When to Wear a Heart Rate Monitor or GPS Watch

The ActiveWatcher has always been extolling the virtues of heart rate monitor (“HRM”) and GPS watches.  But one question it commonly comes across is: “When should I wear a HRM or GPS watch?”  In an old post, the ActiveWatcher discusses extensively about the benefits of a HRM watch.  You can find that post here.  Although it hasn’t done so yet for GPS watches, stay tuned!  But to quickly answer that question for both HRM and GPS watches with one stone, check out a recent article from Runner’s World Magazine that provides a quick explanation on when HRM and GPS watches should be used.  You can find that article here.   To summarize, HRM watches should be worn to “serve a specific purpose (such a tempo run) when you need to maintain a certain effort.”  In other words, wear it if you want to monitor your level of exertion.  GPS watches should be worn when “you’re running in unfamiliar area and want to know exactly how far you’ve gone.”

To be sure, you can achieve either of the above goals without a HRM or GPS watch.  But wouldn’t it be great to let the watch do those things for you so you can enjoy the scenery?!?!  So purchase a HRM or GPS watch from ActiveWatches today.  Come visit us at www.activewatches.com.

The ActiveWatcher

Footpods

The January 2010 issue of Runners’ World has a great blurb about footpods, which are essentially devices separate from the watch that allow the watch to measure speed, distance, and other metrics.  You can read the blurb by clicking here.  Footpods aren’t new, but haven’t been as prevalent as GPS devices due to limitations on accuracy and reliability.  Technology is changing that though, just like everything else.  With their accuracy and reliability improving, more and more watch brands are starting to incorporate footpods as part of the watch package and The ActiveWatcher has observed a noticeable increased in interest among the running community.  As the blurb says, however, calibration is the key to ensure continued accuracy and reliability.

The ActiveWatcher