Smart watch for running. Running watch. Everything you need for an effective workout

Proper running should be effective, safe and definitely enjoyable. Some people get this pleasure from the process itself, while others care about the results. To ensure that all three conditions are met, both will not be harmed by professional assistance in the form of a trainer or special devices designed specifically for athletes. There are a lot of running watches on the market now, but how do you choose from them? What to look for?

First, immediately look for a watch with a heart rate monitor or a heart rate monitor itself. Correct work with pulse zones is the key not only to a good result, but also to health and recovery. Secondly, the choice depends on your experience, level of training and requirements. If you are just starting to run without a coach, a watch with training programs for distances from 5 km to a marathon will be a great help. Third, think about where you most often run or plan to run, and estimate your GPS and map needs.

We advise you to choose from the products of three leaders in the sports watch market - Garmin, Polar and Suunto. Of course, there are Apple Watch and other popular devices, but it’s unlikely that their fans will need the advice from this article. We have selected 9 models for you that will definitely help you at one or another stage of your running training, and we have also prepared a discount at the end of the article. Study and choose.

1. Polar H10 chest heart rate monitor

Let's start with the main basic assistant - a chest heart rate monitor. Many companies today produce proprietary heart rate sensors, but Polar was the first to patent in 1979, and 3 years later introduced a wireless wearable heart rate monitor, so we recommend its devices.

Polar H10 is a worthy result of this 40-year expertise. The chest heart rate sensor is equipped with electrodes and changes the pulse according to the ECG principle, which ensures high accuracy of measurements. Polar H10 does not need to be charged: the battery is replaceable and is designed for 400 hours of training. The device supports Bluetooth Low Energy and Bluetooth Smart technologies, the sensor can be synchronized with Polar devices and third party applications so that the data goes directly to them.

Polar H10 comes standard with the Polar V800 smartwatch and provides the accuracy of an orthostatic test. The heart rate monitor is perfect for swimming, as it is protected from moisture at a depth of up to 30 meters and supports data transmission at a frequency of 5 kHz. If the accuracy of heart rate measurement down to a percentage is important to you, then we recommend using the H10 - either paired with a watch or standalone. True, the memory is only enough for one training session, but synchronization is fast.

Read more about Polar H10.

2. Polar OH1 shoulder heart rate monitor

A less traditional, but more convenient to wear format is the shoulder heart rate monitor. Polar OH1 is the first standalone heart rate sensor, which means that it can be either synchronized with a smartphone or used independently. Unlike the H10 and other chest heart rate monitors, the OH1 uses an optical heart rate monitor rather than an ECG. Thanks to this, it became possible to mount the sensor almost anywhere and not constantly check the fit of the electrodes. This is especially true for girls: cardio tape under a sports bra or competition jersey can cause a lot of chafing.

On the downside, unlike its predecessor, OH1 does not support data transmission at a frequency of 5 kHz (Gymlink). But the volume internal memory this sensor is 4 MB; this is enough for 200 training hours. The Polar OH1 battery is rechargeable, one charge lasts for 12 hours. The sensor can be used in water. In general, a suitable option for those who like not only to run.

Read more about Polar OH1.

3. Smart watch Polar V800 H10

If you want a watch for serious running and an equally serious chest heart rate monitor, we recommend choosing the Polar V800, as it is a combination of a great watch and the H10, no compromises. The watch is shock-resistant and the glass is scratch-resistant, perhaps even more so than the premium sapphire displays on top-end Garmins. Yes, the V800 is inferior to other models (and even the younger M430) in terms of black-and-white screen resolution, but this is compensated by an excellent viewing angle and battery life - the watch holds a charge for up to 30 days.

The device is ideal for triathletes. Firstly, the watch is not afraid of water (neither open water nor a swimming pool) and thanks to H10 it correctly displays your heart rate. Secondly, the firmware allows you to combine several sports in one training session, changing modes with the press of one button. Thanks to the built-in altimeter, you can also determine the ascents and descents of the distance. The function of returning to the desired point is available, which is useful in everyday life. In the Polar Flow app or its desktop version, you can find out the maximum pace, cadence and load level for each workout, as well as receive motivating information about the effect of the exercise. In addition, V800 owners have the opportunity to regularly conduct a Vo 2 max test and an orthostatic test.

