- Garmin has introduced the Forerunner 745, a continuation of its 735XT running watch.
- It includes performance monitoring tools to help you prepare for races, and even suggests performance-based workouts.
- The watch is available now for $ 500.
Garmin has a new running watch that could be your first choice if you’re training for a race but don’t need an over-the-top wearable. The company has released the Forerunner 745, a fitness watch designed specifically for the dedicated athlete while keeping costs under control.
The Forerunner 735XT successor offers a range of performance monitoring tools to help prepare for a race, marathon, or swim, including VO2 max (maximum oxygen volume), training load, training status, and aerobic and anaerobic training effects. You will also receive daily training suggestions for running and cycling training, depending on your existing training load and the VO2 maximum level. Use a heart rate band like Garmin’s new HRM-Pro (shown below) or the Running Dynamics Pod and you’ll get running stats like cadence and step on the watch.
While the Forerunner 745 is essentially a running watch, Garmin has introduced various functions for other sports. It can track a cyclist’s left / right balance, sitting time versus standing, platform center offset, and performance phase. As you swim, the 745 can monitor distance, pace, stroke and personal achievements.
As you would expect, in addition to the usual smartwatch texts and notifications, you can sync numerous data and media. Garmin Connect and other exercise apps can sync exercise data with the Forerunner 745. There is enough space for up to 500 songs, regardless of whether they are stored locally on your computer or synced from services like Amazon Music, Deezer and Spotify.
Continue reading: The best smartwatches and fitness trackers at IFA 2020
The company did not skimp on daily health and functionality. A pulse oximeter helps you measure your sleep, while Garmin Pay enables touchless NFC shopping – important during a pandemic. You can also find tracking of energy levels by monitoring the body battery and menstrual cycle. The battery life is long, as is often the case with Garmin watches. Up to a week of regular smartwatch mode, 16 hours of GPS mode, and six hours of GPS and music.
Garmin’s Forerunner 745 is available now for $ 500. This isn’t a trivial purchase, especially when smartwatches like the Apple Watch Series 6 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 typically cost $ 100 less while offering better features for general use. Garmin, however, clearly positions this as a running watch for professionals and dedicated enthusiasts. If you’re determined to pick up your pace, the premium price and tighter focus may be worth the cost.