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Best Sports Watches for Interval Training in 2023

Best Sports Watches for Interval training

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Crush your fitness goals with the Best Sports Watches for Interval Training. Boost workouts, crush goals & unleash your inner athlete!🏅🔥

Interval training is a powerful and efficient way to boost your fitness and performance by switching between high-intensity and low-intensity periods of exercise. Whether a novice or an expert runner, you can benefit from adding interval training to your routine. However, to make the most of your interval training, you need a dependable and precise running watch that can help you track your speed, distance, heart rate, and recovery.

This guide will help you pick the best running watch for interval training in 2023. We will evaluate some of the top models from Garmin, Apple, and other brands and compare their features, pros, and cons. We will also give you some tips on using your running watch for interval training and what to look for in a watch for interval training.

What to Look for in the Best Sports Watches for Interval Training

Top Features to Look for in Sports Watches for Interval Training

Before we get into the evaluations of the best running watches for interval training in 2023, let’s first go over some of the key features you should look for in a watch for interval training. These are:

FeatureImportanceWhat to Look For
GPSAccurately measure pace, distance, route, & elevation during interval trainingQuick, reliable GPS signal; long battery life in GPS mode
Heart Rate MonitorMonitor effort & recovery; track heart rate zones to optimize training intensityPrecise, consistent, comfortable wrist-based monitoring
Interval ModeCustomize work/rest periods, repetitions & sets; pre-programmed/adaptive interval training plansEasy access, clear feedback & alerts during intervals
DisplayClear, easy-to-read stats during interval trainingSunlight-readable display; large enough to show data but not too bulky or heavy; animations/alerts/vibrations as notifications
Other FeaturesSleep tracking, music storage, smart notifications, advanced training metrics, etc.Depends on preferences & goals; consider price, design, durability, water resistance, compatibility, & customer reviews

These are some of the main features you should look for in a watch for interval training. Of course, you should also consider other factors, such as price, design, durability, water resistance, compatibility, and customer reviews.

Best Sports Watches for Interval Training in 2023

Now that you know what to look for in a watch for interval training, let’s look at some of the best running watches for interval training in 2023. We have selected some of the top models from Garmin, Apple, and other brands and compared their features, pros, and cons.

How to Pick the Best Running Watch for Interval Training in 2023

Interval training is a popular and effective workout technique that alternates between periods of high-intensity exercise and rest. It’s proven to improve cardiovascular fitness, speed, and overall performance. To make the most out of your interval training sessions, a reliable running watch must be used to track your progress, monitor your heart rate, and provide accurate GPS data.

In this blog post, we’ll help you find the best running watch for interval training in 2023 by discussing some of the top options available on the market. We’ll also provide useful tips on choosing the perfect watch based on your personal preferences and budget.

The Top Sports Watches for Interval Training in 2023

Explore our top picks, packed with cutting-edge features about interval training, to find the perfect match for your fitness goals. It’s time to conquer those intervals like never before!

Polar Ignite 3

This watch has a daily workout guidance feature that suggests interval training sessions based on your personal preferences and readiness. It also has a wrist-based heart rate monitor, a speed tracker for cycling, and a sleep plus stages feature that tracks your sleep quality and recovery.

FeaturePOLAR Ignite 3
DisplayHigh-Resolution AMOLED Touchscreen
Sleep Monitoring & Alertness GuideHolistic Analysis & Forecast
Heart Rate Tracking & GPSAdvanced Optical Tracking & Dual Frequency
Fitness Applications & CoachingOn-Demand Personalized Guidance
Design & ComfortSlender, Slim, 35g, Variety of Wristbands
Interval TrainingCustomizable Intervals & Timers
Price$329.95 + $94.94 Shipping & Import Fees
Special Features24/7 Activity Tracking, Weather, Music Controls, Voice Guidance

Garmin Forerunner 255 Music 

With the Garmin Forerunner 255 Music you can:

  • Create custom interval workouts based on distance, time, or open-ended intervals. You can also set the number of repetitions and add a warm-up and a cool-down to your workout.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions during your interval workout. The watch will vibrate and beep to alert you when to start and stop each interval and show you your pace, heart rate, distance, and time.

