good news is the latest GPS running watches, such as the Garmin Forerunner 935, the Polar M430 or the TomTom Spark 3, are designedto guide you through these high intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions.
Bookmark this: Welcome to Future of Running Week
Whether you're a beginner or a pro level runner, we break down the essential info about interval training and pick out some of the best running watches to train with.
Whatis interval training?
An interval session basically involvesrunning alternate periods of effort above your normal aerobic level withperiods of low-intensity recovery that gives your body the chance to resetbefore you up the ante again.
Finding your aerobic level can be donewith lab tests but a good rule of thumb to tell when you're running beyond youraerobic level is if you're puffing too much to hold a conversation.
Read this: Which Garmin watch is best for you?
Interval sessions can be based on paceor heart rate, distance and time. In the past they'd often be done on therunning track by putting together 200m, 400m and 800m efforts with varyingperiods for recovery but thanks to distance-tracking GPS running watches, you'renow free to do interval training wherever you like.
With watches like the Spark and the Garmin Forerunner 235 you can use webtools and smartphone apps to create your own sessions in advance or even choosefrom pre-planned workouts that'll help, designed to build speed.
The watches will vibrate and beep toalert you when you need to shift up and down the gears as well as giving you afriendly kick up the backside if you drop below your target pace or heart rate.
Whatare the benefits of interval training for running?
Interval training is a keycomponent in a training program," explains Giuseppe Minetti, founder of PaleoGym, acompany which combines sports science and technology with personalisedfunctional fitness and nutrition.
It teaches your body to work at ahigher threshold, enables you to run faster for further without a reduction inyour speed and gives you the extra edge in the last miles of your long runs.
By running at (or very near to) yourmaximum velocity for short bursts, you will increase your capacity to run at ahigher percentage of your anaerobic threshold. Interval training also decreasesyour recovery time, so you can train harder, more often."
Best running watches for interval training
Polar M430
The Polar M430 also has fully customisable interval training smarts and thanks to Polar's Running Program, it's much easier to add it to your plan. Like the Garmin, you'll need to set up an account online. Once you've done that you'll get access to the training calendar and the tools to set up interval sessions of your own.
Read this: Running with the Polar M430
You can create and save phases based on time and distance, and choose to set heart rate zones or have a free workout depending on what you want to achieve. Phases are easy to duplicate to build quick sessions and sessions can be copied and modified to make the process of preparing a monthly plan much quicker.
Like the V800, you can now sync sessions to the watch in order to follow from your wrist. It's also smart enough to stores sessions in your Favourites so you can easily repeat a workout without having to add it using Polar Flow.
, polar.com | Amazon
TomTom Spark 3 Cardio & Music
The brilliant thing about the new Spark (make sure you get the Cardio edition) or one of the older TomTom running watches is that you can set up an interval session on the watch itself. Choose Run, then Training and Intervals from the menus and you can add a warm up and cool down based on time or distance, followed by periods of work and rest also based on time or distance. The final option is the number of times you repeat the intervals in your session.
Essential reading: Check out our full TomTom Spark 3 review
You don't get the flexibility with theTomTom that you do with the Garmin Forerunner. While you can combine time anddistance goals for work and rest, there's no option for cadence or heart rateinterval sessions and you can only assign one distance for work and rest. Soyou're forced to do 400m fast with 200m slow for all your repetitions. Youcan't do 200m fast, 200m slow, then 400m fast and 400m slow in one session.
Once you've set up your session thewatch will buzz and beep to alert you when your warm up is done and it's timeto hit the gas. It'll log the splits for each interval as you go, but sadly youwon't get a breakdown either on the watch or using the online portal, which isa weakness.
, tomtom.com | Amazon
GarminForerunner 935
The Garmin Forerunner 935 is at the topend of Garmin's running watches and, while you'll certainly find cheaper Garmindevices that offer interval training, it's the most fully-featured you can buy.
