The life of a modern person cannot be imagined without various technological devices. One of these is smart watches. The market is constantly replenished with new models, among which there are those created for active people who follow not only fashion trends, but also their health; these are watches with a pedometer, which, among other functions, allow you to monitor physical activity and the state of the body.
About sports watches
Smart watches with the functionality of measuring the number of steps, heart rate, and blood pressure are often called sports watches, since the original idea of such devices was to monitor the state of the body during training and various types of physical activity.
Sports smart watches for active people
Of course, before them there were devices with which various indicators were measured. However, among other advantages, a watch with a pedometer and a built-in heart rate monitor boasts convenience. With them, there is no need to carry additional devices that distract you from playing sports.
In addition to athletes, such watches will be useful for people suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Types of sports watches
The choice of a particular model is influenced by several factors, including the external design and functionality of the device, the latter largely determining the cost of the watch.
It is by appearance and characteristics that the following varieties can be distinguished:
- Fitness trackers - a bracelet-style device is the simplest among all smart watches for sports. The name itself suggests that such a device should be chosen by those who plan to use it exclusively for amateur fitness classes and strive to control their activity.
Variety of fitness bracelets
- – the device received this name because it was originally designed with this very function. Today, in addition to its main purpose, a gadget often has a built-in GPS, is equipped with a navigator, makes it possible to receive notifications about calls and messages, and can also be used as a trainer. All that is needed for such a device is synchronization with a PC
- Smart watches are the most functionally equipped devices, which, on the other hand, have a noticeable drawback - the constant need to synchronize with a smartphone.
Separately, it can be distinguished with a built-in pedometer, which is distinguished by its bright design and ease of use.
Bright design of children's watches
The best manufacturers
Today there are many companies that produce smartwatches suitable for training. These are the famous Apple, Chinese Huawei and the world famous Sony LG, Alcatel and others.
The leaders producing sports watches with a heart rate monitor and pedometer, as well as a blood pressure monitor, are three brands: Garmin, Polar and Suunto.
Watches from Suunto
Review of the best smartwatches for sports
Polar A360
The fitness bracelet is suitable for training in the gym, jogging or cycling. The training mode allows you to regulate your activity based on your heart rate. The device tracks speed and distance traveled and counts wrist movement. Available in three variations - S, M, L.
Among the useful functions of the device:
- 24-hour activity monitoring, giving recommendations on training regimen;
- Pedometer;
- Heart rate monitor;
- Calorie counter;
- Sleep monitoring;
- Receive notifications.
Technical specifications:
- Dimensions: thickness – 13.5 mm, width – 23.5 mm, weight depends on the model – 31.7-37.3 g;
- Touch screen, resolution 80 x 160 pixels, equipped with a TFT display, wide viewing angle;
- Battery capacity 100 mAh, operating time without recharging – up to 2 weeks in activity control mode.
The cost of Polar A360 (M) is from 7,500 rubles.
Advantages:
- Wide functionality within given workouts;
- Ability to receive notifications about calls and messages.
Flaws:
- Narrow selection of sports programs.
Garmin Vivosmart 3
Another fitness tracker that allows you to monitor all important indicators in activity mode. There are several preset sports modes, such as athletic age, VO2 max, strength training. You can set the walking or running mode, available for use in the pool. The smart device is capable of counting exercise sets and the number of repetitions. There are standard and large sizes. Available in three colors.
Garmin Vivosmart 3
Functional:
- The ability to track stress levels and set a timer for breathing exercises, the mode is available around the clock;
- Built-in wrist-based heart rate monitor – Elevate;
- , including distance traveled, number of floors;
- Activity control;
- Calorie counting;
- Receive notifications from your smartphone.
Technical specifications:
- Dimensions: 122 x 188 mm - standard size, 148 x 215 mm - large, weight - 20.4 g;
- Waterproof level - WR30;
- Touch screen, resolution 64 x 128160 pixels, equipped with an OLED display, diagonal - 0.85 inches;
- The battery is lithium, the operating time without recharging is up to 5 days on average.
Average cost: 12,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- Strong belt;
- Wide sports functionality;
- Available in different sizes.
Flaws:
- The screen and strap are a single unit, so it is impossible to replace the latter separately.