Polar V800 is suitable for you if you engage in cyclic sports, especially running and triathlon, monitor your aerobic threshold, calculate R-R intervals and conduct serious analytics of your training.

Read more about Polar V800.

4. Polar M430 sports watch

Of course, it is best to combine the readings of a watch and a full-fledged heart rate monitor, but the benefits of a built-in wrist heart rate monitor are difficult to overestimate. If the V800 comes in conjunction with the H10, then in the case of the M430 let’s remember about the OH1. The devices share the same optical heart rate monitor, the most accurate in its class and developed by Polar. Heart rate tracking occurs 24/7. The model weighs only 51 grams, and the charge lasts about 10 days using GPS for training 2-3 times a week.

The Polar Flow ecosystem supports about 100 sports profiles and contains training programs for races of 5, 10 km, half marathon or marathon, scheduled for every day for 2-3 months. In the app, you can create your own training plan and track progress using analytics and Running Index and Polar OwnIndex - indicators that reflect aerobic running efficiency and (VO₂max), respectively. Users have access to several GPS accuracy modes, interval training, as well as analytics of sleep duration and quality and planned recovery time after exercise.

The Polar M430 is a very functional, yet affordable (especially compared to other models) watch that is tailored specifically for runners.

Read more about Polar M430.

5. Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR

Let's move on to another Finnish company - Suunto. It has been producing liquid compasses, dive computers and sports watches for over 80 years. Alas, the legendary Ambit 3 was discontinued, but Suunto Spartan was launched. Suunto Spartan became the first line of the Finnish company with a color display, and Sport Wrist HR was the first model of this line with a built-in PerformTek optical heart rate sensor from the American Valencell. They weigh 72 g, the display is touch-sensitive, color and made of crystal glass

What can this watch do? Suunto has its own Movescount ecosystem, which offers more than 80 sport modes (including multisport and triathlon) and customizable displays. The watch supports interval training and provides post-workout information. There is route and elevation navigation with GPS/GLONASS, a built-in accelerometer and FusedSpeed™ technology. In Sport Wrist HR training mode, it lasts up to 40 hours with energy saving.

Runners will benefit from tables with heart rate milestones, pace measurements, recovery projections, personal bests, and planning with a coach. Bonus for girls: in addition to colorful models, there is a very beautiful one - Gold, in white with gold edging. This watch can withstand 10 days in “time” mode and up to 12 hours with a working GPS module.

Read more about Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR.

6. Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR Baro

Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR Barо is the optimal model of the Finnish brand: it is equipped with both an optical heart rate monitor and a barometric altimeter. In terms of their dimensions, the Baro is absolutely identical to the Sport Wrist HR; they differ in design: there is a steel Stealth and an amber Amber. The model is almost indestructible: it can withstand immersion up to 100 m, and is protected from shock and damage.

Sport Wrist HR Baro will work for 10 hours in the GPS tracking mode every second and 40 hours when accessing satellites every minute in energy-saving mode. The watch is charged using a magnetic docking station - very convenient.

The model is designed for outdoor sports and especially in the mountains, be it running or mountaineering. Thanks to the built-in barometer, Baro will warn the owner about weather changes and also tell the exact time of sunset and sunrise. Route navigation, POI (Points of Interest) and ETA functions will also be useful - navigation to selected points with calculation of time of arrival. We especially note the route heat maps in Suunto Movescount.

Read more about Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR Baro.

7. Suunto Spartan Trainer Wrist HR

Finally, the third model from Suunto is the lightest and smallest: its weight is 56-66 g and its thickness is 14.9 mm, so the Trainer looks good and fits even on narrow wrists. There is, of course, the other side of the coin: the watch has lost quite a lot of autonomy, and you have to charge it every other day. Let Suunto be much inferior to Polar and Garmin models in terms of time battery life, but they are superior in display quality: the resolution is 300 x 320 versus, at best, 240 x 240. In addition, the Trainer model now has more color options to suit every taste.

