Whether you’re training for your first 5 KM run or to ace the upcoming triathlon, your training requires more than just proper nutrition plan and a pair of elite running shoes. What you need is also a smartwatch to bring your game to the next level.
These devices usually come with built-in GPS and are designed to deliver fitness and health analysis through heart rate, pace, rest times, and speed monitoring. Smartwatches have made amazing progress over the past few years and today we will discuss the top selection for all your running needs.
Do I need a watch for running?
Many people these days do not head out for a run without a fitness watch to keep track of their exercise. While it is not a must to own one, a GPS watch can provide runners with useful data such as distance, time elapsed, pace, speed, calories burnt, and even heart rate.
A good watch helps you track your progress over time and analyse workout to guide you towards a more balanced lifestyle. Some even find motivation to lace up from their fitness watch by joining virtual running communities and tracking themselves on the leaderboard. When used correctly, a smartwatch can help runners achieve the next level of fitness.
Table of Contents
Running is not just an exercise – it is a performance and you need the right tools for it. The Forerunner 645 is part of Garmin’s acclaimed smartwatches made specifically for active runners. So small and comfortable, this unobtrusive high-tech watch even has a heart rate monitor and GPS to help keep track of your workouts.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch boasts a simplistic design with their expanded Super AMOLED display. This mini personal trainer helps you focus on exercising while keeping track of your health. Featuring a large selection of apps, you can even install Spotify into your Galaxy Watch to kick start your music journey hands-free.
Meet your new training buddy! The Polar Ignite is a versatile device that does all the planning for you. Its Polar Flow app automatically logs your training sessions and offers on-demand workouts to match your recovery progress. This new-generation fitness partner will guide you towards a more balanced lifestyle to help you meet your true potential.
Garmin’s innovative Fenix 6X Pro puts no limit on how far you can go with its solar charging capability. This professional device measures your heart rate and oxygen levels to add insight to your fitness activities. The feature-rich smartwatch is best for outdoors, and is perfect as your best buddy for off-grid adventures.
Tired of routine? So are we! Thanks to its in-built activity profiles for running, cycling, swimming, hiking and many more, the Forerunner 935 lets you switch things up with just a single press of a button. Other than that, Garmin’s exceptional multi-sport watch will never run out of steam halfway through a workout with its extended battery life.
Fitbit Ionic is a smartwatch designed for your life. This fitness watch offers guidance to help you reach your goals with its dynamic personal coaching, built-in GPS and continuous heart rate monitoring features. On top of that, this Fitbit even tracks your nightly rests to give you a better understanding of your sleep quality.
Don’t want to depend on your phone for your smartwatch? The Suunto 5 offers multiple features and an impressive battery life that can last for days even with the tracking mode on 24/7.
This compact and lightweight watch is packed with plenty of power to monitor and track your training sessions. Your new workout companion works to keep your life, training, and recovery time all in balance.
Garmin’s Vivoactive 4 tracks all the ways you move with more than 20 preloaded GPS and indoor sports app that includes walking, running, cycling, swimming, golf, and more. The smartwatch even comes with easy-to-follow animated workout demonstrations right on your watch, so you’ll never have to hunt down videos and trainers again.
In need of a sports watch without breaking the bank? Equipped with the latest sensor technology, the affordable J-SPYFIT GPS watch automatically tracks and monitors your heart rate to push you towards a healthier lifestyle. This fitness smartwatch is easily the best solution for those who appreciate a great-value purchase.