Polar M400 HR-H7
The M-400 line belongs to the category of heart rate monitors. This smartwatch has all the necessary sports functionality, supported by built-in GPS, can synchronize with a smartphone, work underwater, up to 30 meters, support up to 6 fitness profiles on the display. The accessories include an H7 pulse sensor.
Polar M400 HR-H7
Useful functionality:
- Counters for distance traveled, altitude gained, speed and intensity of training, heart rate;
- Determining the starting point of the route;
- “Running index”, which allows you to determine calories burned and physical costs;
- Activity control 24/7;
- The ability to view data on past workouts and plan new ones.
Technical specifications:
- Weight: 57 gr.
- Screen – plastic monochrome, resolution 128 x 128 pixels.
- Capacious battery that can operate for up to 1 month in activity control mode.
Average cost: 14,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- Ability to work without recharging for up to 30 days (up to 14 using GPS functionality);
- Accurate heart rate monitor.
Flaws:
- Easily scratched screen;
- Suitable only for cyclic training, running and walking.
Suunto Spartan Sport WHR Baro Amber
The device is a reliable smartwatch with GPS/GLONASS and barometer. Suitable for active outdoor and water activities. More than 80 sports mode options are supported, including race and interval training.
Suunto Spartan Sport WHR Baro Amber
Useful functionality:
- Navigation, including real-time or estimated ETA;
- Barometric sensors, the ability to warn of an impending storm, the time of sunrise and sunset;
- Analysis of training, the ability to measure indicators, physical and distance, depending on the type of sport;
- Calories can be counted over different periods of time;
- Sleep control.
Technical specifications:
- Dimensions: 50 x 50 x17 mm, weight – 74 g;
- Screen – color touch screen, material – mineral crystal;
- The battery can work up to 40 hours in economy mode, up to 10 hours during training.
Cost: from 37,000 rubles
Advantages:
- High-quality wear-resistant watch design;
- Wide selection of sports modes;
- Can be used underwater.
Flaws:
- Not a budget option.
Polar M600
A smart watch that will not only measure the number of steps and heart rate, but will also give you the opportunity to stay in touch, receive SMS and answer calls. Navigation is provided by GPS and GLONASS.
Useful functionality:
- Heart rate monitoring according to the bracelet on the wrist;
- Smart notification service;
- Availability of audio storage functionality, built-in player;
- Swimming performance.
Technical specifications:
- Watch on a silicone bracelet, dimensions: 45 x 36 x 13, weight – 63 g;
- The screen is equipped with a touch display, resolution 240 x 240 pixels, there is a convenient front button for quickly managing workouts;
- A 500 mAh battery can work up to 2 days without recharging;
- Waterproof rating - IPX8.
Average cost: 20,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- Ease of use using the front button or voice control.
Flaws:
- Short life of the device without recharging;
- A limited number of sports: fitness training, running, swimming.
Garmin Phoenix 5S
Perhaps the most functional device of the described models. These watches can be for men or women. The fair sex will appreciate them for the ability to change the strap and select a color that matches their clothes.
Garmin Fenix 5S sapphire rose gold with white bracelet
Useful functionality:
- Built-in navigation sensors, GPS and GLONASS, compass, barometer and thermometer, altimeter;
- Pulse monitor – optical;
- Intelligent alert service;
- Indicators of various workouts - wide, accessible sports - walking, running, swimming, cycling, fitness, triathlon, multisport.
Technical specifications:
- Dimensions 42 x 42 x 14.5 mm, weight – 67 g;
- The screen is equipped with a color display with LED backlighting, the material is regular or sapphire glass;
- Water resistance – up to 100 meters;
- The battery can work for up to 14 days without recharging, like clockwork, up to 60 hours in training economy mode.
The cost depends on the materials used: from 40,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- Possibility of choosing glass and watch strap;
- Wide range of sensors.
Flaws:
- Not a budget model, even in a non-luxury version.
Elari KidPhone 2
The watch, produced in 4 colors, is primarily aimed at monitoring the movement of the child on the part of the parent. Navigation module - GPS/GLONASS/LBS.