In terms of functionality, this version is almost no different from the Sport Wrist HR: the same 80 sports profiles, customizable displays for runners, full GPS navigation and tracking. Is that the depth of immersion has become smaller - and, in fact, the operating time. As a result, we have a slightly less “long-lasting”, but quite competitive model for less money.

Read more about Suunto Spartan Trainer Wrist HR.

8. Garmin Forerunner 935 sports watch

Unlike Polar, Garmin has always specialized in working with GPS, which could not but affect the functionality of their devices. The Garmin Forerunner 935 is practically an on-board computer that can take weeks to learn. At the same time, the watch is light (49 g) and stylish, it looks good even under a suit. Without recharging, the watch lasts up to 2 weeks, and charges in just an hour and a half. With continuously working GPS, they will last for as long as 24 hours, and in economy mode – up to 50 hours.

FR 935 are equipped with a Wi-Fi module and a barometric altimeter. The heart rate monitor is optical; heart rate is measured around the clock every 2 seconds, making it convenient to work with heart rate zones during training - the watch warns you when you leave the desired zone. The same data is used to calculate HRmax, HRR and recovery time. Using analytics in Garmin Connect, you can find out your lactate threshold, recommended exercise level, functional power threshold, and even predict your results in competitions. There is an opportunity to work out with a virtual “partner” or compare results with real people, as well as a paid option for contacting a trainer. A participant in the 2017 Moscow Marathon wrote about how to use the Garmin Forerunner 935 to prepare for a marathon and at a distance. in his review. There are a lot of possibilities for running - from customizing watch faces and widgets to measuring cadence and step frequency. You can even control your music on your phone!

Read more about Garmin Forerunner 935.

9. Garmin Fenix ​​5 sports watch

If even the most advanced functionality is not enough for you, but your finances allow it, then you should think about a premium watch - such as the Garmin Fenix ​​5 with a stainless steel case and sapphire crystal. They are like a luxury car: they can do a lot of things, are incredibly comfortable to use and will make the right impression on business partners.

We are, however, interested in their “professional” sports capabilities. This model differs little from the Forerunner 935 - except that the Fenix ​​5 has more functions for tourism. This Garmin model also supports ANT+ and allows you to connect third-party sensors. Both the Garmin Elevate optical heart rate monitor and GPS navigation work great. Water resistance is 10 ATM, so you can swim and dive. As for autonomy, in Fenix ​​5 smartwatch mode there are 336 hours, with GPS always on - 24 hours, and in Ultratrack saving mode - 75.

If you train in the city, choose the basic model of Fenix ​​5, if in nature, then the support for topographic maps and the ability to plot a route on versions 5X and 5S will come in handy.

Read more about Garmin Phoenix 5.

Summary

Of course, these 9 models are far from the only ones that will be useful to runners, but their range of capabilities is quite indicative. You can compare the listed models with each other in more detail in a convenient calculator D.C.Rainmaker, and choose any model on the website Inspector Gadgets with a 5% discount using promo code MARAFON. In the meantime, we remind you that running is about fun, and we wish you excellent results - with or without a watch.

Among the reasons for buying another gadget instead of running with an app on your phone is the fact that even beginner runners need to know their heart rate, pace and mileage. And those who are ready to achieve goals and progress cannot do without an intelligent and sometimes talking assistant.

Choosing a watch is almost like buying a car. We read reviews, consult with friends, go to stores to “touch” it. Marathon Academy takes away your headaches and offers a complete guide to choosing watches. Enjoy!

First, let's figure out what functions you need. There are a lot of them in watches, and the chosen model and its cost depend on your needs.

GPS. Thanks to it, speed and distance are measured and a route track is drawn. If you happen to be running in the forest and get lost, an advanced watch with GPS will greatly simplify the task for rescuers. It also measures height.

Heart rate monitor important for runners of all skill levels. Without understanding your pulse zone, you will not be able to give adequate load and understand the effectiveness of your training. The watch comes with or without a chest heart rate sensor, in which case you need to purchase it separately. Modern models already come with a built-in LED sensor; it measures the pulse directly on the wrist. This allows you to take measurements during the day or while you sleep, if the watch is not taken off.

