The right GPS watch for your goals is out there, you just have to know what to look for. Each watch is designed with different athletes in mind, such as runners, triathletes, and swimmers. Go through the list and find which watch is right for you.
Brands
There are a few names to know when you are looking for the right GPS watch for your fitness goals. These are the most-known brand names when it comes to watches, and they also happen to be the most trusted. This doesn’t mean a lesser -known brand won’t work for you, but these have been tested by many runners over lots of miles. The brands include:
● Garmin
● TomTom
● Polar
● Fitbit
● Suunto
Fitness Goals
What is your fitness goal? Is it to run a marathon? Is it to get off the couch? Or do you just want to count your daily step? Depending on what your go als are will depend on what type of GPS watch you will want to buy. Furthermore, it will also depend on how much you will spend, which is also something to think about when finding the right watch for you.
The goal with any GPS watch is to help you live a healthier life and get more exercise, which the watch will track your progress and help you reach goals as you move along. When you are looking at GPS watches, think about where you want to be in a few months when it comes to your training. You want a watch that will grow with you without being too advanced when you first purchase it.
Think About Features
Do you run in the rain or do you need a heart rate tracker? Sleep tracking can be nice but if you don’t wear your watch at night then it doesn’t become a necessity. If you are big into triathlons, there are specific GPS watches that are better at tracking your data during a triathlon than others. If you are more into running, think about a GPS watch that is more dedicated to running and improving your performance, form, and time. Some GPS watches have smartphone notifications and storage for music so you can leave your phone in the car during your workout. If that is important to you, make sure to look for it in the features.
Basic Data Tracking
The Timex Ironman GPS watch is a basic GPS watch that tells you how far you have run and how long it took. The watch comes in under $100 because it doesn’t have all the fancy features of the other GPS watches. It has the basic information you need to keep you informed of your running stats.
Extreme Data Tracking
If you want a lot of data for feedback on your exercise regimen, the Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR BARO is a good option. Besides GPS, you will get stats on temperature, vertical speed, ascent, descent, estimated recovery time, and a compass. The watch will also keep track of your sleep quality and daily activity. Since the watch comes with loads of data, it comes with a bigger price tag, upwards of $500, so that is something to be aware of.
Improving Your Running
Garmin Forerunner 235 is a good option for improving your running, whether you want to do speed work, tempo runs, or interval training. The Garmin website allows you to create a weekly running schedule with the type of training you want and upload it to your watch. This is a good option for those just getting into running and need a little help on how to get started. The price is in the intermediate price range so expect to pay around $250.
Watching Your Form
Working on your form comes with enhancing your running performance over time, and the Polar V800 can help you with the that. The sensors measure your stride length, cadence, and running form. Overall, this can help you reduce seconds on your time and reduce the risk of injury. This watch comes in around $300.
Doing a Triathlon
Doing a Triathlon If you are gearing up for a triathlon, the Garmin Forerunner 735XT is a good option. It has multi sport training modes to switch from one activity to another. The GPS battery life is supposed to last up to 14 hours, which is good for long events. A nice bonus with this one is the heart rate monitor, which may not be as accurate as a chest strap but usually the watch is more comfortable than the strap. Expect to pay just over $
300 for this watch.
Swim Tracking
The Fitbit Ionic is at the top of the list when it come s to swim tracking. It syncs with your phone and stores music on the watch. While in the pool, the watch will keep track of your stroke cycle and calories burned. Furthermore, if you decide to take a rest the watch will pause on its own. Besides swim tracking, it also tracks elevation for trail running. This watch usually runs around $300.
Best Looking for Everyday Wearing
Do you want a fitness tracker that doesn’t look like a fitness tracker? The Nokia Steel is a good option because it is sleek and looks like a typical analog watch. On the face of the watch, you will see the time and how close you are to reaching your goal. It is comfortable, light, and ideal for minimalists. The watch costs about $130.
The Right GPS Watch
The right GPS watch will depend on your fitness goals, budget, and specific features you are looking for. Think about what you want most out of your watch now and a few months in the future and find your watch from there. You want something you can grow into as you enhance your fitness training.