It's also now much easier to set up interval training from the watch. When you're ready to start tracking, you can hit the Up button on the watch, go to training settings and set up your intervals from there. Here you'll be able to customise distance and time intervals and then get ready to run.
Read this: Check out our full Garmin Forerunner 935 review
, garmin.com | Amazon
9 Best Smartwatches For Fitness In 2024: Gym Tech Wearables To Improve Workouts
In the world of fitness, every rep, set, and workout counts. As a gym enthusiast, you understand the importance of tracking your progress. That's where smartwatches and fitness trackers come into play. These devices are not just about checking the time or receiving notifications; they're about enhancing your workout, especially when it comes to lifting weights.
The Importance of Smartwatches/Trackers for Lifting
Smartwatches and fitness trackers have revolutionized the way we approach our workouts. They provide real-time data that can help you optimize your lifting sessions. From tracking your heart rate to counting your reps, these devices offer a wealth of information right on your wrist. They can even monitor your recovery and sleep, which are crucial aspects of any fitness regimen, especially for weightlifters.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Smartwatch/Tracker for Lifting
When it comes to choosing the perfect smartwatch or fitness tracker for lifting, several factors come into play. Durability is paramount - your device should be able to withstand a tough workout session. Battery life is another crucial factor; the last thing you want is your watch dying in the middle of a workout. The device's tracking capabilities should be top-notch, providing accurate data on your performance. Comfort shouldn't be overlooked either; your watch should feel like a natural extension of your wrist.
Top Smartwatches/Trackers for Lifting
There's a wide range of smartwatches and fitness trackers available on the market, but not all are suited for the gym. Based on extensive research and user reviews, here are some of the best devices for lifting:
- Garmin Venu 2 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
- Google Pixel Watch
- Fitbit Sense 2
- Mobvoi Ticwatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS
- Garmin Forerunner 265
- Amazfit GTR Mini
- Apple Watch Ultra
Best Smartwatches For Lifting
Comprehensive Fitness
Apple Watch Series 7The Apple Watch Series 7 is a feature-rich smartwatch with comprehensive fitness tracking capabilities. With a larger display and improved durability, it's a reliable companion for active individuals.
Highlights:- Larger display for easier interaction
- Comprehensive suite of wellness tools
- Improved durability with IP6X dustproof certification
- Activity, exercise, and stand rings
- Integration with Fitness+ workout streaming service
- Variety of workout tracking options
- IP6X dustproof certification
- More crack-resistant front crystal
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02/18/2024 02:27 am GMT
The Apple Watch Series 7 is the latest offering from Apple's popular smartwatch line.
It builds upon its predecessors with a larger screen, faster charging, and improved durability.
This smartwatch is designed to offer a comprehensive health and fitness tracking experience, making it a great companion for gym-goers and fitness enthusiasts.
The Series 7 features a larger display than previous models, providing a more spacious and beautiful canvas for your watch face of choice.
The larger screen makes it easier to read text and tap buttons, enhancing the overall user experience. This is particularly beneficial for those who use their watch for fitness tracking, as it allows for easier navigation and interaction during workouts.
One of the key features of the Apple Watch Series 7 is its robust suite of wellness tools. It includes Apple's motivating activity, exercise, and stand rings, as well as integration with the company's Fitness+ workout streaming service.
This makes it a comprehensive tool for tracking your fitness progress and staying motivated towards your health goals.
In terms of gym-specific features, the Apple Watch Series 7 offers a variety of workout tracking options.
Whether you're lifting weights, doing cardio, or participating in a group fitness class, the Series 7 can track your activity and provide detailed insights about your performance.
This can help you optimize your workouts and achieve your fitness goals more effectively.
The Series 7 also boasts improved durability, making it a reliable choice for those who lead an active lifestyle.
It's the first Apple Watch with an IP6X certification, meaning it's totally dustproof. This is a significant upgrade for those who frequently engage in outdoor workouts or live in dusty environments.
Additionally, the Series 7 features a more crack-resistant front crystal than any of its predecessors, meaning it's harder to shatter the screen.
