Over the years we have seen several fitness measuring and timing devices.
The technology used in these devices has been increased to the point where you can measure, record, andreview almost every aspect of your training activity.
But when comes down to gettingan electronic device to assist you with training…what do you get?
Sports Watches:
The top of the range sports watches can provide you with absolutely everything you need.
These devices will log yourdata, transfer to you pc/internet for later review, keep track of records and many more.
These features unfortunately all comes at a price.
Not only financially, but alsoon battery life.
The Garmin Forerunner 620 is a fantastic device with GPS, Heart Rate monitor and all the bells and whistles,but only has an 10 Hour Battery Life in Sport mode.
As a long distance road runner (and not a very fast one) battery life and memory definitely is a concern to me.
My 1st Comrades Marathon this year, took me 11:31 Hours to complete.
For this, I used a simpler device, the GarminFR70 with Foot Pod.
This gave me fairly accurate distance updates, a Running Partner, and time.
This watch uses a replaceable battery, which runs for 1 Year.
This also has a HeartRate Monitor to add the additional information training levels ect.
The GPS,Altimeter, and Weather Updates, such as in the SuuntoAmbit 2 S , definitely have its benefits when doing trail running or off-road activities.
These feature again only available with rechargeable Lithium-ion battery +- 10 Hours in Sportmode.
I must add these batteries are rechargeable, and most actually downloads its data at the same time.
Smartphone Apps:
We carry our smartphones everywhere, and even take them along for a run, in case of emergency.
Now days,even the most basic phones can run the apps needed.
Most phones already have the hardware capabilities such GPS, Accelerometer, Internet Accessfor Weather Updates and so on. It only makes sense to run activity tracking apps on the device.
This makes good technology available to a much larger group.
This said,it is not comfortable accessing your smartphone for information while exercising.
It’s not like a watch where you can get the necessary information with a slight glace at the wrist.
This is just a reminder that this was not the smartphones intended purpose.
The fact that you can get Free apps like Runtastic, ensures that a large portion of athletes will still use this. And this gives smartphone apps a solid stake in the market.
Fitness Tracker:
I now see alot of the newer, less complicated Fitness Trackers.
Products such as the GarminVivofit, FitbitFlex, PolarLoop, RuntasticOrbit, to name only few.
These seemto be increasing in popularity.
They seem tobe simpler version of previously more complex watches.
The goal - to keep you active.
Not give you GPS tracking info, or even distance measurement…..but just to keep you active.
The devices are also already evolving into more complex units, moving closer to the features found in the sports watches.
Very soon these trackers will be competing for the same market as the watches we know.
What devicedo you prefer?