VO2max. Measuring the maximum volume of oxygen consumed is an indicator of endurance. Usually the measurement is carried out in laboratory conditions, but sports watches have also learned to cope with it.

Recovery time. The device analyzes the indicators and predicts how much time is needed for rest and recovery so that the training is as effective as possible.

Calorie counter. A function that came from fitness bracelets. The calories burned during the workout are counted.

Autopause- a useful feature for those who run along the street and stop at traffic lights. The tracker pauses your run.

Virtual partner(for solo runners). Creates the illusion of jogging with a partner who runs a little faster than you.

Workout planner. Advanced watch models can create a plan for you based on your goals. But it is better to consult a live trainer.

Synchronization with a smartphone or computer. All gadgets have this function, but manufacturers have different applications.

Watch weight. Pay attention to how comfortable you are when running with the device.

Battery. Battery capacity different models approximately the same, but the use of GPS and Bluetooth drains the watch faster. You don't want to be left without a tracker during the marathon, do you?

Important: Heart rate monitors built into watches (at least on top Garmin models) are not suitable for full interval training. They have long delays in readings and serious inaccuracy, up to a 15 beat difference. Therefore, it is better to purchase a separate chest heart rate monitor, the same Garmin or Polar. The latter are a little cheaper and no worse.

But the main criterion when choosing a watch is budget. Below we present the most popular models in three price categories. Prices are indicated in two versions: in Russia and from foreign sites. Official dealers in Russia have watches in stock and with a Russian guarantee. But the product is much more expensive than if bought in Europe/USA. You can order on trusted Western sites. Find a model that matches the design in Moscow stores, and then place an order on one of these sites:

ebay.com

https://www.bike24.com/

https://www.bike-discount.de

http://www.wiggle.ru

Despite the noticeable difference in price, remember that when buying a watch from an official representative, you also receive warranty support and service. Whereas when ordering online, you will have to wait for delivery and you will only receive a worldwide guarantee.

So, a checklist before purchasing:

With a chest heart rate monitor (the clearest way to determine your heart rate).

So that there is synchronization via Bluetooth (it’s convenient to synchronize workouts with the application).

Within your budget.

Up to 10,000 rubles

Suunto SS015855000

They have the simplest functions for monitoring heart rate with transition to pulse zones, calorie consumption, and even gives training recommendations in real time.

They have several options for colored straps, if this is important to you.

In Russia - from 7,200 rubles

Bike 24 - not represented

Garmin Vivosmart

More like a fitness tracker, but they obediently measure heart rate, count distance, steps and calories. Holds a charge for up to 7 days.

In Russia - from 10,500 rubles

Bike 24 - from 8,200 rubles

Polar M200

They have all the functions for successful training: GPS, pedometer and general physical activity meter, sleep tracker, heart rate sensor. Completely waterproof and have replaceable straps.

In Russia - from 7,700 rubles

Bike 24 - from 7,700 rubles

Tomtom Runner 2 Music

Tomtom primarily makes navigation, but they also make running watches well. Thanks to the company's experience, navigation in gadgets works perfectly. Accuracy of distance traveled and heart rate is very accurate. This model already has a built-in mp3 player with 3 GB of memory for music. The headphones are connected via Bluetooth.

In Russia - from 8,700 rubles

Bike 24 - from 11 1200 rubles

10,000-20,000 rubles

TomTom Runner Cardio

They have a multisport mode, which also adds the model to the field of view of triathletes. In addition to all the advantages of this brand, the Runner Cardio has a built-in optical heart rate monitoring sensor and an updated strap.

In Russia - from 15,000 rubles

Bike 24 - from 14,000 rubles

Garmin 35

Garmin Forerunner 35 is a basic sports watch with GPS navigator ohm, built-in heart rate monitor, activity tracker, sleep and calorie tracking.

