Use of GPS Running Watches for health improvement and physical
training
By Rebecca Blain of http://www.everything-gps.com
A growing concern among many people in the world is the quality
of health and physical training. As it gets easier to eat more
and exercise less, it has become vital that individuals have
access to a variety of tools to make training as systematic and
easy as possible. Due to this, investing in a GPS running watch
can make a large difference to runners and joggers, as well as
to those who need a physical training program to recover from
surgery or disease.
Before you purchase your own GPS running watch, you need to make certain
that you understand how they work and how they can help you. In
order to do this, you should know about the functions of the
basic GPS wrist watch. In the most basic form, a runners GPS
watch is nothing more than a stop watch and a hand held unit
mixed into one. More advance systems possess functions such as
heart rate monitor, performance indicators, distance meters and
much more. This variance between the base models and the more
advanced units allows you to purchase the exact type of unit
that you need in order to improve the quality of your health and
lifestyle.
Select the Right Watch for You
If you are a beginning
runner, or someone just beginning physical training, you will
want to investigate units such as the Garmin Forerunner 101.
This unit is one of the more basic ones available, not only
having an affordable price tag, but enough features where a
beginning runner can adapt to the tool while receiving many of
the benefits. The Timex Navman II is also a beginners watch,
sporting similar functions to the Forerunner 101.
For intermediate to advance users, the Garmin Forerunner 201 has
many features that the 101 lacks. Most notably, the 201 allows
routes to be determined into the device, allowing long distance
runners to expand their running areas safely. By providing all
of the heart rate sensors, virtual running partner as well as
distance and speed calculators, the device has everything the
professional runner, jogger or triathlete needs in order to get
into the best shape possible. With the ability to review daily
or weekly histories for a period of two years, the progress of
the owner of the watch can be accurately followed. This is
highly important, especially for those who need to keep a
constant eye on health matters.
For those who need a GPS running watch to improve health due to
disease, illness or surgery, the features of the advanced
systems could never be more important. As recovering from any
health issue can be difficult, having the ability to chart
progress and set reachable goals is important for being
successful in building physical fitness.
Training Techniques
When you purchase a GPS running
watch, there are several different methods that you can use to
raise your level of endurance and speed and time. As there are
many watches available, you will want to select the one that has
all of the features required to make use of the method safely.
The first method method involves setting a daily goal based on
distance. If you desire to be a long distance runner, this
method would be good for you. Each day, you will want to set a
minimum distance to run. If you eventually desire to run 20
miles in one day, you would start running one mile a day for a
set period of time. Many use a week or two, so they can adjust
to running. Then, after that initial period of time, another
mile would be added. As you grow more capable of running the
mile, the number of miles you add after each time frame may
vary. Once you have reached the distance you want, you would
begin training yourself using the second method so that you can
pace while being able to reach the distance that you desire.
The first method requires that the GPS running watch has full
distance based features, as well as position tracking
capabilities. As long distance running usually involves leaving
your neighborhood or running through parks and other natural
areas, you will want to be able to find your way back to
civilization if you make an incorrect turn.
The second method runners use to improve their physical fitness
is to try to beat a pace. Instead of a specific distance in a
day, the runner will try to run a certain speed every day,
gradually lengthening the distance and lowering the time it
takes to get there. This method is suitable for short distance
runners, as well as cross country runners who need to work on
their speed rather than their distance.
The second method requires a good speed/timing watch as well as
pacing features. Garmin's virtual runner companion is perfect
for this style of training, as the virtual runner will help make
certain that you stay on pace.
The third method is for those who need a slower start. Instead
of running distance or beating a pace, joggers using this method
will jog for a certain period of time per day while keeping
careful track of their heart rate. This method is the slowest of
the most popular methods, but is by far the safest for those
with known health issues. An important part of physical training
is to exert yourself without injury. By tracking heart rates and
limiting the amount of time that you are jogging, you can slowly
build up muscle tone and endurance without stressing your body.
Jogging five to ten minutes a day while maintaining specific
heart rates is suggested, while slowly adding more minutes as
your body adapts to being able to handle the stresses of running.
The third method requires that the GPS unit has a heart rate
monitor, pacing functions and distance calculators. This
combination is important for following the progress of this type
of runner. The mother health oriented features available in a
watch, the more effective it will be when this method of
training is used.
When you purchase your GPS running watch, you will want to
purchase from one of the primary GPS and watch making
manufacturers. Garmin, Timex, Magellan and Casio all have
watches that are suitable for use with one of the three above
methods.
If you are serious about starting an intensive training program,
you will want to contact a professional trainer. The methods
suggested in this article should be used carefully, and only
within the limits of your ability. The information provided by
the GPS runner watch should never take the place of medical
exams and check ups given by professional doctors.