Watch from Elari on a child's hand
Useful functionality:
- Tracking the child’s location, programming permitted zones, when leaving which the parents are notified;
- Ability to receive calls from specified numbers and make outgoing calls;
- Audio monitoring function;
- SOS button;
- Accelerometer, pedometer;
- Ability to set training mode, call barring.
Technical specifications:
- Dimensions 37 x 50 x 18 mm.
- The screen is equipped with a 1.4-inch diagonal touch display, resolution 128 x 128 pixels;
- The battery capacity is up to 450 mAh and can work without recharging for up to 3 days.
The choice of watch for training must be made by assessing in which sports or under what load and activity the device will be used. Having determined the parameters, it is worth analyzing offers from various manufacturers. If price is not so important, then it is better to choose among those offered by leading manufacturers. As for children's sports watches, this functionality is still additional, since smart watches in this age category are primarily safety monitoring.
Choose the right smartwatch for sports and live an active life!
Smartwatches have revitalized the watch market, offering users a range of new and useful features. One such feature is a heart rate monitor, or heart rate monitor.
According to a study conducted by scientists at Stanford University and the Swedish School of Sports and Health, the Apple Watch was found to have the lowest accuracy in determining the accuracy of a user's heart rate.
The experiment was carried out in comparison with the stationary method - ECG. Despite the +/- 5% margin of error, Apple's smartwatch showed a minimal deviation of just 2%, unlike the other wearables in the test.
One of the most important elements of the Apple Watch Series 4 smartwatch is the set of four heart rate sensors built into the back of the case. Researchers at the University of California (San Francisco) determined that the Apple Watch was able to detect heart problems with 97% accuracy.
The built-in GPS system is used to measure pace, distance and speed when playing sports and cycling. But the main feature is waterproofing. The new model is waterproof up to 50 meters (5 ATM) and can be worn while showering and even swimming. And for runners, a special version of the Apple Watch Nike+ has been released with some built-in Nike features.
Characteristics:
- AMOLED, 1.5″, 272×340 (290 ppi) and 1.65″, 312x390 (304 ppi)
- WiFi
- Bluetooth 4.0LE
- moisture protection 50 m (5 ATM), IPX7, can be used in a swimming pool
- Light sensor
- battery life 18 hours
- Compatibility: iOS only
Conclusion. Apple Watch Series 4 is designed with a focus on sports and fitness, and a variety of sizes and colors will allow both women and men to choose from. They offer the best heart rate monitor without a chest strap, earning the top spot in our list of top sports smartwatches with heart rate and pedometer.
Prices range from $269 to $699, offering a variety of customizations and product designs.
Video: Apple Watch Series 4
Garmin Phoenix 5
Garmin Fenix 5, introduced by the company in January 2017, is equipped with a whole package of functions, as well as optical sensors from Elevate, which are capable of tracking almost all user actions.
The Garmin Fenix 5's heart rate monitoring accuracy has been verified through testing by a staff member at Androidauthority. He compared the performance of the Fenix 5 heart rate monitor to the Wahoo TICKR X chest strap, which he has found to be very reliable.
Keep in mind that the Garmin optical heart rate monitor is not designed for pool use. It works great for training and outdoor sports.
During an 8km run, Garmin recorded a maximum heart rate of 175 beats, while the TICKR X recorded 182. Typically, the heart rate sensors on watches deviate by 5 beats per minute during high-intensity training, although this does not happen that often and does not become problematic. In this workout, the Fenix 5 recorded an average heart rate of 152, while the Wahoo TICKR X recorded an average heart rate of 163, and the watch took a while to register a heart rate above 150 bpm, but the chest strap reported almost immediately.
If you want more accurate results, you can use the Garmin Fenix 5 in combination with ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart heart rate straps.
In terms of technical specifications, they include:
- 1.2-inch color LCD with 240x240 resolution, non-touch (5S model has a screen resolution of 218x218)
- WiFi
- ANT+
- Bluetooth 4.0LE
- Battery life up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode (depending on settings), up to 24 hours in GPS mode and up to 100 hours in UltraTrac power saving mode
The new line, which includes the Fenix 5 and Fenix 5S models, offers 64 MB of memory, with 54 MB available for use. It is worth noting the Fenix 5X model, which has 12 GB for installing maps where you can navigate along the route.