In Russia - from 15,000 rubles

Bike 24 - from 15,000 rubles

Suunto Spartan Trainer Wrist HR Black

A complete running and triathlon watch with built-in optical heart rate, power metering (running and cycling), navigation support, multisport features, extensive sports configuration and sleep tracking. They completely justify their cost.

In Russia - from 20,000 rubles

Bike 24 - from 14,100 rubles

Garmin 235

The Garmin Forerunner 235 is a great sports watch with GPS, a built-in heart rate monitor, an activity tracker that tracks sleep and calories, and a built-in accelerometer to track distance and pace while running. Designed to be worn 24 hours a day, this device will not miss the slightest detail in your activities. The proprietary software transmits notifications from the smartphone to the watch screen, and the number and colors of interchangeable straps make them suitable for both men and women.

In Russia - from 27,000 rubles

Bike 24 - from 15,000 rubles

More than 20,000 rubles

Jogging is the main form of physical activity for busy and business people. It is important to understand how the runner’s body feels and whether the pace or duration of the workout needs to be increased.

Heart rate data and distance measurement help increase the effectiveness of your fitness activities. A sports running watch will help you with this!.

Benefits of Suunto running sports watches

1. Measuring speed and distance using GPS. For example, Suunto Spartan Trainer Wrist is a compact and comfortable running watch with GPS.
2. Touch screen. Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR is suitable for multi-training and supports 80 sport modes.
3. Saving load data. Suunto Spartan Sport Sakura HR watch with GPS records and analyzes daily activity and rest data, suitable for running and active walking.
4. Tracking the route of movement. Suunto Spartan Ultra White HR finds new routes and helps you stay connected if you get lost on the ground.
5. Comparison of the owner's achievements with community members. The Suunto Spartan Ultra Black running watch comes with Coach Control mode.

Buying a running sports watch for yourself or as a gift is very simple. Our website presents more than 30 models for athletes. We provide a 24-month warranty on gadgets, inform you about promotions and the availability of service centers near your home. Play sports with Suunto smartwatches and achieve success!

In this review article, we will talk about smart sports watches for running, how to buy, how to choose a running watch, what to consider when choosing, what must be in them, we will also make a selection of the TOP-9 TOP running models.

The active side of humanity are those people who are actively involved in sports, run with a phone at a beginner or advanced level, and gradually come to the idea that training with a phone is not very convenient.

There are disadvantages to using a phone, such as: it is less accurate in measurements, you need an Internet connection to communicate with a GPS satellite, it does not provide many of the necessary running indicators, it does not measure heart rate, it does not notify you when you leave a given heart rate zone, and much more.

You definitely can’t call your phone a full-fledged running computer; in sports, it acts more like an intermediate link; it is needed to test whether a running watch is needed at all. Also, using a phone allows you to save money; sometimes you don’t need to buy a sports watch at all; if you rarely exercise, a phone will be enough.

When an athlete wants different results and other expectations, a sports watch is indispensable. In such cases, the athlete begins to look for what suits him better, looks at reviews, Video reviews, collects information about brands, models, etc. Compares them with each other and tries to find grains of gold in the huge mountains of information on the Internet about sports watches.

To save time, we have selected the TOP 9 models of running watches, the functions of which do not even need to be studied for a long time, because they have everything for running and cardio training and the accuracy of the sensors is maximum or can be increased to maximum.

So, let's begin!

There are many brands selling sports smartwatches, but only three are worthy of attention - POLAR (Finland), GARMIN (USA), SUUNTO (Finland). To confirm these words, you can watch any professional race (triathlon, marathon, bicycle race) and in 95% we will see products of only these brands on the hands of the participants.


We present to your attention the TOP 3 POLAR:
POLAR is a Finnish brand, No. 1 in the field of heart rate monitoring, the most accurate heart rate monitors and the most affordable in price. The company's main focus is on the following functions: fitness, cardiometry, calculation of daily activity (depth of sleep, steps taken per day, calories burned and activity 24/7), as well as the development of a fitness application where the history of training is stored.

