Garmin 010-02156-05 Forerunner 45, 42mm Easy-to-use GPS Running Watch with Coach Free Training Plan Support, Black

Given the proliferation of fitness trackers these days, it was difficult deciding which one to get. My primary requirements :1. accurate heart rate monitor (walking, running biking. Not planning to wear it while swimming). Accuracy is important to ensure maintaining correct heart rate depending on the goal eg fat burn vs cardio.2. accurate standalone GPS to measure distances3. decent step counter4. buttons, not touchscreen (to be able to operate by touch eg while biking). Buttons feel solid.5. able to provide almost all functionality without requiring a smartphone or app ( privacy)this is the review after wearing the FR45 almost continuously for 4 weeks, only taking it off while showering or charging. the FR45 meets all these requirements. the Garmin Connect has a windows application, which can sync directly with the watch over USB. it does require setting up an account with an email address, but no other information is gathered. I am able to use this app to view historical data, trends etc without having to use the smartphone app.Additional benefits:1. the sleep monitor is surprisingly accurate, and somewhat eye-opening in terms of understanding the sleep cycle every night. I think it can drive better sleeping habits2. stated battery life is 7 days without using GPS. I'm able to get about 6 days, using GPS for about 2-3 hours during that period3. If one is so inclined, your profile can be connected to apps like MyFitnessPal to track your calorie intake and get a view of overall calorie input and output. I don't use it4. the Stress and 'Body battery' indicators are fun to see (not sure how accurate/useful)5. you can participate in group activities, challenges etc6. you can track all useful information (distance, HR, stress level, calories, steps etc) easily on the watch itself, though it might be somewhat small to look at7. display works well in most situations, even direct sunlight. there is a backlight button, for very lowlight situations8. Garmin Connect windows app provides a very nice clean interface, and a helpful dashboard to be able to see daily and historical info and trends. there is a lot more in there that I'm not using at this time.9. looks nice.Others have reporting issues with the wristband, i did feel a bit of itching and irritation in the beginning, probably because i wore to too tight, but am able to adjust to it by switching wrists daily and not wearing it too tightly.Some things that could be better:1. the heart rate counter has trouble keeping up with rapid changes. for eg, if I go from walking to running on the treadmill, the watch takes anywhere from 30s to 2 mins to catch up with the new HR. Same with slowing down. This is probably the biggest issue I've faced, but can get used to it. when it does catch up though, its accurate to within 1-2 heartbeats (compared with finger oximeter, treadmill monitor)2. GPS can sometimes take frustratingly long to get active. Syncing frequently seems to solve this issue (i only sync with the laptop once every 5-6 days, so maybe this might be just a problem for me3. step tracker is a bit iffy, I'll usually wake up on the morning with about 100-200 steps in the counter (basically arm movements seem to trigger it). brushing teeth can also give you some steps :) not a big issue, just discount about 400-500 steps from your daily count to account for these conditions.Overall, I'm very satisfied with this purchase, and feels like this would be solid performer for years to come, or at least until the battery gives out.

Product: Garmin 010-02156-05 ForerunnerThe Garmin 010-02156-05 Forerunner is an exceptional sports watch that has greatly enhanced my fitness tracking and training experience. This watch offers an array of features that are perfect for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.Firstly, the GPS tracking on the Forerunner is incredibly accurate. Whether I'm running, cycling, or hiking, the watch consistently provides precise distance, pace, and route information. This allows me to track my progress and set specific goals for each workout. The built-in heart rate monitor is also highly accurate and provides real-time heart rate data, helping me optimize my training and monitor my overall fitness level.The Forerunner's battery life is impressive. Even with continuous GPS and heart rate monitoring, the battery lasts for several days on a single charge. This is especially beneficial for long-distance runners or multi-day outdoor adventures. The watch also charges quickly, which is convenient for those moments when you need a quick power boost before heading out.The watch's design is sleek and comfortable to wear. The display is easy to read, even in direct sunlight, and the touchscreen is responsive and user-friendly. The watch is also water-resistant, making it suitable for swimming or other water-based activities.The Forerunner offers a wide range of activity tracking features. It accurately counts steps, tracks sleep patterns, and even provides advanced metrics such as VO2 max and training load. The watch also offers smart notifications, allowing me to receive calls, texts, and other alerts directly on my wrist, without needing to pull out my phone.One of the standout features of the Forerunner is the Garmin Connect app. This app seamlessly syncs with the watch, allowing me to review and analyze my workouts, set goals, and compete with friends. The app provides detailed insights into my training progress, helping me make informed decisions about my workouts and overall fitness journey.Overall, the Garmin 010-02156-05 Forerunner is a top-notch sports watch that delivers on performance and functionality. Its accurate GPS tracking, long battery life, and comprehensive activity tracking features make it a valuable tool for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Whether you're a casual runner or a professional athlete, this watch will undoubtedly elevate your training and help you achieve your fitness goals.