Conclusion. Garmin Fenix 5 positions itself as a running watch and will make your workout a pleasure. It can act as the best men's sports watch with heart rate monitor and pedometer.
Prices range from $600 to $850, depending on the model: F5, F5S or F5X. Read more about this line.
Video: Garmin Phoenix 5
The Polar M430 is an all-in-one sports device that delivers wrist-based heart rate measurements during workouts and runs with location capabilities, as well as tracking metrics for daily activity, steps, calories and sleep. Paired with the Polar Flow server, the M430 turns into a trusted coach that can provide personalized feedback, an adaptive training plan and live guidance to athletes at different stages of their training.
Polar M430 is equipped with performance monitoring features such as training guide, recovery analysis, vibration intervals and more.
This model can use wrist-based heart rate without a chest strap and offers 6 LED elements for optical heart rate measurement, built-in GPS and Bluetooth smartphone connectivity.
Over the course of a month, an employee of the CardioCritic website tested the Polar M430 watch in parallel with the Suunto Spartan Sport HR and Garmin Edge 820 chest straps. The results were amazing. There was virtually no noticeable difference in heart rate readings between chest straps and sports watches. The peaks and valleys of the Polar M430 graph follow the heart rate tracked using the chest strap with extreme accuracy.
Technical characteristics include:
- monochrome 1.4-inch screen with a resolution of 128x128
- WiFi
- GPS (SiRFInstantFix satellite communication technology)
- Bluetooth 4.1
- moisture protection 30 m (3 ATM)
- 8 MB memory
- vibration signal
- activity sensor
- 240 mAh battery with 8-hour service with working sensors
Conclusion. Polar has created a strong rival to Garmin, a GPS and heart rate monitor sports watch with essential features for runners, which confidently took a respectable third place in the ranking. Thus, in this list, these are the best heart rate monitor watches without a chest strap.
The Polar M430 is priced at $229.
Video: Polar M430
Suunto Spartan Sport was launched in March 2017 as the ultimate multi-sport watch for sports enthusiasts that require speed, distance and heart rate monitoring, including triathlon.
This is the best heart rate watch, offering 16 hours of training time and 100m water resistance, plus a variety of features and training options for each of the 80 sports modes, allowing you to customize training metrics to suit your personal needs.
They guarantee precision and comfort without the need for chest straps. However, to achieve exceptional heart rate accuracy, they can be paired with an external heart rate sensor via Bluetooth.
The Spartan Sport heart rate and pedometer sports watch monitors your heart beat 24/7 and is compatible with the Suunto Smart Touch Strap to track your heart rate while swimming. In addition to location support, it is possible to add POI navigation waypoints.
Characteristics:
- color touch display with a resolution of 320x300
- GPS and GLONASS
- digital compass
- heart rate monitor
- pedometer
- moisture protection 100 m (10 ATM)
- compatible with iOS/Android and Suunto Movescount service
- battery life 16 hours
Conclusion. This device comes in at number four and can be considered one of the best running watches with heart rate monitor. Because they use a top-notch heart rate sensor from Valencell, trusted by many leading brands, for the most accurate readings.
The Spartan Sport Wrist HR retails for $522.
Video: Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR
Sports smartwatches with a heart rate monitor have optical sensors that can read your heart rate, allowing athletes, and runners in particular, to monitor their health. However, so far, none of the smartwatch heart rate monitors measure heart rate as accurately as chest straps that fit tightly directly to the heart do.
If you have already purchased any of the above watches with an optical sensor, please share your experience in the comments.
A fitness bracelet with a pedometer is a compact device with which you can easily and quickly count the number of steps taken. The body of the accessory is made of aluminum (or other metal) or plastic, and the strap, the length of which can be adjusted, is made of rubber, silicone, plastic or leather. Smart bracelets with a pedometer are compatible with mobile devices that run on the Android, IOS and Windows Phone platforms.
As a rule, on the front side of fitness bracelets equipped with a pedometer, there is an AMOLED, OLED, E-ink display, which displays information about the measurements taken. In addition to the number of steps taken, the gadget can also calculate the number of calories burned during physical activity, determine the phase of sleep, which is necessary to improve its quality, and set a smart alarm clock. Many models are additionally equipped with a gyroscope, heart rate monitor, thermometer and atmospheric pressure sensor.