However, like any product, the Apple Watch Series 7 has its drawbacks.
One of the main cons is its battery life. Apple claims that the Series 7 lasts for 18 hours on a charge, which is the same as the Series 6, Watch SE, and Series 3.
While this may be sufficient for some users, it could be a limitation for those who want to use their watch for sleep tracking or long-duration workouts.
Another potential downside is the lack of major feature updates from the last generation.
While the larger screen and improved durability are notable improvements, the Series 7 doesn't offer any new health or fitness features that you can't get on the Series 6.
This may not be a deal-breaker for new Apple Watch users, but it might not justify an upgrade for those who already own a Series 6.
Reliable
Garmin Forerunner 945The Garmin Forerunner 945 is a total powerhouse for runners, offering many features, including acclimation tracking, training load check, and recovery time check. It's a bit pricey, but its accuracy, full-color maps, and superb battery life make it worth the investment.
Highlights:- Acclimation tracking, training load check, and recovery time check.
- Garmin Pay for convenient payments.
- Transflective display technology for better visibility in sunlight.
- GPS and heart rate monitor
- Garmin Pay
- Transflective display technology
- Water rated to 5ATM
- Silicone band
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02/18/2024 02:22 am GMT
The Garmin Forerunner 945 is a total powerhouse, offering every bell and whistle a runner could ask for.
From acclimation tracking to training load check and recovery time check, this watch has got you covered. It even comes with Garmin Pay for buying yourself a protein shake afterwards.
The Garmin Forerunner 945 is designed with a rugged aesthetic, available in one case size and two colors, black with a black strap or black with a blue strap.
It's a little hulking large, but it's perfectly functional for its duties.
The watch features five buttons around the screen, all necessary for navigating the UI and each giving a satisfying click.
There's no touchscreen here, which is a plus for those who prefer buttons over dragging sweaty fingers across a screen.
Garmin uses a transflective display technology for that 1.2-inch screen, which has the effect of making it more visible in sunlight.
There's a backlight too, which can be turned on with a push of the top-left button or automatically with a turn of the wrist.
The 945 comes with a silicone band which fastens securely but can be annoying to take off and put on.
Once it's on, however, it's not going anywhere.
The heart rate monitor on the underside of the watch protrudes ever so slightly to give it better contact with the skin. At 50g, the Forerunner 945 is light enough and overall not uncomfortable to wear.
The Garmin Forerunner 945 is water rated to 5ATM and has been tested swimming multiple times with no issues.
This watch feels capable of withstanding anything you throw at it. It's a bit expensive, but you're paying for the whole gamut of Garmin features here, all wrapped up in a powerful GPS watch.
The Fitbit Charge 5 is a fitness tracker that doesn't compromise on style or functionality.
It's a sleek device with a color touch screen and a slim metal case, making it a stylish accessory for any gym-goer.
The Charge 5 is not just about looks, though. It's packed with features that make it an excellent companion for weightlifting and other gym activities.
It has built-in GPS, which is great for tracking your outdoor runs or walks. It also has an EDA (Electrodermal Activity) app that measures small electrical changes in your skin to track your body's response to stress.
This feature can be particularly useful for those who want to monitor their stress levels during intense workout sessions.
One of the standout features of the Charge 5 is its automatic workout tracking.
It can recognize and record certain types of workouts, including walking, running, aerobic and elliptical sessions, outdoor cycling, continuous high-movement sports like tennis, basketball, and soccer, and swimming.
This means you don't have to manually start a workout on the device every time you hit the gym.
The Charge 5 also offers mobile payment support, which can be handy if you want to grab a post-workout snack or drink without carrying your wallet.
However, the Charge 5 does have some limitations.
For instance, it doesn't support Spotify, and the list of exercise shortcuts is somewhat limited. Also, the clock faces aren't customizable, which might be a downside for some users.
Premium
Apple Watch UltraThe Apple Watch Ultra is a premium smartwatch that offers a seamless user experience focusing on health and fitness tracking.
