Fitness Trackers for Running Essentials

Having a fitness tracker that can do more than count steps, measure sleep, and vibrate when a push notification occurs on your phone is essential for those who are serious runners. Many fitness trackers and smartwatches can track cadence, pace, and other metrics.

There are various pricing points to choose from, so you can find something that suits your demands and budget, complements your style, and aids you in completing all of those miles. It is not uncommon for wearables with running functions to cost more than $200. Several fitness trackers cost less.

GPS and push alerts apps may still be unique requirements for runners.

Style

Sporty-looking running watches aren’t perfect if you want to wear them all the time. When it comes to sweat-resistant silicone wristbands, they tend to have large faces. Having something on your arm while you’re out networking over drinks isn’t ideal.

Coros Apex and Garmin Venu 2 are hybrid running and fitness tracker watches with a sleek appearance. Stainless steel clasps and slimmer bodies give them a more refined appearance. When the occasion calls for it, you may replace the bands on most models for something a little more elegant.

The Essentials for Running

The ability to correctly track total running time, distance, pace, and lap time are some of the most important qualities sought by runners. GPS-enabled watches are a must for outdoor runs, as the data they provide is far more accurate. Using a GPS device allows you to review your run’s route after it has occurred. Long-distance runners may benefit from the Coros Apex and Polar Grit X’s battery-saving functions, which reduce the drain on the battery.

Coros Apex

Advanced data like ground contact duration, stride length, and predicted recovery time after a workout is available on some of the trackers listed below. VO2 Max, or the maximum amount of oxygen your body can consume during strenuous activity, is another metric to quantify cardiovascular fitness. If your VO2 Max goes below a certain level, the Apple Watch will alert you.

When you’re not jogging, you expect a tracker to keep track of your steps and sleep patterns. Several devices on this list can monitor the amount of time you spend sleeping.

Heart Rate Monitor

Most trackers include the optical heart rate monitor (HRM). This device measures your heart rate via the wrist. It is possible to employ HRMs in a variety of ways.

You don’t have to wear a chest strap if you don’t want to with an optical HRM, but many wrist-based trackers still allow you to use one. A chest strap HRM links wirelessly (through Bluetooth or ANT+) to a suitable running watch to get real-time heart rate data while you’re running. Since they are more precise, many athletes still favor chest straps over other methods.

The other main difference is whether the optical HRM provides continuous heart rate monitoring or solely during physical exertion. As a result of constant monitoring, you may quickly check your resting heart rate every day. Continuous HRMs, on the other hand, drain battery life.

Heart rate data’s primary function is not training but detecting signs of underlying health problems. As a result of an FDA-approved electrocardiogram (ECG) capability, the Apple Watch Series 7 may generate a PDF file of your heart rhythm, which you can share with your doctor.

Push Notifications

It is possible to receive notifications via Push Notifications and Apps.
Among hybrid devices, push notification support is widespread. What usually happens is that you get a notification on your phone, and the first few lines of it appear on your tracker. Push notifications on the Garmin Vivoactive 4 are popular since you can scroll through the alert to view more than just the first few lines.

Connect IQ, Garmin’s app store is also available on the Vivoactive 4. Garmin’s app shop is a fraction of the size of Apple’s App Store. There is, however, a benefit to having an app store in the first place. For example, a panel displays several time zones from across the world.

Battery Life

In the world of fitness trackers, battery life is a significant concern. When preparing for a marathon, you need to know that your equipment will survive more than a few days and that it won’t fail at mile 25.