You can’t have helped but notice the way in which technology is taking over the world of fitness. Does anyone go to the gym without taking a post-workout selfie? Can you successfully follow a diet without using their official app? If you go for a run and don’t track it, did it even happen? The reason this technology is being used is that it is so useful to help you get in shape… apart from taking selfies!
If you’re going to keep yourself in good shape and build your fitness then you’ll want to make use of the latest technology.
Runners will be glad to hear that there are great running watches which you can use to boost your running ability. Running watches are used by both professional and amateur athletes to track their runs. Distance and pace are two of the main things that runners want to track, but the latest running watches can do so much more. If you’re serious about your running and you want to improve your performance then you need to use a quality running watch.
Let’s take a look at the 5 best running watches you can buy in 2018.
Polar M430
Polar running watches have been some of the most popular in recent years. The Polar M400 was the best selling running watch in Europe and the latest watch from Polar hopes to build on this success. The M430 retains the incredibly accurate GPS tracking, which was the most popular feature of the previous version. But there would be no point in releasing a new iteration if it didn’t offer something new!
The Polar M430 adds a wide range of new features which make this watch an even more attractive proposition. This watch has heart-rate tracking, sleep tracking and smart notifications which makes it useful for all levels of runners. Whether you’re a top level runner or a complete novice, this watch has features which can work for you. The only downsides are the look of the watch, which isn’t the best, and the lack of a touch screen.
The most exciting feature on this watch is the Zone Lock feature which is great if you are aiming to improve your running ability and fitness. This feature allows you to set a specific heart rate or pace and notifies you if you stray from your target. It’s easy to see how regular use of this feature can significantly improve your running ability.
Polar have proven that they can make incredibly popular watches and few would bet against this version being just as popular. This watch is especially perfect for runners buying on a budget.
Fitbit Ionic
Fitbit have created the most popular fitness trackers that you can buy today. It’s impressive that Fitbit are more popular than many of the top smartwatch manufacturers without releasing their own smartwatch. The Ionic is Fitbit’s first foray into the world of smartwatches – and you can’t help but be impressed by it!
The Fitbit Ionic is a smarwatch which is, unsurprisingly, geared towards fitness tracking. It features many of the top features that you’d expect to find from a top quality smartwatch. The high resolution screen is top quality and is great to read whatever conditions you find yourself in. This can be incredibly useful for the most dedicated runners when they go out running in the next blizzard! You’ll also find message notifications and apps on the Fitbit Ionic.
The Ionic is certainly made for runners, so it features all of the quality tracking features Fitbit are known for. The GPS tracking on the Ionic is as good as you can find across the range of running watches available today. The sleep tracking features on Fitbit devices are the most detailed on the market. Run Direct is useful too, it automatically detects when you start running and begins tracking straight away.
If you are looking to build up your fitness then Fitbit have a coaching feature which will be great for you. You can use the Fitbit Coach App to access a wide range of running workouts you can do whether you’re on a treadmill or out and about. You can team up this app with the Fitbit Ionic to track your progress and see how your fitness is improving.
The Fitbit Ionic is certainly one of the best running watches you can find today for runners of all levels. This watch is perfect for runners who need important tracking features on a full featured smartwatch.
Garmin Forerunner 645 Music
Garmin’s running watches are renowned as some of the best on the market today. The background of Garmin as a manufacturer of Sat Nav’s has put them in a great position to create wearables with accurate GPS features. It’s easy to see why any serious runner would want to aid their training by using one of these devices. In the Forerunner 645 Music you can find a serious running watch with a great little twist.
As the name suggests, this iteration of the Garmin Forerunner comes with a built in music player. Many runners find that having a little music in the background can really improve their workout. Unfortunately, carrying an MP3 player out on your run can often be very inconvenient, which is a problem this watch is created to solve. The Forerunner 645 Music can hold up to 500 songs and can be paired to Bluetooth headphones for hands-free listening.
Serious runners can use this watch safe in the knowledge that it is as perfect for them as it is for hobbyists. Garmin’s GPS features are among the best out there thanks to their long-standing experience with GPS technology. The watch also features fantastic heart rate monitoring from the wrist (you can also use a chest strap if you need better accuracy) which powers some very useful coaching features. You can use this for heart-rate zone training as well as monitoring of your condition and fitness level.
All of this information is fed into a very powerful Garmin Connect app which keeps track of your progress. This app has had criticism in the past but has been much improved and links directly into Strava – the social network for runners and cyclists.
Conclusion – The Best Running Watches
Running watches have improved dramatically in recent years. They have moved from basic looking watches with limited features to beautiful watches featuring cutting edge technology. The Garmin Forerunner 645 Music may be the most expensive but it is an incredible watch for professionals and hobbyists (well, hobbyists who can afford it!) The Polar M430 is pound for pound one of the best running watches you can find. It is more affordable and follows on from the most popular running watch in Europe. The Fitbit Ionic is a great option for those who want a running watch with the top smartwatch features.
There is a quality running watch out there for you regardless of the budget you are working with and the features you are looking for. If you are looking to improve your fitness and running performance then check out these watches. There’s no doubt that you will be able to find the perfect running watch for you.