Highlights:- Large, clear display
- Comprehensive fitness tracking features
- Advanced sleep tracking
- Heart rate monitor
- GPS
- Fitness tracking features
- Advanced sleep tracking
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02/18/2024 03:12 am GMT
The Apple Watch Ultra is a premium smartwatch from Apple, a company known for its high-quality and innovative technology products.
The Watch Ultra is designed to offer a seamless user experience, with a focus on health and fitness tracking.
The watch comes with a large, clear display that makes it easy to view your stats and notifications.
It's equipped with a heart rate monitor, GPS, and a range of fitness tracking features.
It also offers advanced sleep tracking, providing insights into your sleep stages and sleep score.
When it comes to lifting, the Apple Watch Ultra can be a great tool.
It can track your workouts, monitor your heart rate, and even provide insights into your stress levels and sleep patterns.
It also has a built-in coach that can provide real-time feedback and suggestions to improve your workouts.
However, the watch isn't without its drawbacks.
ome users have reported issues with the watch's battery life, which can be a significant concern for those who want to use the watch for extended workouts. Additionally, the watch's fitness tracking features may not be as advanced as some dedicated fitness trackers.
Compact
Amazfit GTR MiniThe Amazfit GTR Mini is a compact smartwatch with a range of features to help users track their health and fitness.
Highlights:- Compact design
- Comprehensive fitness tracking features
- Bright and clear AMOLED display
- Bright and clear AMOLED display
- Heart rate monitor
- GPS
- Fitness tracking features
- Sleep tracking and stress monitoring
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02/18/2024 03:07 am GMT
The Amazfit GTR Mini is a compact smartwatch from Amazfit, a company known for its affordable and feature-rich smartwatches.
Despite its small size, the GTR Mini offers a range of features designed to help users track their health and fitness.
The watch comes with a bright and clear AMOLED display, making it easy to view your stats and notifications.
It's equipped with a heart rate monitor, GPS, and a range of fitness tracking features. It also offers sleep tracking and stress monitoring, providing users with a comprehensive overview of their health and wellness.
When it comes to lifting, the GTR Mini can be a useful tool.
It can track your workouts, including your reps, sets, and the type of exercise you're doing. It also offers real-time feedback and suggestions to help you improve your workouts.
However, the GTR Mini does have some drawbacks.
Some users have reported issues with the watch's battery life, and others have noted that the fitness tracking features may not be as advanced as some dedicated fitness trackers.
Cardio-focused
Garmin Forerunner 265 Running SmartwatchThe Garmin Forerunner 265 is a smartwatch designed for fitness enthusiasts, providing comprehensive fitness tracking with a focus on running and cardio workouts.
Highlights:- High-resolution display
- Comprehensive fitness tracking features
- Advanced sleep tracking and stress monitoring
- High-resolution display
- Heart rate monitor
- GPS
- Fitness tracking features
- Advanced sleep tracking and stress monitoring
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02/18/2024 03:02 am GMT
The Garmin Forerunner 265 is a smartwatch designed for fitness enthusiasts.
It's a product of Garmin, a company known for its high-quality GPS technology and fitness tracking devices.
The Forerunner 265 is designed to provide comprehensive fitness tracking, with a focus on running and cardio workouts.
The watch comes with a high-resolution display that's easy to read in any lighting conditions.
It's equipped with a heart rate monitor, GPS, and a range of fitness tracking features. It also offers advanced sleep tracking and stress monitoring, providing users with a comprehensive overview of their health and wellness.
When it comes to lifting, the Forerunner 265 can be a valuable tool. It can track your workouts, including your reps, sets, and the type of exercise you're doing.
It also offers real-time feedback and suggestions to help you improve your workouts.
However, the watch does have some drawbacks. Some users have reported issues with the watch's battery life, and others have noted that the fitness tracking features may not be as advanced as some dedicated fitness trackers.
Innovative
Ticwatch Pro 3 UltraThe Mobvoi Ticwatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS is a smartwatch offering a range of features to help users track their health and fitness.
