Serious runners have a new tool to help train them to be the best athlete they can be. This new type of device, the GPS running watch, is designed to aid training by tracking your progress and helping you plan your workouts. Get instant access to information about your pace, distance, heart rate, and more with one of these devices.
You wear them on your wrist like a watch, but they do so much more than your average watch. Each device has a built-in GPS receiver that can determine your exact position at all times. Using add-ons like pedometers and chest straps, you can get a variety of real-time fitness data while you run. If you find it tedious to keep track of mile markers while running, then you’ll especially like the fact that these devices keep track of that too so you can focus on the workout at hand.
The benefits of a GPS running watch don’t end when you finish your run. Today’s drives have the ability to connect to your home computer, which opens up many possibilities. Some GPS-enabled fitness devices come with software that helps you plan your workouts on the computer and then transfer them back to the device. You can also download all the data the watch has collected during your run for archiving and analysis. Seeing your areas of strength and weakness has never been so simple.
There are several brands and styles of GPS wristwatches available. They range in price from the affordable $150 to well over $500. Of course, the more advanced the features, the higher the price. Garmin and Polar are two of the most popular brands, and Garmin offers a full line of these devices known as the Forerunner.
Once you take your watch out of the box, you should set aside some time to get to know it. While they are easy to use, there are a number of settings and customizations you can adjust on the unit to best suit your individual needs. By taking an hour or two to learn the watch before you run, you can figure out how it works and avoid frustration.