Garmin has launched a new GPS smartwatch that they claim is easy to use, especially for people new to running.
At the press of a button, the Forerunner® 55 gets to work to start tracking a run or walk by recording time, distance, speed, pace and heart rate data.
It's probably true to say that many people are daunted by the complexities of some modern sports watches, especially when they come with a thick user's manual. And while it is fantastic to have access to a big resource of fitness information, GPS functions and communication alerts, such as social media and email, it can be overwhelming at the outset.
The aim of the Garmin Forerunner55 is offer a "simplified running watch".
Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of worldwide sales, said: "We know there are runners of all skill levels who prefer a simplified running watch. With that in mind, the Forerunner 55 presents informative and digestible data in a way that can help people reach their running goals, while also encouraging them to live a healthy lifestyle.”
The brand unveiled the Forerunner 55 in conjunction with Global Running Day, which is an annual celebration of running and encourages beginners to make a life-changing commitment to the activity.
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Features of new Garmin Forerunner 55
The Forerunner 55 feature list includes:
- Built-in GPS to tracks how far, how fast and where a user runs
- Wrist-based heart rate gives data all day and night
- All-day activity tracking to counts steps, calories, sleep and more
- Daily suggested workouts based on personalised run workouts and tailored to the runner’s training history, fitness level and recovery time
- Garmin Coach training plans with on-screen guidance from expert coaches and free 5K, 10K or half marathon training plans that adapt based on a runner’s goals
- Safety features to allow runners to send a message with their location to family and friends.
There's even more to the Forerunner 55
In addition there are more advanced features should the user want to access them, including PacePro, finish time estimator, cadence alerts, built-in activity profiles, including track or virtual running, pool swimming, Pilates, HIIT and more, and recovery time suggestions.
Garmin Firstbeat Analytics™ also allow wearers to use the Forerunner 55 24/7 so they can track stress levels and set relaxation reminders, such as to do short breathing exercises.
- Also read about the Garmin Enduro of ultra runners
- Find out about Garmin's Forerunner 745
A useful Forerunner 55 detail for women is a feature that allows them to track their menstual cycle or pregnancy, while also logging symptoms and receiving exercise and nutrition education.
Battery life of the Forerunner 55 looks to be good, too, with up to two weeks in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode.
The Forerunner 55 is sold in black, white or aqua and has a suggested retail price of £179.99. For more information see: garmin.com/forerunner.
