Wearable devices have surged in popularity in recent years. Although some, like Google Glass, were poorly received by consumers, a few have skyrocketed into must-have devices, including the smartwatch.
These wearable devices were originally meant to provide a companion device to smartphones, equipped with biometric features and portable technology that could interface with your phone. For example, the earliest Android smartwatches were designed to enable voice calls or music playing through them instead of your bulky phone.
One of the best ways you can make the most out of these devices is by using smartwatches for cardio.
But why should you use wearable devices when exercising? Which of the many Swiss smartwatches is better than a tactical smartwatch? Learn the answers to these questions today.
Why Use Smartwatches for Cardio?
Of all devices you can bring with you when exercising, what advantages does using a smartwatch for cardio offer? There are dozens of health and lifestyle apps you can download directly into your smartphone so what does it matter?
The best smartwatches are used for cardiovascular exercises for several reasons. Namely, these are portability, utility and specialty.
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Portability
Smartphones are already pretty portable, with most models being able to fit comfortably into your pocket. However, they’re meant to be portable only during relatively calm motions, when you take a walk or put the device inside your bag.
Cardiovascular exercises, like jogging, running on a treadmill or cycling, are much more rigorous and sometimes need both your hands occupied. Doing cardio while your phone is clutched in one hand or even the notion of exercising with a small pouch meant for your phone is ludicrous.
Smartwatches are designed to be securely worn and carried even during rigorous activities, meaning you can heighten the intensity of your exercises as much as you want without fear or losing them.
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Utility
Sometimes it’s not just about a device’s ability to be safely carried around. A smartwatch offers many advantages over a smartphone due to their sheer utility. For example, some smartwatches not only monitor your pulse rate but also keep track of your skin temperature, which can be invaluable when you’re running under the hot sun.
Some devices have even more utility such as tactical smartwatches. These hardened devices can be resistant to impact and other damage but they also come with better GPS tracking, pedometers and an assortment of features that make cardio exercises easier to monitor.
Others have uses that go beyond tracking your health such as enhanced battery life, portable music capabilities and the like.
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Specialty
Many new smartphones now have advanced detectors and biometric scanners that can monitor your vitals. Some have built in pedometers and others have heart rate trackers. Unfortunately, smartphones weren’t designed to be exercise companions or heart monitors.
Their primary duty is connectivity and communication. Smartwatches are often especially designed to aid during exercises or outdoor endeavors. Fitbit smartwatches in particular are known for their easy controls and their focus on monitoring your heart rate and other body functions.
What Kinds of Smartwatches are There?
Aside from the ever-popular Apple smartwatch, dozens upon dozens of brands are in the market. But which ones are the best smartwatches for cardio? What features should you watch out for when you are trying to select a Swiss smartwatch to use when you are exercising?
You have to consider plenty of factors, from the overall quality of the device to its lifespan and the capabilities of its features.
Below are some types of smartwatches you may be considering researching for your next big exercise purchase. Learning more about them can help you make the right decision about which smartwatch to buy for yourself or as a gift to a fitness enthusiast.
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Michael Kors Men’s Smartwatch
Michael Kors is a company that has been designing luxury men’s watches for years and have recently expanded into creating their own line of smartwatches. In particular, are the Michael Kors’ smartwatches for men, which come with a vast array of features.
First, it’s powered by Google’s proprietary operating system ensuring compatibility with both Apple and Android products. Next, it comes in an elegant black and gold color scheme. The oversized LED display ensures easy reading without needing to bring the device to your face. Voice-activated software and smart assistance from Google ensures you can research and command the device even while enjoying your cardio workouts. Finally, it is water resistant to five atmospheres, which means it can withstand five times the pressure at sea level. However, they are very pricey, which means you’re probably not going to use it when jogging.
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Rolex Smartwatch
Despite what many people believe, luxury watch brand Rolex has not yet created their own line of smartwatches. However, rumors have been floating as far back as 2015 that there will soon be Rolex smartwatches available to the public. However, at the time of writing, they have not yet offered any true smartwatches to the public.
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Fitbit Smartwatch
Fitbit smartwatches may not be the most elegant or thoroughly decked out options out there but they are the main standard upon which all other smartwatches for cardio purposes are stacked against. The standard Fitbit has a pedometer to count your steps, a heart rate monitor, a laser thermometer and an oxygen reader.
Some models also interface directly with your phone to provide you data on your sleeping patterns and other health statistics. In terms of using them for sport or cardio, you can do better. But a Fitbit smartwatch is an excellent starting piece that is also relatively inexpensive compared to other models of smartwatches out there.
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Tactical Smartwatch
Tactical smartwatches refer to a broad category of wearable devices that focus more on heavy use and utility for outdoor situations than the standard smartwatch. For example, a tactical smartwatch often has enhanced GPS systems, interfaces with your phone to provide better information for tracking and is suitable for hard wear outdoors. They’re more resistant to water damage, impacts and other conditions that could ruin normal smartwatches.
As far as using these smartwatches for cardio, you are probably going to enjoy using them if you prefer to exercise outdoors instead of a gym. Running outside has more risks to your devices than running on a treadmill, after all and you could benefit from having a slightly more expensive but more resilient smartwatch on your wrist.
Using smartwatches for cardio is not new and is in fact one of their primary purposes. But with so many choices in the market, you could get confused as to which brands you should choose. Hopefully this guide will help you find the right wearable device to slap on your wrist while doing your cardio.
