Connected watches offer much more than just showing the time. They allow you to monitor various aspects of performance and health, follow GPS routes, analyze sleep cycles and even receive notifications in real time. Athletes have adopted them! However, you don’t choose the same smartwatch when you are a runner, cyclist, swimmer or even a multi-sport fan. It is crucial Select a watch that offers the functionalities adapted to your sports practice. This article takes stock of the essential criteria to take into account for athletes (technical characteristics, sensor accuracy, waterproof level, battery life, compatibility with sports applications, etc.).
Sports smartwatch selection: 4 connected watches
Garmin Forerunner 55 Smartwatch
This connected GPS watch from Garmin will delight athletes, especially those who run. she provides training tips to help you improve (PACEPRO technology, target time and “Garmin coach” sessions) and allows you to monitor your health (sleep analysis, calories burned, heart rate, etc.). When paired with your smartphone, you can also receive emails, text messages, and alerts.
Compatible with Android and iOS, it has a battery life of 20 hours in GPS mode and 14 days in normal use.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 smartwatch
This connected watch from Samsung allows you to rediscover the pleasures of sports. helps you achieve your goals by monitoring your trainingyour steps and offering you personalized coaching. Its built-in GPS ensures precise location tracking and its multiple sensors allow you to monitor your heart rate or even track your sleeping habits. This smartwatch also allows you to receive notifications, messages and calls right on your wrist.
It also gives a privileged place to customization with a variety of dials and straps availableallowing you to adapt it to your style and personal preferences. Lastly, it is very aesthetic (thin, elegant design, large dial, etc.) and of superior quality. As proof, it has a 2-year warranty from the brand.
Apple Watch Series 9 smartwatch
Apple Watch Series 9 is specially designed to meet the needs of athletes, thanks to its advanced features and robust design. It is equipped with an integrated GPS, which allows precise tracking of running, cycling or hiking routes. Biometric sensors measure essential data, such as heart rate, blood oxygen level, and body temperature, in real time, providing a comprehensive view of your physical performance. With the iPhone “Exercise” application you can follow a wide variety of sports activities, such as running, swimming (thanks to its water resistance up to 50 meters), yoga or continue training in the gym.
The watch provides accurate data on distance traveled, calories burned and progress made. Thanks to its 18-hour battery life and fast charging, the Apple Watch Series 9 is an ideal tool for tracking your workouts throughout the day.
Huawei Band 8 smart watch
This Huawei smartwatch will satisfy athletes with its 100 training modes. Connected to the Huawei Health app, it allows you to accurately track your health and fitness. It also helps you take care of yourself by monitoring your sleep, your oxygen saturation, your heart rate and offering you anti-stress breathing exercises.
It features a borderless AMOLED display and angular design, and weighs just 14g for even greater comfort. This device recharges in just 45 minutes and offers a battery life of 14 days in normal use.
The criteria to take into account when choosing your connected watch for sports
Choosing a connected watch for sports requires taking several criteria into account. You need to make sure it meets your specific needs and optimizes your performance. These are the main aspects to consider.
the sport practiced
Some smartwatches are designed for specific sports like running, cycling, swimming, or triathlon. Make sure the watch you choose has the Functions adapted to your main activity..
Sports tracking features
Tracking features are another consideration to consider. They can include integrated GPS to track distance, speed and routes, heart rate sensors to monitor exercise intensity, altimeter to measure elevation changes during mountain walks or runs, or even specific sports modes for certain types of activities, with metrics personalized.
Battery life and water resistance.
Battery life is a crucial criterion, especially for long training or competitions. Check how long the watch can last with GPS activated and in normal use. Also, if you do water or outdoor sports, make sure your connected watch is properly connected. waterproof (minimum 5 ATM for swimming) and dust.
Comfort and aesthetics
The comfort provided by your smartwatch is essential, especially for long training sessions. Opt for one Lightweight watch, with comfortable and adjustable strap.. The design can also influence whether you want to wear the watch every day. It should match your style and personality.
Connectivity and compatibility
Check the compatibility of the watch with your smartphone and the sports applications you use. This will allow you to use it to the fullest of its capabilities. Connectivity with additional accessories like cardio belts or power meters can also be a plus.
Sensor accuracy
The accuracy of the sensors (GPS, heart rate, altimeter) is also essential to obtain reliable data. Be sure to check reviews and accuracy tests for the model you are considering.
Additional Features
While not a priority, your watch’s additional features can make your daily life easier, including notifications to stay connected without constantly checking your phone, sleep tracking, and built-in music.
the price
Finally, obviously you have to take into account the price. This can vary considerably depending on the equipment. The best you can do is set a budget and compare models in this price range.
Health features of connected watches
Connected watches can integrate a multitude of health functions. The most common are:
- Heart rate monitoring : continuous measurement of heart rate to monitor the intensity of physical effort and detect possible abnormalities;
- Sleep tracking : analysis of sleep cycles, duration and quality of sleep;
- SpO2 (blood oxygen saturation): indicates the percentage of oxygen in the blood, useful for detecting respiratory problems;
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) : allows the detection of cardiac abnormalities such as atrial fibrillation;
- Stress level – Uses heart rate variability measurements to estimate stress levels;
- Fitness Tracking – Records physical activity data, such as number of steps, calories burned and distance traveled;
- Breath monitoring : monitors respiratory rate, particularly during sleep;
- Abnormal heart rhythm notifications – Alerts the user in case of abnormally high or low heart rate.
In addition to this, certain connected watches, used with glucose monitoring devices, can help people with diabetes on a daily basis. The Apple Watch Series 8 and 9, as well as the Fitbit Sense, are, for example, compatible with diabetes tracking apps and allow you to see real-time glucose levels directly on the watch. Other models offer the possibility of measuring blood pressure, a very practical feature in cases of hypertension.
How to activate the sleep function on the connected watch?
Activating the sleep function on a smartwatch may vary depending on the device and manufacturer. The ideal is Please refer to the instructions for use for detailed procedure. In general:
- For watches using Google Wear OS: Install the Google Fit app and set up sleep tracking.
- For Samsung Galaxy watches: You need to make sure the Samsung Health app is installed on your watch and smartphone and set up sleep tracking.
- For Garmin watches: You should verify that the Garmin Connect app is installed on your watch and phone and set up sleep tracking.
This content was produced by an expert from the BFMTV buying team, independent of the BFMTV.com editorial staff. The prices indicated are for informational purposes only and are subject to change. BFMTV may receive compensation when one of our readers makes a purchase through the links embedded in this article.
Source: BFM TV