1. Polar M430
Price: 15,990 rub.
The model replaced the very popular Polar M400 GPS watch. The new model has improved characteristics compared to the previous one and corrected shortcomings. The M430 is more reliable than its predecessor, with a wrist-based heart rate sensor, vibration mode, stopwatch, and improved sleep tracking. In addition, the model also continues to be connected to a chest strap, but it will need to be purchased separately.
This is one of the best running watches, you should take a closer look at it first. If they don't suit you, look further. You can buy Polar M430 in the store by following the link →

2. Polar V800
Price: 30,990 rub.
TOP model from Polar, can do literally anything, any sport, maximum number of indicators, weak in tourism, but very strong in sports. It will be more functional even compared to Garmin Fenix ​​5, but if we talk about sports functionality. The V800 model has been greatly improved, all functions work as reliably and accurately as possible, including indoor running, calculation of running cadence, swimming distances in the pool, etc. Among the tourist functions there is a barometer, tracks altitude above sea level and writes a route track.
You can buy Polar V800 in the store by following the link →

3. Polar M600
Price: 19,990 rub.
The watch is too smart, we have already written about it more than once, its smart functionality sometimes surpasses the sports one and some functions that are, for example, in the Polar V800 are missing here, for example: orthostatic test, fitness test, jumping test, heart rate zone blocking, race pace , interval timer, hitchhiking, stopwatch, as well as a barometer and triathlon mode. But the watch has 16 GB of memory built into it for downloading music and applications to Google Play. You can even respond to SMS and emails from the watch screen Email previously prepared templates, the only thing is that you can’t speak in them like in the Apple Watch. The Polar M600 is based on the Android Wear system, and all the smart functionality is unlocked as a bonus when connected to the Android system. With the iPhone, the functionality is a little scarcer, but the watch is quite suitable for running, the colors of the screen are rich, touchscreen high resolution, built-in GPS and accelerometer.
The downside of the model is perhaps the short battery life on a single charge - 1.5-2 days, that is, the watch, like the iPhone, constantly needs to be recharged.
You can buy Polar M600 in the store by following the link →

Rating of TOP 3 SUUNTO models:
The Suunto brand has a long history, it was created in 1936 and was previously involved in the production of compasses; since 1997 they have been producing sports watches. It is distinguished by its high reliability and durability, battery life and the speed of searching for GPS satellites.

1. Suunto Spartan Trainer Wrist HR
Price: RUB 19,990
One of the models in the new Suunto Spartan line. It began being supplied to the Russian market in mid-2017. With the Suunto Spartan Trainer, Suunto has tried to embody the idea of ​​being the most affordable triathlon watch with the same quality. They succeeded, the model has proven itself excellent in running, including indoors and outdoors, swimming in the pool and in open water, cycling, skiing, the ability to connect with all external sensors (cadence, foot pood, speed). Suunto Spartan models have a good GPS signal, fast satellite search and high measurement accuracy. The watch has a built-in optical heart rate monitor, the chest sensor can be synchronized with it, but you need to buy it separately, at a price of 4,990 rubles (suunto smart sensor). The model is perfect for running, with the prospect that if you suddenly engage in another sport in the future, it will already be in the watch.
You can buy Suunto Spartan Trainer Wrist HR in the store by following the link →

2. Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR
Price: 35,990 rub.
Another model of the Suunto Spartan line, differs from the previous Spartan Trainer in a slightly larger screen diameter, touch controls (the controls are also duplicated by buttons), the presence of a compass in the body, and a slightly stronger battery. The model looks elegant, whether in the gym or swimming pool, or at a meeting under a suit. The Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR is also a multi-sport watch, suitable for any sport, including all types of running, as well as swimming and triathlon.
Available in two versions: with a built-in heart rate sensor on the wrist (this is evidenced by the phrase “Wrist HR” in the name) and without a built-in wrist sensor, but with a chest strap included. Their price also differs from the built-in optical one - 35,990 rubles, from the chest strap without the built-in one - 32,990 rubles.
You can buy Suunto Spartan Sport in the store by following the link →

