GPS Running Watches

A GPS watch not only measures speed and distance, but also acts as a running partner, trainer or 'someone' to race. All GPS watches now come with a built-in optical sensor, serving as a heart rate monitor and speed and distance reader all in one. Smart features like activity tracking, steps and sleep monitoring are included in all GPS watches. A running watch is no longer viewed as just a running watch but a 24/7 companion, with a smart, lightweight design and smart features.

Some people prefer to buy a chest strap separately for more specific heart rate training; like speed training. Heart rate recording (both chest strap or optical sensor) will tell you your workout's average and maximum heart rate, and the time you spent in each HR zone. The more advanced watches calculate your VO2Max, recovery time and training load. They also allow you to create your own workout consisting of several HR zones and will alert you if you go outside them. You'll know how many calories you have burned, when are you improving your fitness or burning fat, when you are overtraining or undertraining.

You can upload, analyse and store your workout on apps and online running communities. You can set simple goals based on distance, pace, time and calories. With a more advanced GPS watch, you can also build more advanced ones and make your own workout, or download a ready-made one based on the results you want to achieve.

With more advanced running watches you also get extra features like music storage, mapping with preloaded maps, ultra-long battery life, open-water swimming, triathlon or other multi-sport modes, altimeter, barometer, compass and many more!