Garmin Forerunner smartwatches have changed the way we use on-wrist tech when exercising. Though the Forerunner range is intended primarily for runners, the features on this watch can be used by anyone who wants to track their activity or get fit and healthy.
Alongside a range of activity-based features, these watches also offer smart services. Whether you want to beat a personal best on a run or just receive a text, Garmin covers all bases.
If you’re considering a Forerunner, keep on reading. In this article, you’ll find all you need to know about the best features of a Garmin Forerunner smartwatch.
A Quick Recap of the Forerunner
We’ll quickly recap why Forerunners are great watches before we jump into the best features of a Garmin Forerunner.
This watch family offers many different models, so don’t worry if you’re confused. Key Forerunner watches to note include:
- The Forerunner 35
- The Forerunner 45
- The Forerunner 55
- The Forerunner 245 Music
- The Forerunner 645 Music
- The Forerunner 735XT
- The Forerunner 945
Different watches will be suited to different users, mainly depending on your fitness level and running ability. For example, we’d recommend a Forerunner 35 to a beginner as this is an easy-to-use basic running watch that helps you develop your fitness and general running performance.
On the other hand, intermediate and expert runners might consider the Forerunner 945 model. This is the most advanced watch in the family. When you run with a 945 watch, you can access features like built-in VO2 max, GPS, as well as smart features like Garmin Pay. The 945 also boasts a large storage capacity that can store up to 1000 songs at one time.
If you’re unsure whether you need an advanced Forerunner model, you might benefit from the mid-level Forerunner 55. This is a great budget option that offers a sleek design and helpful features, but without the hefty price tag of watches like the 945.
Best Features of a Garmin Forerunner
Garmin Forerunners are built for runners, so there’s no surprise that all models feature sports-optimized features.
Here are some key features to look for when choosing your Forerunner watch:
- GPS maps
- Heart rate monitors
- Pace, distance, and step counters
- Advanced SpO2 monitoring
- Sports modes and training advice
- Music (not available on all watches)
- Additional smartwatch features like messages and notifications
- LTE capability (not available on all watches)
When deciding on the Forerunner for you, make sure you sit down and consider which features you need. If you don’t require advanced tracking and music storage, you can save money and opt for a more basic watch. However, if you know you want the best features and lots of storage, you might want to look at more serious Forerunners.
Best Garmin Forerunner Uses
It’s easy to call the Garmin Forerunner a “running watch” and leave it at that. But this watch can be used for a range of different purposes.
Swim Tracking
Did you know you can also use some Forerunners for swim-tracking? In fact, we included the Forerunner 55 in our list of best swimming watches. If you’re a keen swimmer, you might want to consider a Forerunner to help during your next training session.
The Garmin Forerunner 245 is also a great companion for avid swimmers. This watch offers a swim tracking sports mode alongside waterproofing to make sure you can record your progress in the pool.
As well as swim tracking, the 245 also offers SpO2 monitoring, heart rate monitoring, and other general health services. If you want to record workouts and get a complete picture of your health, these features will help you do that.
Also, for an extra $50, you can access the music version of the 245, which allows you to enjoy up to 500 songs on your wrist.
Stress Reduction
Forerunners are excellent devices when you want to get active, but did you know they’re also great for relaxing too?
Like many smartwatches on the market now, Garmin Forerunners also come with wellness and stress monitoring features. The popular Forerunner 45 offers daily wellness statistics to help users balance their stress levels throughout the day.
Sophisticated on-wrist heart rate monitors calculate these wellness levels. When the watch detects an elevation of your heart rate, it notifies you that it’s time to be mindful or take a moment to cool down. This is helpful for anyone that wants to keep their stress to a low throughout the day.
Women’s Health Tracking
Smartwatch health features are constantly improving, and women’s health tracking is one feature being added to more and more watches.
The Garmin Forerunner 55 provides women with additional health features to monitor their menstrual cycle via their smartwatch. The menstrual cycle affects your body more than you may realize, so keeping track of this data alongside your other health metrics is a great way to get a clear picture of your full health.
This feature makes the Forerunner range ideal for any woman that frequently works out or runs.
Running
We can’t write an article on the Forerunner line without stressing how optimized these watches are for running. Though Garmin Forerunners can offer swim data, wellness features, and general health trackers, their specialty will always be running, and they offer almost every running-related feature you can think of. They even offer additional, advanced running metrics as well (these require a compatible accessory), such as ground contact time, cadence, stride length, vertical oscillation, and running power.
Simply put, a Forerunner will record your progress and help you achieve a new personal best. We always recommend a Garmin Forerunner with added music capabilities, too, as it makes it easier to leave behind your smartphone or other device and run unencumbered.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve been on the fence about getting a Garmin Forerunner, we hope this article has persuaded you to take the plunge. This smartwatch is widespread and trusted by many for a reason. Whether you’re a runner, swimmer, or like to work out in general, a Garmin Forerunner can improve your progress.
Find out more about the Garmin Forerunner range here.
Last Updated on February 25, 2022
Isobel is a freelance copy and content writer who regularly contributes to Superwatches. Well-versed in all the ins and outs of the smartwatch industry. Isobel specializes in Fashion and design and is a First Class fashion design graduate.
Currently lives in Bournemouth, United Kingdom.
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