3. Suunto Ambit3 Peak Black HR
Price: 26,999 rub.
This model will soon become a rarity and a legend :), this model is loved by those who run trails, for one simple reason, their operating time on one battery charge in economy mode with GPS turned on = 200 hours. No other watch, of any brand, can beat this record, they are not short by an order of magnitude, the most advanced are inferior to the Ambit3 Peak by about 2 times. This is a watch with maximum functionality that Suunto has, only from the previous line, and with a black and white screen. The model is currently on sale in our store, but will soon go out of production and will be very difficult to find. And she is one of the most reliable. Ideal for running, considering its price, it has almost halved since the model of the previous outgoing line. Ambit 3 Peak is also a multisport model; in addition to running, it is suitable for all types of sports and tourism; the tourist functionality here is maximum and is comparable in level to Suunto Spartan Ultra or Garmin Fenix ​​5.
You can buy Suunto Ambit3 Peak Black HR in the store by following the link →

1. Garmin Vivoactiv 3
Price: 24,560 rub.
Smart, small, sports GPS watch, with a built-in heart rate monitor and even the Garmin Play contactless payment system. Technologies do not stand still; now you can pay for purchases in a store using a sports watch. They began to be sold on the Russian market from the beginning of 2018, the watches are interesting, with great functionality and sporting capabilities. Sometimes you wonder how they fit so much into such a small package. Weight only 43 grams. The watch has built-in GPS/GLONASS, an optical heart rate monitor, a barometric altimeter, a compass, an accelerometer, a thermometer, and a vibration mode. Smart functions and notifications on a smartphone, as well as an activity tracker, sleep depth, steps, etc. The model is touch-sensitive, “youth”, small, perfect for a woman’s hand, and would be a good option for running.
The watch replaced the fairly well-known Garmin Vivoactiv HR model.
You can buy Garmin Vivoactiv 3 in the store by following the link →

2. Garmin Forerunner 935
Price: from 48,000 rub.
This watch will probably remain in the hearts of triathletes for a long time. Forerunner 935 replaced the Forerunner 920XT model, and everyone knows the 920XT model, even children :). If you look at a world-class triathlon or a week-long MDS in the Sahara Desert, 90% of people run or swim in the Forerunner 920XT, and the 935 has replaced them accordingly. And at the same time they have become better and more functional. The body has decreased, the weight has also decreased, but the functionality has increased significantly compared to its predecessor. This watch has a heart rate monitor built into the wrist and all the travel functions: barometer, thermometer, etc. A watch for all occasions, you can’t feel it on your hand, only 49 grams.
If funds allow, we highly recommend them, an excellent model for running and any sport.
You can buy Garmin Forerunner 935 in the store by following the link →

3. Garmin Phoenix 5
Price: from 43,000 rub.
The model replaced Garmin Fenix ​​3, all systems received a physical upgrade, but the functionality remained the same, the model was divided into 3 versions X, M, S. Version X was made with maps and the largest in screen diameter, version M was made medium in size and an S version for small wrist sizes, thereby expanding the audience for Garmin Fenix's elite multisport watches to athletes with smaller wrist sizes, such as women. A watch for everything, with functionality like the Garmin Forerunner 935, if you have the financial opportunity, you can take any of these models and enjoy running training for a long time. Watch the video review of Garmin Fenix ​​5, it turned out well for us and will be better than any words.
You can buy Garmin Fenix ​​5 in the store using the link →

What should you consider when choosing a smart sports watch for running?

Your running watch should have:
- a built-in GPS navigator, it will allow you to measure the distance traveled, running pace, record the trajectory as you ran and then display it on the map, it will signal or vibrate for you every kilometer and display the overall result and each kilometer on the screen, as well as cut off laps.
- A heart rate monitor, either built into the wrists, but be prepared that the data will have an error and sometimes significantly, it depends on many factors, or a chest one. The chest sensor measures the pulse as accurately as possible (with the accuracy of an ECG) and is also used by doctors who buy sports heart rate monitors to quickly measure the pulse of their patients. For running, of course, it is better to buy a chest sensor, it is much more accurate. As a rule, watches with a heart rate monitor on the wrist are not equipped with a chest strap but can be connected to it, so it is ideal to have a wrist heart rate monitor and purchase a chest strap separately.
- Accelerometer, this “beast” allows you to measure distance, pace and speed indoors, when you are running, under the roof of the arena where GPS is powerless.
- Running programs. You enter your goal, for example, to run the Marathon on 07/01/18 and the watch calculates the optimal training program for you, this happens in their program on the computer and the minutes of the ionizing Calendar are displayed in your watch. Run for your health!
- Special tests to diagnose the body, its overtraining and calculate recovery time after each workout.
- Application. It should be as convenient as possible, with all your workouts saved, with graphs, statistics, maps, where you ran, at what pace, at what heart rate, and what progress you made, etc.