Highlights:- Dual-layer display
- Comprehensive fitness tracking features
- Real-time feedback and suggestions
- Dual-layer display (AMOLED and FSTN LCD)
- Heart rate monitor
- GPS
- Fitness tracking features
- Sleep tracking and stress monitoring
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02/18/2024 02:57 am GMT
The Mobvoi Ticwatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS is a smartwatch that offers a range of features designed to help users track their health and fitness.
It's a product of Mobvoi, a company known for its innovative smartwatches and AI technology.
The watch comes with a dual-layer display, which allows users to switch between a high-resolution AMOLED screen and a power-saving FSTN LCD screen.
It's equipped with a heart rate monitor, GPS, and a range of fitness tracking features.
It also offers sleep tracking and stress monitoring, providing users with a comprehensive overview of their health and wellness.
When it comes to lifting, the Ticwatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS can be a valuable tool.
It can track your workouts, including your reps, sets, and the type of exercise you're doing.
It also offers real-time feedback and suggestions to help you improve your workouts.
However, the watch does have some drawbacks.
Some users have reported issues with the watch's battery life, and others have noted that the fitness tracking features may not be as advanced as some dedicated fitness trackers.
The Fitbit Sense 2 is a smartwatch from Fitbit, a company known for its fitness trackers and smartwatches.
The Sense 2 is designed to be a comprehensive health and wellness device, offering a range of features to help users monitor their health and fitness.
The watch comes with a large, clear display that makes it easy to view your stats and notifications.
It's equipped with a range of sensors, including a heart rate monitor, GPS, and an EDA sensor for stress management. It also offers advanced sleep tracking, providing insights into your sleep stages and sleep score.
When it comes to lifting, the Fitbit Sense 2 can be a useful tool.
It can track your workouts, including your reps and sets, and provide feedback on your performance.
It also offers guided workouts, which can be helpful for those new to lifting or those looking to mix up their routine.
However, the Fitbit Sense 2 does have some drawbacks. Some users have reported issues with the watch's battery life, and others have noted that the watch's fitness tracking features may not be as advanced as some dedicated fitness trackers.
Versatile
Google Pixel WatchThe Google Pixel Watch is a sleek, feature-rich smartwatch with comprehensive fitness tracking features.
Highlights:- Sleek design
- Comprehensive fitness tracking features
- Built-in coach
- Round OLED display
- Heart rate monitor
- GPS
- Workout tracking
- Stress and sleep monitoring
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02/18/2024 02:42 am GMT
The Google Pixel Watch is a smartwatch that stands out for its sleek design and impressive features.
It's a product of Google, a company renowned for its innovative technology products. The Pixel Watch is designed to offer a seamless user experience, with a focus on health and fitness tracking.
The watch comes with a round OLED display that provides vibrant colors and sharp images.
It's also equipped with a heart rate monitor, GPS, and the ability to track various workouts, making it a suitable companion for gym-goers. The watch can track your workouts, monitor your heart rate, and even provide insights into your stress levels and sleep patterns.
When it comes to lifting, the Google Pixel Watch can be a great tool. It can track your reps, sets, and even the type of exercise you're doing.
This can help you keep track of your progress and ensure you're hitting your fitness goals.
It also has a built-in coach that can provide real-time feedback and suggestions to improve your workouts.
However, the watch isn't without its drawbacks.
Some users have reported issues with the watch's battery life, which can be a significant concern for those who want to use the watch for extended workouts.
Additionally, the watch's fitness tracking features may not be as advanced as some dedicated fitness trackers.
Feature-Packed
SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 5The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is a stylish and powerful smartwatch with a wide range of features, making it a great choice for the active individual. However, its battery life leaves something to be desired, requiring a Samsung phone for full functionality.
Highlights:- Clean, elegant design
- Powerful fitness tracking features
- Superior app support with Wear OS
- Fitness tracking
- ECG reading (with a Samsung phone)
- Camera viewfinder (with a Samsung phone)
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The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is a powerful smartwatch that is packed with features, making it a strong contender for those who want a watch that can do more than just tell the time.
