Running is one of the best forms of exercise and can be a great way to stay in shape and stay healthy. However, if you’re trying to establish a fitness routine, you might find it hard to know how you’re doing. A running watch is a great tool to track your distance, pace, heart rate, and calories burned.
A running watch will allow you to track your progress so that you can stay motivated and never lose sight of your goals. This can be done by tracking things such as the distance travelled the pace at which you run, and even the number of calories you burn in a day.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced runner, there is a running watch out there that is perfect for you. We have put together a list of the top 5 running watches on the market, based on features, price and customer feedback. So whether you are looking for a budget-friendly option or something with all the bells and whistles, we have got you covered! Keep reading to find out more.
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How to choose the Best Running Watch for you
Before you pick a running watch out from our list, there are a few things that you should think about. By considering these factors beforehand, you will be able to narrow down your options and find the watch that is just perfect for you.
Battery life: This is probably one of the most important factors when choosing a running watch. The battery life of a watch is crucial in that it allows you to use it for a long time without having to stop and charge the battery. Look for one that has a battery life of at least 5-7 days.
Water resistance: Having a water-resistant watch is a great convenience, as it puts you at less risk of damaging your watch in the event that you sweat and it starts to rain. If you plan on being outdoors for long periods of time in wet conditions, then it’s a good idea to choose a watch that has this feature.
Size and weight: If you’re looking for a running watch that is lightweight and easy to carry, then opt for one that weighs less than 45 grams.
Brightness: Another important factor that you must consider when choosing a running watch is the brightness of the display. You want something with a display that is bright enough to be seen in direct sunlight but not too bright so as to distract you when running or exercising. Features: You should choose a watch that has all the features you need.
GPS: The GPS feature of the watch is normally incorporated into a built-in chip so that it can calculate distance and pace. However, a watch without this feature would allow you to track your route but not have any idea about how far you’ve gone or how long you’re taking to complete it.
Accuracy: A great running watch will have both digital and analogue displays, as well as reliable timekeeping capabilities. This ensures that you are able to see your pace, distance and calories burned without any problems.
What smart features should you look for?
The options for what smart features you can get on your new watch are endless. You can find watches that mirror the notifications from your phone, have space for music or the ability to connect to streaming services such as Spotify and be able to store a credit or debit card. They may also be capable of NFC payments, which is a payment system that allows you to make quick and easy payments by simply tapping your watch on the payment terminal. So, no matter what your needs are, there is sure to be a smartwatch that fits them.
The Best Running Watch NZ
1. Fitbit Sense Smartwatch
The Fitbit Sense Smartwatch is the perfect companion to your active lifestyle. The Fitbit Sense smartwatch is built with advanced technology and delivers perfect on-the-go performance. With the Fitbit Sense smartwatch, your workout intensity map will help you target the most important muscle groups during your workout. The built-in GPS and Active Zone Minutes provide motivation to reach your daily goal. It has 20+ exercise modes and includes an app to chart your progress for the day. The Fitbit Sense is also water-resistant to 50 metres, so you can wear it during your workout or even shower with it on.
2. Garmin Fenix 7 Silver 
The Garmin Fenix 7 is packed with all the features you need to be your best on the move. It’s the longest-lasting watch battery in the world and has a stylish stainless steel bezel and a large 1.3′ display. The watch is preloaded with lots of built-in sports apps and has a preloaded profile for your most active sports. The Fenix 7 has multiple global navigation satellite systems so you will always know where you are in the world with just one tap.
3. Garmin Instinct 2 Solar
The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is a versatile, sporty and powerful watch that provides valuable data on your activity and route, according to your location and your activity type. It also has built-in sports apps that allow users to track their exercise, distance and time. It’s designed with a high-contrast display and a solar charging battery that is water-rated to 100 metres, so it’s perfect for outdoor activities. You can also use Garmin Pay contactless payments with your watch. The watch is the ultimate partner for your outdoor adventures.
4. Coros PACE 2 Premium GPS Sport Watch
This ultra-durable, lightweight, and water-resistant GPS sports watch has a powerful processor that allows you to track your performance, count every second when you are racing and get notifications. This watch is perfect for runners, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts. Coros has already built in over 200 exercises and it also has a muscle heatmap to measure and track your progress.
5. Apple Watch
Apple Watch Series 7 is a direct consequence of the innovation and creativity of the Apple team. The design is more streamlined and the features are more powerful. The large Retina display, IP6X dust resistance, and swim-proof design Measure your blood oxygen with a powerful sensor and app, Take an ECG anytime, high and low heart rate, and irregular heart rhythm notifications, running, yoga, swimming, dance, Pay instantly with apple pay, and the ability to run with a series of technological advancements make this a perfect choice.
FAQ’s
Are running watches worth it?
Yes, running watches are worth it because they can help you track your progress, set goals, and stay motivated. They can also help you train smarter by monitoring your heart rate, pace, and distance. And if you’re training for a race, a running watch can be a valuable tool for helping you hit your target times.
Why do runners use Garmin watches?
There are many reasons why runners use Garmin watches. One of the most important reasons is that Garmin watches are incredibly accurate. They can track your speed, distance, and even your heart rate while you’re running. This information can be really helpful in tracking your progress and seeing how you’re improving over time.
Garmin watches are also very durable. They can withstand a lot of wear and tear, which is important if you’re someone who likes to run outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions. Plus, Garmin watches come with a variety of features that can make running more fun and interesting, such as music playback and GPS tracking.