Pairing with a mobile device is carried out via a built-in Bluetooth module. Thanks to it, the bracelet can send the user notifications about incoming and missed calls, messages received via email and social network chats, as well as SMS.
Where to buy a fitness bracelet with a pedometer?
A large selection of fitness bracelets with a pedometer, made in different designs and colors, is presented in the catalog of the Eldorado online store. We offer favorable prices for gadgets, as well as delivery and pickup in Moscow and other cities of Russia.
Smart watch Colmi GT08 Bluetooth 3.0
Sports watch with heart rate monitor
A sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity increase the likelihood of cardiovascular disease. However, excessive physical activity can be no less detrimental to the heart. This primarily applies to children, disabled people and elderly people. Sports training will only be beneficial when its duration and intensity are balanced. A sports watch with a heart rate monitor will be of great help with this.
The heart rate monitor was created to monitor and track your heart rate (HR) during sports. This device first appeared in 1977 in Finland. It was developed for the Finnish ski team by doctor Martti Karvonen. Their mass production began in 1983. At first, heart rate monitors were chest-mounted, but recently their wrist-mounted version has become increasingly popular, and this is not surprising. It is much more convenient to wear the device on your arm than on your chest. True, the sensors are often still attached to the chest (sometimes on the earlobe or to the finger, but this is not always convenient, and the accuracy of the readings is reduced).
A heart rate monitor bracelet for sports has two main elements: a chest or built-in sensor and a receiver on the wrist, a GPS navigator or a mobile phone. This device is used by people involved in a variety of sports. A heart rate monitor with a running watch is a good choice for track and field athletes. For swimmers, a waterproof swimming heart rate monitor would be best. Skiers, tennis players, cyclists, and fitness athletes will also be able to choose the right model for themselves. Sports watches with a pedometer are also widely used, which can be used not only for training, but also for daily walks or hiking.
Monitors for measuring and monitoring heart rate are especially necessary for those involved in sports who have various health problems: people with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, overweight or kidney failure.
Functions of modern smart watches:
- regular watches;
- heart rate monitor (pulse measurement);
- tonometer (measures blood pressure);
- sound notification about body overload;
- setting the desired training pace and calculating the time for rest;
- alarm;
- determination of average and maximum heart rate;
- stopwatch;
- pedometer;
- store reports of the latest training sessions.
Good quality multifunctional heart rate monitors are produced by Beurer, Garmin and Polar. Their models are equipped with shockproof and moisture-resistant coating, which also protects the display from scratches. Particularly noteworthy is the Beurer brand, which has been producing health and beauty products for almost 100 years. This company is constantly expanding its range of products that are made of high quality materials and are easy to use.
What to look for when choosing a heart rate monitor
- Protection from external influences (mechanical damage and moisture).
- Operating time of the device without recharging. It must be remembered that the more applications a device has, the faster energy will be consumed for its operation.
- Accuracy and reliability of data. The duration and intensity of training depends on them.
- Appearance of the device. In principle, it can be anything, but it is better that it is in harmony with the rest of the sports equipment.
Our specialized online store offers you to select and buy watches with a heart rate monitor. The price primarily depends on the number of applications, as well as the quality of the materials used.
Leading a healthy lifestyle is a plan for every Monday and a promise that millions make to themselves before going to bed on Sunday. And in the morning, after the first one, with muscle pain, lethargy and apathetic fatigue, this decision takes the opposite turn. There is nothing good in this way of life and there is neither desire nor need to lead it when it is so painful and unpleasant.
But the whole point is in the incorrect organization of sports training. Selecting the intensity of the load and setting the right pace so that the activity brings not only benefit, but also pleasure - tasks that must be approached with the utmost seriousness. In a world where digital technologies are deeply rooted in every sphere, sports are no exception. We bring to your attention a review of men's and women's sports watches with a heart rate monitor, stopwatch, blood pressure monitor and pedometer.
What are sports accessories for?
