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 an emphasis 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 per minute, 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 using 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.

Running is one of the most popular sports. It is suitable for men and women, helps to lose weight and stay fit. In the absence of contraindications, it can be practiced at any age. Everyone who chooses this sport has a common desire - to increase the effectiveness of training. A running watch will help you solve this problem. Both beginners and professionals can buy these – everyone will find the necessary functions in modern models.

Everything you need for an effective workout

How to evaluate a runner's training performance? For many athletes, the distance traveled is one of the main criteria for evaluation. Modern sports running watches can calculate the distance covered with an accuracy of tenths of a meter. It does not matter whether the lesson takes place in a stadium or in an open area.

Some people are used to assessing success in kilometers, while others – in the number of steps taken. A few years ago, athletes had to use a separate pedometer, but today this function is implemented in watches. The smart gadget will count how many steps the runner took during the workout and save the result for further statistics.

A timer and a stopwatch are two useful options that are essential for running watches. A timer will help you count down the required time for training. The stopwatch function is indispensable for short distance races.

Special features for demanding users

For those who take their health seriously, a running watch with a heart rate monitor will come in handy. Most models allow you to find out your heart rate at any time. Professionals will like gadgets with the function of setting heart rate zones: the device constantly monitors the heartbeat and sounds a sound signal if the athlete leaves the specified zone.

It's no secret that physical activity helps in the fight against excess weight. Many people choose running to lose weight. In this case, the watch will become a faithful assistant, which will count not only steps, but also “burnt” calories. It's always nice to see the result of your work in numbers, regardless of whether it's been a 15-minute class or a full hour of running. How many calories can you burn with this activity? It all depends on the individual parameters of height, weight and gender; many models provide “smart” calorie counting taking into account these indicators.

GPS navigation is a useful feature that characterizes sports watches today. Running can be carried out either on a strictly defined track or while moving freely around the area. Some devices not only record the route taken, but also allow athletes to instantly share achievements on social networks.

Achieve your goals and set your personal records, and you can purchase the gadget that suits you in the Watchsport store.

Adding to the arguments FOR buying another gadget instead of running with an app on your phone is the fact that even beginner runners need to know their heart rate, pace and mileage. And those who are ready to achieve goals and progress cannot do without an intelligent and sometimes talking assistant.

Choosing a watch is almost like buying a car. We read reviews, consult with friends, go to stores to try them out. “Marathon Academy” takes away your headaches and offers a complete guide to choosing watches. Enjoy!

First, let's figure out what functions you need. There are a lot of them in watches, and the chosen model and its cost depend on your needs.

GPS. Thanks to it, speed and distance are measured and a route track is drawn. If you happen to be running in the forest and get lost, an advanced watch with GPS will greatly simplify the task for rescuers. It also measures height.

Heart rate monitor important for runners of all skill levels. Without understanding your pulse zone, you will not be able to give adequate load and understand the effectiveness of your training. The watch comes with or without a chest heart rate sensor, in which case you need to purchase it separately. Modern models already come with a built-in LED sensor; it measures the pulse directly on the wrist. This allows you to take measurements during the day or while you sleep, if the watch is not taken off.

VO2max. Measuring the maximum volume of oxygen consumed is an indicator of endurance. Usually the measurement is carried out in laboratory conditions, but sports watches have also learned to cope with it.

Recovery time. The device analyzes the indicators and predicts how much time is needed for rest and recovery so that the training is as effective as possible.

Calorie counter. A function that came from fitness bracelets. The calories burned during the workout are counted.

Autopause- a useful feature for those who run along the street and stop at traffic lights. The tracker pauses your run.

Virtual partner(for solo runners). Creates the illusion of jogging with a partner who runs a little faster than you.

Workout planner. Advanced watch models can create a plan for you based on your goals. But it is better to consult a live trainer.

Synchronization with a smartphone or computer. All gadgets have this function, but manufacturers have different applications.

Watch weight. Pay attention to how comfortable you are when running with the device.

Battery. The battery capacity of different models is approximately the same, but the use of GPS and Bluetooth drains the watch faster. You don't want to be left without a tracker during the marathon, do you?

Important: Heart rate monitors built into watches (at least on top Garmin models) are not suitable for full interval training. They have long delays in readings and serious inaccuracy, up to a 15 beat difference. Therefore, it is better to purchase a separate chest heart rate monitor, the same Garmin or Polar. The latter are a little cheaper and no worse.

But the main criterion when choosing a watch is budget. Below we present the most popular models in three price categories. Prices are indicated in two versions: in Russia and from foreign sites. Official dealers in Russia have watches in stock and with a Russian guarantee. But the product is much more expensive than if bought in Europe/USA. You can order on trusted Western sites. Find a model that matches the design in Moscow stores, and then place an order on one of these sites:

ebay.com

bike24.com

bike-discount.de

wiggle.com

Despite the noticeable difference in price, remember that when buying a watch from an official representative, you also receive warranty support and service. Whereas when ordering online, you will have to wait for delivery and you will only receive a worldwide guarantee.

So, a checklist before purchasing:

With a chest heart rate monitor (the clearest way to determine your heart rate).

So that there is synchronization via Bluetooth (it’s convenient to synchronize workouts with the application).

Within your budget.

Up to 10,000 rubles

Suunto SS015855000

They have the simplest functions for monitoring heart rate with transition to pulse zones, calorie consumption, and even gives training recommendations in real time.

They have several options for colored straps, if this is important to you.