🎵🎧 Garmin Forerunner® 255S Music: Your Ultimate Running Companion 🎧🎵

FeatureGarmin Forerunner® 255S Music
Display1.3″ Always-On, Full-Color Display
DesignSlim & Lightweight, Available in 41mm & 46mm
Battery LifeUp to 14 Days in Smartwatch Mode, 30 Hours in GPS Mode
Music Streaming500 Songs, Compatible with Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer (subscription required)
ConnectivityBluetooth, Wireless Headphone Connection
Advanced InsightsSleep, HRV Status, Daily Workout Suggestion
Training FeaturesPersonalized Workouts, Completion Time Predictions, Adaptive Training
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) StatusGreater Insight into Wellness, Recovery, and Performance
Interval TrainingCustomizable Intervals, Audio and Visual Prompts, Auto Lap Feature
Price$391.02 + $107.58 Shipping & Import Fees

Check out: Garmin Forerunner 35 Review

Apple Watch Series 8

The Apple Watch Series 8 has some interval training features that make it stand out from other sports watches. Here are some of them:

  • You can create custom interval workouts for running, cycling, or HIIT activities. You can choose the type, duration, and intensity of each work and recovery interval, and the watch will guide you through them with haptic feedback and voice prompts.
  • You can use the enhanced Workout app to track your performance during interval training. The app shows your heart rate, pace, distance, calories burned, etc. You can also see your performance data broken down by intervals in your workout summary.
  • You can set pace or cadence alerts for your work intervals in outdoor running workouts. The watch will notify you if you fall below or exceed your target pace or cadence.
  • You can use the Crash Detection feature to get help in an emergency. The watch can detect if you’re in a severe car crash and automatically call emergency services and notify your emergency contacts.
FeatureDescription
ModelApple Watch Series 8
DisplayAlways-On Retina Display
Case Sizes41mm, 45mm
Case MaterialsAluminum, Stainless Steel
ConnectivityGPS, GPS + Cellular
Operating SystemwatchOS
Water ResistanceWater-Resistant
Health & Fitness FeaturesActivity Tracker, Heart Rate Monitor, Blood Oxygen & ECG Apps, Sleep Monitor, Interval Training
NotificationsEmail, Phone Call, Text Message
Battery LifeUp to 4 days
Band Material TypesLeather, Silicone
Case Material TypesAluminum, Stainless Steel
Connectivity TechnologyBluetooth, Cellular, USB
Screen Size33.0 to 34.9 mm, 37.0 mm & above
CompatibilitySmartphone
Special FeaturesGPS, Heart Rate Monitor, Sleep Monitor, Time Display, Email, Notifications, Phone Call
Amazon CertifiedWorks with Alexa
Augmented RealityView In Your Room
WarrantyAppleCare+ (2 Years) available separately
Color OptionsMidnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band, Silver Aluminium Case with White Sport Band, Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band

Garmin Forerunner 935 

The Garmin Forerunner 935 allows you to create interval workouts based on distance or time. The device saves your custom interval workout until you create another interval workout. You can use open intervals for track workouts and running a known distance.

FeatureDescription
ModelGarmin Forerunner 935
Price$189.99
Screen Size1.2 inches
ColorBlack
Weight49 grams
Battery LifeUp to 2 weeks in watch mode, up to 24 hours in GPS mode, up to 50 hours in UltraTrac mode
ConnectivityWi-Fi, compatible with iPhone, Android, Windows
Water ResistanceYes
Built-in FeaturesGPS running/triathlon watch with wrist-based heart rate – Advanced running and multisport features – Built-in barometer, altimeter, and electronic compass – Evaluates training status and offers performance monitoring features – Advanced dynamics for running, cycling, and swimming – Compatible with HRM-Run or HRM-Tri heart rate straps
Smart NotificationsText, call, and app notifications when paired with a compatible smartphone
Compatible AppsGarmin Connect, Connect IQ (for custom watch faces, data fields, and apps like Uber and Accuweather)
Strava Live SegmentsSync running and cycling segments for live feedback during activities
CompatibilityCompatible with advanced workouts for running, cycling, and pool swimming

Check out: Garmin Forerunner 55 Review

Garmin Venu 2 Plus

The Garmin Venu 2 Plus has a dedicated HIIT mode that features activity profiles for HIIT workouts, on-screen animations, and custom timers. You can use specialized timers to record a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) activity. You can select an option such as Free to record an open, unstructured HIIT activity or select HIIT Timers > AMRAP to record as many rounds as possible during a set time period.

