If you run or walk for exercise and fitness a GPS watch should help you get the most out of your workout. It is well known that maintaining your target heart rate is essential to get the best workout. These watches are ideal for storing multiple routes so you can vary your routine to keep things interesting.



Most models provide the opportunity to enter multiple routes so you can view your progress with only a quick glance at the watch. Of course the data is also stored so you can review it after your work out is complete. Some watches even come with software which can be used to analyze a workout to almost any degree of detail.

GPS watches operate using the same satellite system used by automobile and marine GPS receivers with which many people are familiar. The key difference is that the watch receivers do not have the display screens large enough to provide true mapping capability. They do share the impressive accuracy with regard to position, speed, direction and time.

These little devices have really come along way in a shot period of time. By that I mean the reduced size, price and of course available features. Having a watch that has all the GPS tracking features, a heart rate monitor and a cycling cadence counter is very useful and versatile.

Some manufacturers have also offered software programs to help analyze and keep track of workout data. Using a USB port and docking station allows quick connectivity with your PC and Training Center software. Training Center allows you to create a course on the PC and transfer the data to the watch for use while running, walking or biking.

After you return home from your workout you can connect the watch to the PC and the real fun begins. The software allows data to be overlaid on a map showing the workout including hills and other intervals. This allows a user to compare the recent workout to other benchmarks for the same route. You can see very quickly where you can improve. Progress is, of course, very easy to see which may be just the encouragement needed to keep at it.

The MotionBased service which is available via subscription allows you to share data with others in the service. While this may be more suited to a very serious athlete the ability to share course maps and data could be another way to add interest to your work out which may help with the struggle against monotony.

One feature we really liked was the Virtual Partner. This requires no software or connectivity, instead it comes built in to the watch. After a quick set up the screen displays your data and compares it to your virtual partner. It is a great pace setter and again helps to prevent the monotony of a routine work out.

It is not hard to see why people who use these devices really like them. They can be easily worn, have a ton of available features and in most cases are fairly easy to operate. When you consider the cost against all the great features and usefulness buying one seems like the only option.