Running watches with a heart rate monitor perform different functions: for lazy people they act as a personal motivator, for professionals they help monitor daily performance, and for beginners it is a reason to finally start training. Different gadgets will suit all these people. But how to choose a heart rate monitor for running if there are as many offers on the market as there are cups of water in the ocean? We'll figure out.

Let's discard the unnecessary: ​​6 main characteristics when choosing a watch

In order for a watch to be useful, you need to choose it not according to the rating of the newest or stylish devices. The emphasis should be on needs. Ask yourself: is this gadget needed by a beginner, who only needs to count mileage and heart rate, or by a professional, when speed, navigation, and training modes are important? A beginner will unnecessarily overpay for an unnecessary set of functions, and a master of his craft will not be able to simply monitor his pulse.

So, here is the algorithm that you should follow when choosing a sports watch for running.

1. First, decide on the amount you are willing to allocate to purchase the device. But keep in mind that the cheap option is more suitable for a beginner: it may show results with an error.
2. Indicate in what types of training the device will be used. This could be fitness, triathlon or amateur jogging in the morning.
3. Decide how often classes will be held: every day or once a week. Consider the time of day: if you run in the evening, it would be more advisable to choose a backlit model.
4. Indicate what is more important: measurement accuracy or compactness of the device? Professionals are advised to pay attention to more bulky options with a chest sensor; amateurs will also use a wristband.
5. For sports under any conditions, it is better to choose a water- and shock-resistant model.
6. Battery life is also important, be sure to read this information, it will be a shame if the battery runs out before the end of the workout.

Additional features that should not be ignored

We've covered the main points, let's move on to additional features that will also help you decide on a running model:

• heart rate monitor;
• alerts;
• stopwatch;
• automatic pause;
• ability to connect a headset;

Research was conducted at Stanford University, and this watch showed the smallest error compared to chest sensors. The smart model measures distance, speed, and running pace.

The distinctive features of the gadget are as follows:

• autonomy – 18 hours;
• they not only measure your pulse, but also work like a smart watch: they show notifications that come to your phone;
• there is GPS and Wi-Fi;
• moisture protection up to 50 m;
• Compatible only with iPhones.

Such a device costs $300-700, depending on the color design and model, there are several variations.

Best Triathlon Watch

Running plays a key role in triathletes' training, but these athletes need equipment that is also suitable for swimming and cycling. Here best choice will be Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR.

This watch is known for its multi-sport capabilities, so for triathlon it doesn't get any better than this. They do not have a chest heart rate monitor, but this device can be purchased additionally and connected via Bluetooth. Suunto Spartan monitors your heart rate continuously, even while swimming and sleeping.

Among the features:

• GPS and GLONASS navigation systems;
• pedometer, heart rate monitor;
• moisture protection at a depth of up to 100 m;
• digital compass;
• 16 hours of operation without recharging.

The price of the device is $522.

The best watches for fitness

If a person is into fitness and it is important for him to monitor his health, calories burned and mileage, it is worth trying the Withings Steel HR. There is a heart rate monitor and various counters to help you with your workouts. The price of such a watch is $200.

The gadget will not cause any inconvenience during training, the display is very compact, and the watch is stylish and comfortable to wear. Battery life is also a strong point of the Withings Steel HR, as much as 25 days “in one go.” In addition, it is suitable for, moisture protection allows you to immerse the gadget to a depth of up to 50 m.

If a person expects to lead a healthy lifestyle and give the body light loads in different areas, the Withings Steel HR is the winner in the rating of fitness watches.