The design of the Galaxy Watch 5 is clean, simple, and elegant. It's the little black dress of smartwatches, going with everything thanks to its neutral style.
This makes it a great choice for those who want a watch that can transition seamlessly from the gym to the office.
When it comes to fitness tracking, the Galaxy Watch 5 is not your typical sports watch.
It's not designed for triathlons, but it does have powerful fitness tracking features. For anyone who's more into 10k runs and hitting the gym every other day, it could fit the bill perfectly.
The Galaxy Watch 5 runs on Wear OS, so it has superior app support compared to alternatives like the Huawei GT and Amazfit GTR series.
This means you can access a wide range of apps right from your wrist, making it easier to keep track of your workouts, listen to music, and stay connected.
However, the Galaxy Watch 5 does have its downsides. The battery life is not the best, especially if you're using it to track your workouts.
You can expect to get about a day of battery life from the watch if you're exercising, so you'll need to be prepared to charge it every night.
Another thing to note is that to get the most from the Galaxy Watch 5, you need a Samsung phone.
This allows your watch to double up as a camera viewfinder, take your ECG reading, and more.
Non-Samsung Android users don't get these features, and iPhones simply won't pair with the Watch 5.
Despite these drawbacks, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is a solid choice for those who want a smartwatch that can keep up with their active lifestyle.
Rugged
SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 5 ProThe Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is a rugged, feature-packed smartwatch that offers up to three days of battery life and exclusive outdoor adventure features. It's a great choice for those who lead an active lifestyle.
Highlights:- Rugged design with a titanium case and sapphire crystal glass display
- Exclusive outdoor features including turn-by-turn cycling and hiking directions
- Health and fitness features including ECG and body composition measurements
- Up to three days of battery life
- Bright, durable display
- Automatic stress level monitoring and guided breathing exercises
- Blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) tracking
- On-demand electrocardiogram (ECG) and body composition measurements
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02/18/2024 02:32 am GMT
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is a rugged smartwatch that doubles the battery life of the standard model and adds exclusive outdoor adventure features.
This watch is designed with a titanium case and a sapphire crystal glass display, making it a durable choice for those who lead an active lifestyle.
One of the standout features of the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is its exclusive outdoor features.
These include turn-by-turn cycling and hiking directions, making it a great companion for outdoor enthusiasts.
It also offers a significant battery life boost, lasting up to three days on a single charge. This is a major advantage for those who don't want to worry about charging their watch in the middle of a workout or outdoor adventure.
The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is not just about durability and battery life.
It also comes with a range of health and fitness features. For instance, it can take on-demand electrocardiogram (ECG) and body composition measurements.
It automatically monitors your stress level throughout the day and offers guided breathing exercises to help you relax. It also tracks your blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), although the readings should be taken with a grain of salt as they may not always be accurate.
However, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro does have some limitations.
It does not track your heart rate variability (HRV) or respiration rate, two fairly common wearable device metrics. Also, while Samsung has added a temperature sensor to its 2022 Galaxy watches, software support for this feature is still pending.
Versatile
Garmin Venu 2 PlusThe Garmin Venu 2 Plus is a versatile smartwatch perfect for those who want a stylish, feature-rich device for everyday wear and workout sessions.
Highlights:- Versatile and stylish design suitable for everyday wear and workout sessions
- Comprehensive health tracking features, including women's health tracking
- Compatibility with major third-party fitness apps
- Biometric data dashboard
- Customizable data tiles
- Free training plans
- Compatibility with third-party fitness apps
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The Garmin Venu 2 Plus is a versatile smartwatch that seamlessly blends style and functionality.
It's a feature-rich device that's not only suitable for everyday wear but also comes equipped with impressive workout-tracking tools for monitoring your training sessions.
Garmin has made significant strides in women's health tracking, allowing you to monitor your monthly cycle in the Garmin Connect app and on your Venu 2 Plus.
