The market is flooded with a wide range of smartwatches, varying in prices, brands, and models. While there are many affordable activity monitors available, they might not be sufficient for serious training purposes. If you’re seeking a smartwatch for training, it’s important to consider several aspects. If you’re unsure where to begin, here are 7 key features to look for in your training smartwatch.
Renowned brands like Garmin or Polar offer high-quality models specifically designed for training, rather than generic activity trackers that provide basic data. These watches provide advanced functions such as training pace monitoring, recovery time estimation, VO2 Max analysis, and interval tracking. But what do these functions entail? Why are they important? Allow us to explain their significance and why they are essential factors to consider when purchasing a smartwatch for training purposes.
Waterproof
Water resistance is indeed a crucial feature to consider in a smartwatch, even if your activities primarily involve running or cycling. Its importance extends beyond just engaging in water sports or swimming. Unpredictable weather conditions can occur, and having a water-resistant watch ensures it can withstand various situations effectively. Whether it’s raining or getting wet, you want your watch to remain functional and undamaged. Additionally, water resistance eliminates the need to constantly remove your watch when showering, providing a more convenient experience. Therefore, water resistance is a fundamental feature that should be present in any smartwatch.
Cardiac control
Heart rate monitoring is a fundamental feature that is commonly found in most watches available on the market, including more affordable options. However, it is important to ensure that the heart rate measurement is continuous and accurate. Heart rate monitoring serves not only as a valuable health indicator in our daily lives but also allows us to assess our training intensity and track the different zones we experience during workouts. It enables us to understand the level of effort exerted during activities. Many smartwatches offer customization options based on personal characteristics such as age and physical fitness, allowing for a more personalized and effective monitoring experience.
Training pace
When it comes to training, it’s essential to have a smartwatch that can provide detailed insights into your workout rhythms. While many smartwatches can measure steps, activity minutes, or distance traveled, these basic features may not be sufficient if you’re looking for a dedicated sports watch. To truly enhance your training experience, it’s recommended to opt for a watch that can track and analyze specific training rhythms, especially during running sessions. Look for features such as cadence tracking, average pace calculation, and VO2 max estimation. These metrics allow you to monitor your running efficiency, set goals, and make informed adjustments to your training regimen for optimal performance.
Recovery time
Not all activity watches offer this feature, but it can be found in those specifically designed for training and sports. The ability to estimate recovery time is particularly valuable when determining how long you need to rest before engaging in another high-intensity training session, for instance. It provides insights into your body’s readiness and helps you plan your training schedule more effectively. Additionally, some watches can track your recovery and progress after a workout or competition, providing valuable information on how well you’re bouncing back and advancing in your fitness journey.
Interval training
Having an interval training function in your watch can be incredibly useful for structured workouts. It enables you to precisely time your intervals, indicating when to increase your pace or when to ease up. Many sports-oriented watch models offer this feature, allowing you to configure and customize your intervals before your training session. This ensures that you receive real-time guidance and prompts during your workouts, making it easier to follow your desired training plan and achieve your performance goals.
GPS
When it comes to training, having GPS capability in your watch is essential for tracking and storing your routes. With GPS, you can visualize your training routes and analyze your performance, identifying areas where you’ve accelerated or slowed down. Moreover, certain watch models offer multisport profiles, which are particularly useful for activities like duathlons or triathlons. With a single button press, you can seamlessly transition between different disciplines, and the GPS feature will accurately record your entire training session, providing a comprehensive overview of your performance across multiple sports.
Sleep monitoring
This is a fundamental feature that is commonly found in most smartwatches available on the market, making it easy to find a watch that offers this functionality. It’s not just about being active during your workouts, but also about ensuring proper rest. Many sports smartwatches provide insights into your sleep patterns, allowing for detailed analysis of different sleep phases. Additionally, they may offer advice and recommendations to help establish a healthy sleep routine, aiding in your overall progress and performance.