In Russia - from 7,400 rubles

Polar M200

They have all the functions for successful training: GPS, pedometer and general physical activity meter, sleep tracker, heart rate sensor. Completely waterproof and have replaceable straps.

In Russia - from 6,150 rubles

Bike 24 - from 6,000 rubles

10,000-20,000 rubles

Garmin 35

Garmin Forerunner 35 is a basic sports watch with GPS, a built-in heart rate monitor, an activity tracker that tracks sleep and calories.

In Russia - from 7,900 rubles

Bike 24 - from 6,500 rubles

Suunto Spartan Trainer Wrist HR Black

A complete running and triathlon watch with built-in optical heart rate, power metering (running and cycling), navigation support, multisport features, extensive sports configuration and sleep tracking. They completely justify their cost.

In Russia - from 17,000 rubles

Bike 24 - from 11,000 rubles

Garmin 235

The Garmin Forerunner 235 is a great sports watch with GPS, a built-in heart rate monitor, an activity tracker that tracks sleep and calories, and a built-in accelerometer to track distance and pace while running. Designed to be worn 24 hours a day, this device will not miss the slightest detail in your activities. The proprietary software transmits notifications from the smartphone to the watch screen, and the number and colors of interchangeable straps make them suitable for both men and women.

In Russia - from 15,500 rubles

Above 20,000 rubles

Garmin 735XT HRM-Run

Heart rate monitor for sports will enable both professionals and beginners to get better results during training, in terms of increasing efficiency and improving health. Measuring all kinds of parameters when playing sports using a sports heart rate monitor (pulse, speed, distance, pace, running dynamics, cadence, etc.) makes it possible to visually see your development in numbers and motivate you to new sports goals.
In what sports is it useful to use a heart rate monitor?
Absolutely anywhere, where there is physical activity, you can use a heart rate monitor for sports and keep the parameters of sports training under control. Typically, a heart rate monitor is purchased for running, cycling, swimming, triathlon, fitness, and also for winter sports: cross-country skiing, alpine skiing.
Everyone has long known that the main organ of the human body is the Heart, which works non-stop throughout life, passing through more than 7,000 liters every day. blood. The general physical condition of a person, and as a consequence his desire to live, rejoice and create, depends on how the heart muscle is trained and how healthy it is. Professional trainers and doctors tirelessly repeat one thing: heart rate is the most important criterion when playing sports. That HR (heart rate) needs to be measured online. That for maximum effectiveness in sports, you need to train in certain heart rate zones based on your training goals.

For example, you want to lose weight and remove excess weight, bought a bicycle and began pedaling hard, assuming that the more you pedal, the more weight you would get rid of. At the same time, your heart is greatly overexerted and works at an unusual pace. Your heart rate drops beyond 160 beats/min and at this moment the body begins to release fast energy - glycogen and glucose, taking them from the liver and muscles. Fat is a slow source of energy and begins to be burned only when the heart beats at 110-130 beats/min. and provided that you train in this zone for more than 30 minutes, i.e. with a small load, fat begins to break down into the corresponding components and feed the cells of our body with energy. Thus, this training was carried out to develop endurance and physical fitness and not for the purpose of losing weight, burning fat, i.e. the training was not effective and the task was not completed.
Always warm up before training, the best option is to jog a little and gradually increase your heart rate to 60% -70% of max. The time to warm up at this pace before training is 10-15 minutes. In this case, it is necessary to control the pulse so that it is 60% -70% of max. A sports heart rate monitor will be a good help for this. Further, after warming up, intensive sports training is necessary to achieve the set sports goals.

The best and most respected heart rate monitors athletes around the world are considered: Polar(Polar), Garmin(Garmin) Suunto(Suunto). Polar and Suunto are Finnish watches with a heart rate monitor, Garmin is American. Polar has been manufacturing cardiac and heart rate monitors since 1975. and is the most recommended brand by medical professionals. Suunto began its production of watches and heart rate monitors in 1996. and the first model was Suunto Vector, the company is a leader in outdoor watches. Garmin began producing heart rate monitors not so long ago, but have already achieved significant results in this field and the main advantage is their advanced GPS + GLONASS system.

How to choose a heart rate monitor for sports?
By type, all heart rate monitors can be divided into two groups: 1. heart rate monitors with chest strap 2. optical heart rate monitors without a chest strap. The most accurate heart rate monitors with a chest sensor measure heart rate with ECG accuracy. Less accurate optical ones measure the pulse from the hand using a laser, the error is +-10 beats/min, and there is no need to wear the pulse sensor on the chest, i.e. heart rate monitor without chest strap.
Based on quality, heart rate monitors can be divided into professional and all others. There are three brands of professional heart rate monitors recognized by the sports community: Polar, Garmin, Suunto.
The price for heart rate monitors from Polar, Garmin, Suunto (of the same level, for example, models specifically for running or specifically for triathlon) is approximately the same. Other brands of heart rate monitors and sports watches cost an order of magnitude lower, and their quality, reliability and measurement accuracy may leave much to be desired. In such a situation, the question always arises: why buy a cheap heart rate monitor if you later doubt its readings. In this situation, saving is not the best option.

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:

1. Set the right workout pace;
2. Determine the optimal time for rest and its intervals;
3. 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:

1. Operating time - the more functions they perform, the more energy they spend, which means they require frequent and long-term recharging;
2. Synchronization - the ability to connect to mobile platforms and operating systems;
3. 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;
4. Accuracy of displayed data;
5. Waterproof;
6. Impact resistance;
7. 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.