The app is accurate to the day and prompts you to log symptoms throughout.
There's also a pregnancy tracking feature, although this hasn't been tested in this review.
The Garmin Venu 2 Plus stands out for its ability to provide a vast amount of data.
It presents you with a dashboard showing all your latest biometric data, including body battery, heart rate, sleep, stress, intensity minutes, steps, calories, SpO2, and respiration.
These are fully customizable, allowing you to rearrange the various tiles, remove any that don't interest you, or add others such as period tracking, hydration, and weight.
The Garmin Connect app also gives you access to free training plans, including ones for running and cycling.
These plans allow you to set a goal, plot a weekly schedule, and adapt on the fly according to your performance in training sessions. You can also tweak the plan along the way, so if you need a day off, the app will rearrange your scheduled workouts to fit around that.
One of the unique features of the Garmin Venu 2 Plus is its compatibility with all the major third-party fitness apps, including Training Peaks, Strava, MyFitnessPal, and Zwift. Linking apps is straightforward, and your data will be synced between services automatically with no input from you.
Guide to Choosing the Right Smartwatch for Gym Workouts
Choosing the right smartwatch for gym workouts can be a daunting task given the wide range of options available in the market. Here are some factors to consider to help you make the right choice:
1. Fitness Tracking Features
The primary reason for getting a smartwatch for gym workouts is to track your fitness progress. Look for a watch that can track a variety of workouts, including lifting, cardio, and even specific exercises. Some watches also offer real-time feedback and suggestions to help you improve your workouts.
2. Health Monitoring
In addition to tracking your workouts, many smartwatches also offer health monitoring features. These can include heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and stress monitoring. These features can provide valuable insights into your overall health and wellness.
3. Battery Life
Battery life is crucial, especially if you plan to use the watch for extended workouts. Look for a watch with a battery life that can last through your longest workouts.
4. Display
The display of the smartwatch is another important factor. Look for a watch with a clear and bright display that's easy to read, even in bright lighting conditions.
5. Comfort and Design
Since you'll be wearing the watch while working out, it must be comfortable to wear. Look for a watch with a design that fits well on your wrist and doesn't interfere with your workouts.
6. Price
Finally, consider the price of the smartwatch. While there are many high-end options available, there are also many affordable watches that offer a great range of features. Choose a watch that fits within your budget but still meets your fitness tracking needs.
Remember, the best smartwatch for you is the one that meets your specific needs and preferences. Take the time to research and compare different options to find the perfect fit for your gym workouts.
The Evolution of Smartwatches and Their Role in Fitness
Smartwatches have come a long way since their inception. What started as a simple device for notifications and timekeeping has evolved into a multi-functional gadget that can perform many tasks.
Today, smartwatches are equipped with GPS, heart rate monitors, sleep trackers, and the ability to make and receive calls.
Smartwatches and Fitness: A Perfect Match
Integrating fitness tracking features has made smartwatches a popular choice among fitness enthusiasts.
These devices can track various metrics such as steps taken, calories burned, heart rate, and sleep patterns, providing valuable insights into one's health and fitness levels. Some smartwatches even offer specific workout modes, making them ideal for tracking different types of exercises, including weightlifting.
Are Smartwatches Ready for Workout Tracking?
The answer is a resounding yes.
Modern smartwatches have advanced sensors and algorithms that track various workout metrics accurately.
For instance, they can monitor your heart rate during a workout, count the number of reps in a weightlifting session, and even measure the intensity of your workout.
However, it's important to note that the accuracy of these features can vary from one device to another.
Can Smartwatches Track Sets and Reps?
Some smartwatches can track sets and reps during a weightlifting session.
This is made possible by advanced motion sensors that can detect the specific movements associated with different exercises.
How Do Smartwatches Track Sets and Reps?
Smartwatches track sets and reps through motion sensors and advanced algorithms.
These devices are equipped with accelerometers and gyroscopes to detect specific movements associated with different exercises.
When you perform a rep of a particular exercise, the smartwatch records the motion and counts it as a rep.
