Sports watch for running. Which ones to choose?

In those very moments when irregular workouts turn into a developed jogging plan, the idea arises of a convenient and practical assistant that can partially replace a personal trainer - a jogging watch. Tracking indicators and their timely fixation is the main task of this accessory. After all, it is the analysis of the training that will help to identify the effectiveness and adjust further actions.

For beginners in this discipline, an application in a mobile phone is enough, many note the inconvenience of jogging with a mobile phone in bad and cold weather, as well as fast battery consumption in long-distance applications.

The choice is made in favor of hours for running. Search algorithm:

1. Determine the budget;

2. Select a manufacturer;

3. Evaluate your training, thereby deciding for what degree of intensive training the watch is bought (occasional hobby, amateur, professional), so it will be easier to find a brand;

4. Evaluate the physiological data and choose from the model range that suits your requirements.

10 Useful Functions for Sports Watches

The choice of a model is primarily influenced by your level and running practice, the connection is that a beginner in jogging may simply not need many functions, and a professional will pay attention to brands with an interesting and unusual arsenal of options.

A sports watch for running may include the following features:

– measurement of speed and distance covered by GPS. It will be needed for those who keep a training diary;

- heart rate monitor. For athletes with an individual plan, this indicator reflects the effectiveness of training. For the first time, you need to control this parameter to avoid breathing problems;

- stopwatch. For lessons on time;

- notification with a vibration signal. Warns about going beyond the set parameters;

- compatible with the phone. If there is no computer nearby, the entire history can be transferred to a mobile device;

- the ability to connect, for example, to headphones;

- router. Enter points in advance, and the option as a navigator in the car will offer a jogging map;

- autopause. For running athletes in the city (traffic lights, passing cars), etc.;

- backlight. The backlight will help out in the dark.

Some watch models belong to the multisport category, designed not only for running discipline, but also for skiing, diving, which will significantly save on equipment for fans of different sports.

Most modern models have similar characteristics.

What to look for when buying?

1.Weight

It is unlikely that a massive watch will be comfortable to wear for a petite girl. It is better to try on the model before buying.

2.Charge time

The more the better, especially for marathon runners. The set of functions in hours should be taken into account, the operating time of the device depends on their number.

3.Nutrition

Battery operated or fixed mains connection. An important point for frequent use outside the benefits of civilization.

4.Waterproof and durable case

For active running in all conditions

Running watch review

Today the market is oversaturated with all kinds of sports attributes. Therefore, the question often arises, what kind of running watch to buy, how not to make a mistake with the choice, how to understand what you need?

- Garmin, a company from the USA;

- Suunto company from Finland;

Polar is a company from China.

For comparison, here are the best sports watches for running of different content:

1.Garmin Forerunner 630

The developers of this model sought to create a product that you would not want to part with even outside of sports. Therefore, in addition to the invested proven chips of the brand, the watch was supplemented with newfangled options. The design is universally strict, suitable for anyone. Round shape, 4 control buttons, touch screen with color reproduction, soft but very durable strap. On the side of the back cover there is a recess with contacts for attaching the charger. Light weight 44 gr. Available colors are black and blue. Equipped with the maximum number of functions, running dynamics, displaying the calculation of personal indicators, real-time training, the ability to optimize the work of the mobile through the watch (music, SMS notification). Communication protocols built into the model allow you to feed data to other devices. Powered by a battery, the manufacturer promises 16 hours in training mode and 4 weeks of regular hours. The connection with the satellite is fast, the signal quality is clear, without failures.

Professionals will be pleased with the additional features that, paired with a chest strap (included), will give training statistics (step rate per minute, maximum oxygen consumption, etc.).

The average price is $350 and up.

2.Suunto Ambit 3 Sport

Representative of multisport watches. The line consists of Run, Sport and Peak. The first is just for running. The second multi-sport, and the last with an increase in mountain functions. The pulse belt is included. Data transfer via Bluetooth. Model weight 80 gr., screen shape round, silicone strap. The “life” of the device without using additional modes is 14 days, for full-fledged work, it is possible to choose an economical battery consumption, while the manufacturer promises 100 hours (4 days) of use. To minimize the setup time, the developers offer to connect the watch to a smartphone and perform all actions through a proprietary application. Accessible services have become an innovation, through which the activity of the watch expands its range of work. The A-GPS function helps to make the connection as much as possible, which has a positive effect on the operation of the gadget. The main set of functions is standard (definition of zones, heart rate, navigation, etc.). It should be noted a convenient training calendar for fans of regular jogging.

Sold in the price range of $400.

Video review of smart watches Suunto Ambit 3:

3.Polar V800. Running watches and more

The model differs from its competitors in an interesting, simple and functional design. The shape is square. Weight 82 gr. The metal case makes the product strong and durable. The kit includes a charger and a heart monitor. Data transfer via Bluetooth. There is no ANT + sensor, the watch is not designed for wireless transmission over insecure channels. Settings are made through the official app. Synchronization is automatic, which simplifies the work with the device. Satellite connection is fast. You can highlight the creation of accurate interval training. The interface of the watch screen is simple, with the help of the side buttons the desired mode is selected, the basic values ​​are set. The content of the smart watch is standard, with added features (the watch will “tell” if you start running without the start button, the schedule and forecast for recovery after training, the division into segments of the running phases, the ability to set a plan with daily tracking through the physical activity application, etc.). Work in the clock mode for a month, in full use up to 50 hours (2 days).