During training, it is impossible to objectively assess the state of the body.. Fatigue, increased heart rate and, as a result, problems with blood pressure and general fatigue cause health problems. In this regard, it is recommended to play sports using special devices that are designed to monitor the state of the body during training.
Sports watches - a new product in the world of gadgets - perform all these functions. A heart rate monitor, pedometer and blood pressure monitor, which are built into such an accessory, effectively and accurately track all vital signs and inform its owner about it. Such a device allows you to:
- Set the right workout pace;
- Determine the optimal time for rest and its intervals;
- Calculate the duration of rest, which will completely restore strength.
The use of a heart rate monitor is to determine the level of vibrations in the walls of blood vessels, which is individual for each person.
It is he who determines the moment when it is better to stop all physical activity.
The pedometer helps to track and control the amount of distance traveled and create an individual load schedule, gradually increasing the mileage.
It is a confirmed fact that Every day to maintain vigor and health you need to take 11,000 steps. If the goal is to lose excess weight, then this figure should be increased to 13,000 - 16,000 per day.
And finally, a tonometer is a device for measuring blood pressure.
The sensor in the watch will measure the pressure in the largest artery in the body - the aorta, which is located closest to the heart and brain. In case of excessive physical activity, this indicator determines the critical point when the activity should be stopped urgently in order to prevent the occurrence of a stroke or heart attack.
Criteria for choosing a sports watch
The range of sports accessories is so large that it is extremely difficult to decide on a device that will suit each individual lifestyle. When choosing a sports watch, consider the following features:
- Operating time - the more functions they perform, the more energy they spend, which means they require frequent and long-term recharging;
- Synchronization - the ability to connect to mobile platforms and operating systems;
- The notification method is a sound signal that warns of the approaching critical point. It is better if the watch is equipped with a notification via vibration;
- Accuracy of displayed data;
- Waterproof;
- Impact resistance;
- Design.
The functionality of sports watches is not limited to devices that measure steps, pulse and blood pressure. If you wish, you can purchase a watch that will record your workout history, keep track of calories burned, determine your “fat burning zone,” as well as conduct a fitness test and determine your own training program based on your level of physical fitness. It is worth remembering that a watch is only a mechanism, and the indicators it produces are purely mathematical calculations based on numerical data.
Sports watch manufacturers
Among the huge number of manufacturers, the following have earned a reputation for quality and functionality:
Polar is a Finnish manufacturer that has been on the market for 30 years. The watches of this company are distinguished by their relatively high cost and wide range of functions. The initial cost of such watches is 130 USD.
Casio- versatility and innovation are the distinctive qualities of the brand's watches. It was this company that pioneered the production of sports watches with a pedometer. The cost varies from 100 USD. up to 450 USD
Вeurer- German manufacturer of sports watches. Depending on your financial capabilities, you can purchase both the budget version PM18, which costs about 100 USD, and the more expensive and functional PM200, the price of which is 500 USD.
Suunto is a Finnish manufacturer whose sports watches are distinguished by their versatility and quality. One of the most expensive in its segment and the purchase will cost 200 USD.
Torneo is a Chinese company that produces very high-quality sports products at an affordable price. Sports watches with a basic set of functions are priced at 125 USD.
Video review of Suunto sports watches:
The choice of a sports watch with a heart rate monitor, pedometer and blood pressure monitor should be based on the range of additional functionality. After all, sometimes basic functions are enough, and frills will only increase the cost without adding an ounce of usefulness.
Basic rules of use
In order for a sports watch to correctly display the necessary data, you must adhere to the rules and operating instructions. Individual recommendations have been developed for each model, but there are also common ones for all.
Blood pressure is calculated by the sensor based on a baseline value that is entered manually. This data must be regularly updated and entered with special care, because this will reduce the error of readings to a minimum.
Basic indicators are those that include data at rest and after physical activity. Please note that you need to perform the exercises that are listed in the instructions. When setting up a pedometer, the necessary parameters will be the average step length, body weight and age.
The principle of operation of a sports watch is to supply impulses through the back cover, so it is important that it fits snugly.
The hand must be left, only in this case you can expect reliable data.
Of course, you shouldn't expect a sports watch to perform magic when you put it in your pocket or wear it over a thick sleeve.
