I’ve received a lot of questions lately about fitness watches. Which is the best for running? Which does the best job keeping track of calories burned? Which tracks my steps? While I love fitness gadgets and anything that can help me reach my fitness goal I found myself stumped with all of these fitness watch questions.
In the little research I had already done to find my own perfect watch, I realized one thing – it depends on what you’re looking for. Runners will want a watch that tracks distance, mileage and speed while bootcamp buffs may just want to see how many calories they burned in 45 minutes and triathletes will probably need something that tracks running, swimming and biking.
It can all be very overwhelming but the good news is whatever you are looking for you can usually find with a little research. Luckily for you I’ve eliminated a few steps in your search process and, thanks to fellow JMB moms, a few friends and Jacksonville Running Company, narrowed it down to the top 5 fitness watches I think will help get you to your perfect watch.
Garmin Forerunner 405
If you’re a runner this is probably the watch that has popped up the most in your search. I actually have this watch and really like it. Although I haven’t been doing much running lately, this watch was great for when I was training for my marathon. Definitely a running watch, the Garmin Forerunner 405 tracks mileage and pace and you can even get a good calorie burn estimate if you wear the heart rate monitor during a workout.
It’s worth mentioning that the Garmin Forerunner 405 is bulkier than other watches, and while it is great for running I wouldn’t recommend it for other fitness classes. The touch screen is very sensitive, often times getting in the way when exercising. If you’re looking for a watch to wear all day every day and one that tracks calories burned this is not the one.
Here is what JMB contributor Kathy had to say about her Garmin:
“I liked just being able to run a quick out and back from almost anywhere to achieve the mileage I needed. Liked looking back at my training runs when I downloaded them onto the Garmin app. Could see which miles I ran fast, which I ran slow and could see the mile markers on my route.”
Garmin Foreruner 10
Another great running watch from Garmin, the Garmin Forerunner 10 isn’t as bulky as its predecessor and isn’t quite as complex either. While less of a watch, the Garmin 10 still manages to give you everything you need, and maybe all you need for a run.
Jax Stroller Strength owner, running queen and JMB contributor MaryLauren had this to say about her Garmin Forerunner 10:
“I was attracted to the Garmin 10 for its simplicity. I had the 410 and liked it but never thought I was maximizing its full potential. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one because Garmin came out with the 10, a watch that only offers the most basic and I believe popular functions like average pace, lap pace, run/walk alert (perfect for Galloway runners) and a virtual pacer to push you. If you are training for a race and have a goal time, I strongly suggest a Garmin. They are a bit habit forming so don’t forget to just run for fun and leave the watch at home. The only negative I’ve found is the watch has a harder time detecting the GPS satellites than the bigger version.”
Garmin Forerunner 910 XT
If you’re into triathlons this is the watch for you. The base model for this watch includes just the watch and heart rate monitor but if you know you’ll be using it for triathlons I suggest checking out the Triathalon Bundle, which includes everything you need to track all three sports.
Our resident triathlete and newest JMB Contributor, Nicole, had this to say about the Garmin Forerunner 910 XT:
“I bought this GPS watch when training for a sprint triathlon. I upgraded it from my forerunner 305 and couldn’t be happier.
• It’s the most feature-packed Garmin to date
• Battery lasts up to 20 hrs for ultra endurance athletes
• Water resistant up to 50m and tracks both open water and pool swims
• Switches between sports with the push of 1 button with capability to time transitions
• Captures time, distance, speed, pace, & more for running and biking
• High-sensitivity GPS
• Wireless technology lets you automatically transfer data between your computer and forerunner without even taking the watch off to store your workouts and routes
• Option to purchase heart rate monitor (to track heart rate and calories burned) or foot pod (to track indoor cycling workouts)”
Polar FT4
If you’re more of a strength kinda gal the Polar FT4 (or any Polar really) is probably your best bet. I have to admit, I’ve been trying to get into the Polar world for a few years now but am always super overwhelmed with their products. Just like the rest of these watches there are so many to choose from. Luckily, a fellow Stroller Strengther took the time to share some info with me about her Polar FT4 and why she loves it.
“The Polar FT4 is very user-friendly, easy to set up, comfortable to wear, stylish and not bulky – meaning it doesn’t get in the way when I work out. It calculates heart rate and calories burned and also has a clock. There is no GPS or other running features so it is mainly for Stroller Strength-type classes, bootcamps, gym workouts, etc.”
FitBit Flex
I actually haven’t really spoken to anybody who owns one of these but since it is one of the newer fitness watches on the market I thought it was worth looking into. With a sleeker look than say a Garmin or Polar watch, the new Fitbit watches almost don’t even look like a watch, but rather a bracelet you wear on your wrist. From what I understand it’s not just for fitness either i.e. it can track sleep patterns!
Here is what the Fitbit website has to say about its product:
• Tracks steps, distance, calories burned and active minutes
• Monitors how long you sleep
• Wakes you with a silent wake alarm
• Log food, weight and more on Fitbit’s website
• Set goals, view progress and earn badges
If you’re in the market for a fitness watch don’t miss JMB’s Running 101: A Clinic for Beginner and Novice Runners at Jacksonville Running Company this Thursday, Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m. Jacksonville Running Co’s friendly staff will not only help you find the right running shoes, but will answer any and all questions you may have including those about fitness watches!
Thank you Jacksonville Running Company for sponsoring this post! Please check out the JRC Facebook page for more information on community runs, products of the week, and special events!