FeatureGarmin Venu 2 Plus
Display1.3-inch AMOLED display – Bright and crisp
Colors AvailableSilver with Gray Band, Slate with Black Band, Silver with Powder Gray Case
Phone Call and Text FunctionalityRefurbished, fully functional, and in excellent condition; 90-day Amazon Renewed Guarantee.
Voice Assistant IntegrationMake and take phone calls from your wrist when paired with a compatible smartphone.
Advanced Health Monitoring FeaturesHealth Snapshot feature, Body Battery energy levels, sleep score and insights, fitness age, stress tracking, and more (not a medical device)
Built-in Sports AppsOver 25 built-in indoor and GPS sports apps, including walking, running, cycling, HIIT, swimming, golf, and many more
Music StorageBuilt-in music storage for favorite tunes
Garmin PayGarmin Pay contactless payments in supported countries and payment networks (requires setup and smartphone with network coverage where data connectivity is available)
Safety Tracking FeaturesSafety tracking features for added functionality
Product ConditionRefurbished, fully functional, and in excellent condition; 90-day Amazon Renewed Guarantee
Battery LifeExceeds 80% capacity relative to new
Accessories IncludedSIM removal tool, charger, and charging cable; Headphones and SIM card not included
Price$299.95 (Renewed) / $399.99 (New)

Check out: The Best Fitness Tracking Watches

Interval Training Features in Sposrts Watches

Watch ModelInterval Training FeaturesOther Features
Polar Ignite 3Offers interval training with customizable settings12AMOLED display, multiband/dual-frequency GNSS12
Garmin Forerunner 255 MusicOffers interval training with customizable settings3Music, GPS, optical heart rate, training guidance, free training plans, smartphone notifications3
Apple Watch Series 8Offers interval training with customizable settings Cellular connectivity, ECG, blood oxygen sensor, fall detection, sleep tracking
Garmin Forerunner 935Offers interval training with customizable settings GPS, optical heart rate, training guidance, free training plans, smartphone notifications
Garmin Venu 2 PlusOffers interval training with customizable settingsAMOLED display, GPS, optical heart rate, training guidance, free training plans, smartphone notifications

Key Features to Look for in the Best Sports Watches for Interval Training

Key FeatureRating (1-5)Scientific Study
Customizable Interval Timers5Smartphone Connectivity and its impact on sports performance
GPS Tracking4Accuracy of GPS devices for measuring high-intensity running
Heart Rate Monitoring5Heart rate variability in sport performance
Water Resistance4Water resistance and its effect on sports watches
Battery Life3Battery life in sports watches: a review
Smartphone Connectivity2The Role of Comfort in sports equipment
Comfort and Fit5The role of comfort in sports equipment
Display Visibility and Clarity4Visual display design for sports watches

Accurate GPS Tracking

The most important feature of a good running watch is accurate GPS tracking that can provide precise distance traveled data when you’re running outdoors. Ensuring your chosen model has an effective built-in GPS mode is critical.

Heart Rate Monitoring

A reliable heart rate monitor is essential to track your effort during intense workout sessions. Opting for a wrist-based heart rate monitoring system will provide real-time feedback while eliminating the need to wear chest straps.

Interval Session Programming

Some watches come with pre-set interval programs or allow users to create customizable interval workouts. This functionality will enable runners efficiently perform intervals and focus solely on performance rather than fiddling around operating their device mid-exercise.

Check out: Best Smartwatches for Runners in 2023

Making Your Final Decision: Choosing the Right Watch For You

Selecting the best-running watch depends on your preferences, budget, and fitness goals. Here’s what you should consider before making your decision:

  • Budget: Determine how much money you’re willing to spend on a new running watch
  • Features: Figure out which features matter most—GPS accuracy? Heart rate monitoring? Sleep tracking?
  • Design: Do aesthetics play any role? Think about whether you prefer sporty or elegant designs.
  • Battery Life: Make sure battery life aligns with usage habits, particularly if you need long hours in GPS mode or engage in multiday trail running

Considering these aspects and our top picks, it should be easier to identify the best running watch for interval training in 2023 that meets your expectations and is perfect for your workout routine.

Check out: Time to Shine: Best Sports Watches for Women in 2023

Conclusion

Interval training is a great way to improve your fitness and performance by switching between high-intensity and low-intensity periods of exercise. To make the most of your interval training, you need a dependable and precise running watch that can help you track your speed, distance, heart rate, and recovery.

In this guide, we have evaluated some of the best sports watches for interval training in 2023. We have compared their features, pros, and cons and given you some tips on how to use them for interval training. We hope this guide has helped you pick the best running watch for interval training in 2023.

References

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