For example, if you're doing bicep curls, the smartwatch can detect the specific motion of lifting and lowering the weight, and count each lift as a rep.
Once you've completed a set of reps and taken a break, the smartwatch will register this as a completed set.
The Accuracy of Tracking Sets and Reps
While smartwatches can track sets and reps, the accuracy of this feature can vary depending on several factors.
One of the main factors is the type of exercise being performed. Some exercises have distinct, easily detectable motions that the smartwatch can accurately track.
However, the smartwatch may have difficulty accurately counting reps for exercises with more complex or subtle movements.
Another factor that can affect accuracy is the positioning of the smartwatch.
The smartwatch must be worn correctly on the wrist for the motion sensors to detect the movements associated with an exercise accurately.
If the smartwatch is too loose or incorrectly positioned, it may not accurately track the movements.
Lastly, the specific smartwatch model can also affect the accuracy of tracking sets and reps. S
ome smartwatches are more advanced and have more accurate motion sensors and algorithms for tracking exercises.
Therefore, if tracking sets and reps accurately is important to you, it's worth investing in a high-quality smartwatch known for its fitness-tracking capabilities.
The Future of Smartwatches in Fitness
The role of smartwatches in fitness is expected to grow even further in the coming years.
With technological advancements, we can expect these devices to offer even more accurate and detailed workout tracking features.
Additionally, integrating AI technology could allow smartwatches to provide personalized workout recommendations and predict potential injuries based on the user's workout data.
This makes them an invaluable tool for anyone looking to improve their fitness levels and achieve their workout goals.
Smartwatches have evolved into powerful fitness-tracking devices that can provide valuable insights into one's workout performance.
Whether you're a professional athlete or a fitness enthusiast, a smartwatch can be a great tool to help you track your progress and achieve your fitness goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can smartwatches accurately track weightlifting workouts? Yes, many modern smartwatches can track weightlifting workouts, including sets, reps, and even the type of exercise. However, the accuracy can vary depending on the specific device and the type of exercise.
Do all smartwatches have a weightlifting mode? Not all smartwatches have a dedicated weightlifting mode. However, many fitness-oriented smartwatches do include this feature.
Can a smartwatch help improve my weightlifting form? While a smartwatch can provide valuable data about your workouts, it's not designed to provide feedback on form. For form checks, it's best to consult with a fitness professional.
How does a smartwatch count reps during a weightlifting session? Smartwatches use motion sensors to detect the specific movements associated with different exercises. When you perform a rep, the smartwatch records the motion and counts it as a rep.
Can a smartwatch replace a personal trainer? While a smartwatch can provide valuable data and insights about your workouts, it doesn't replace a personal trainer's personalized guidance and expertise.
Can smartwatches track other types of workouts besides weightlifting? Yes, most fitness-oriented smartwatches can track a variety of workouts, including running, cycling, swimming, and more.
Do I need to have my phone nearby to use a smartwatch during workouts? This depends on the specific smartwatch. Some smartwatches require a connection to a smartphone to fully function, while others can operate independently.
Can I wear my smartwatch while swimming? Many smartwatches are water-resistant and can be worn while swimming. However, it's important to check the specific water resistance rating of your smartwatch before taking it in the water.
How long does the battery last on a smartwatch during workouts? Battery life can vary greatly between different smartwatches and depends on the usage. Continuous workout tracking can drain the battery faster.
Can a smartwatch monitor my heart rate during workouts? Yes, most fitness-oriented smartwatches include a heart rate monitor that can track your heart rate during workouts.
Bottom Line
Smartwatches have evolved into powerful fitness tools capable of tracking various aspects of your workouts, including weightlifting sessions.
They can monitor your heart rate, count reps, and even identify the type of exercise you're performing.
While they can't replace a personal trainer's expertise, they offer valuable insights that can help you understand your performance, track your progress, and achieve your fitness goals.
Whether you're a seasoned weightlifter or just starting your fitness journey, a smartwatch can be a great addition to your workout routine.
