Last update on 2024-03-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Crossfit workout involves intense exercises that range from cardio to resistance. Keeping track of reps, sets, and rest intervals can be daunting unless you have a device for it.
You’ll need a superb sports smartwatch that can monitor fitness data and help you manage your workouts efficiently. So, which is better for Crossfit, Garmin or Apple?
Garmin vs Apple Compared
Here’s a brief comparison between Garmin and Apple watches:
Connectivity
You can link your Garmin watch to your smartphone via Bluetooth. From there, you can access apps from the Garmin Connect IQ store, to get more functionality out of your device.
Access to many of these apps can help you achieve your CrossFit fitness goals with more ease.
These connections also allow you to respond to text messages, emails, calls, and even make payments directly from your wrist.
With Apple Watches, you’ll enjoy similar benefits, except that you can only connect to iPhones or iPads. This lack of flexibility on Apple’s part makes these devices unsuitable for non-Apple users.
However, you can still access and control all your fitness apps directly from your watch using your Wi-Fi or cellular network.
Just like Garmin watches, Apple watches also allow you to respond to your texts, emails and calls.
Verdict
Garmin watches win with a clear edge. Unlike Apple Watch which restricts you to just Apple devices, a Garmin watch will connect to any compatible device – including those from Apple.
Check Garmin Watches for An Outdoorsman.
Sensors
Apple Watches feature sensors that track your heart rate and alert you in case any anomaly occurs. They can be quite useful in keeping track of your vitals as you perform intense CrossFit workouts.
Besides that, these watches can also monitor stress levels, sleep scores and blood oxygen levels.
However, unlike other smartwatches, Apple wearables need third-party apps to perform certain functions with their sensors. For example, you’ll need to have a Blood Oxygen App to get detailed results.
In comparison, Garmin watches have wrist-based sensors that keep tabs on more than just your heart rate. They also monitor your sleep score levels, hydration, respiration and body energy levels.
ABC sensors on these wearables also monitor elevations and air pressure and help you predict weather changes, especially if you like to exercise outdoors.
Verdict
Garmin watches carry the day. They have sensors that perform more functions for you than other devices. Apple Watch sensors can’t offer similar functionality without at least a third-party app.
Battery Life
Garmin watches, in general, have outstanding battery life. On a single charge, some of them can last you up to 21 days on smartwatch mode. With protracted GPS use, your battery can last for just under 3 days.
Garmin innovates with their wearables, with some of their watches charging using solar energy. Also, a power-saving mode restricts unused features from consuming extra battery power.
Apple wearables can take you up to a full day on a single charge. Standard use will last you up to 16 hours of use, which is a far cry from what a Garmin watch with similar specs can offer.
GPS use gets you just under 5 hours of usage, which is rather disappointing.
However, you can get a full day’s charge in just two hours, making this one of the fastest charging devices in the market
Verdict
Gamin watches win because of superior battery efficiency. A power-saving mode and solar charging ability make their wearables better especially for people who love to stretch limits.
Are Garmin Watches Good For CrossFit?
Yes, Garmin Watches are an excellent choice for the avid CrossFit athlete.
As multi-sport watches, Garmin wearables fit exceptionally well into CrossFit training. Most athletes love using them for their accuracy and flexibility.
For CrossFit athletes, you’ll keep and access all your fitness records from your smartphone during and after your workout session.
Here are some features that you can use to improve your CrossFit workouts:
- Many Garmin watches can track HIIT and Interval Training and automatically count reps.
- Wrist-based sensors on these watches track your heart rates, body energy levels, stress, and sleep score. Such data helps you determine your ideal times for CrossFit workouts. You can also choose ideal resting periods to recover from intense sessions.
- A Hydration tracking feature on your Garmin watch reminds you to drink water after specific periods. In addition, respiration tracking feature monitors your calorie burn during your workouts.
- A preloaded sports app with CrossFit presets helps you enhance and maintain your workouts schedule to meet your fitness goals.
- Many Garmin watches support music apps. You can carry your favorite playlists and listen to them as you work out.
Are Apple Watches Good For CrossFit?
Yes, they are.
Like Garmin watches, Apple watches are popular among sports enthusiasts although they’re better watches for professionals and fashion enthusiasts.
However, Apple Watches still do a decent job as sports watches. Here are some features you’ll enjoy on this watch:
- A motion and fitness tracking feature monitors your daily and work out activities. It helps you avoid strenuous activities that can cause injury to you.
- Just like Garmin, Apple’s sensors monitor your heart rates, stress, sleep, oxygen saturation,and energy levels. They record and assess your health and fitness data during and after every workout session.
- Updated Apple Watches now come with preloaded workouts. Every week, you get access to one new workout.
- This smartwatch can access your Apple music store. From here, you can listen to your favorite music as you workout.
Also read Garmin Watch Vs. Wear OS
What To Look For When Buying A Watch For CrossFit
Scratch and Water Resistance
CrossFit workouts often use heavy equipment. Look for a watch with a scratch and break-resistant face that can withstand rigorous use. Water Resistance protects your watch from sweat and water splashes at the gym.
Battery
Go for a watch with a long-lasting battery and a power-saving mode. With moderate use, a good watch should last you up to a week. Also, ensure that your watch supports fast charging in case you need to boost it just before your workout.
Comfort
Ensure your watch fits comfortably on your wrist. Many smartwatches feature sports bands that exert minimal pressure on your wrist and allow you to focus on your training.
Sensors
As we stated above, ensure your smartwatch features health and fitness sensors that measure all your vitals and metrics during Crossfit Workouts.
Which Garmin is best for CrossFit?
Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar Edition
- Fit for performance with rugged, sophisticated design that features an always-on 1.3” (18% larger than previous fēnix models) sunlight-readable display with...
- Enhanced estimated wrist heart rate and Pulse Ox to support advanced sleep monitoring and altitude acclimation at high elevations (this is not a medical device...
- Advanced training features include PacePro for grade-adjusted pace guidance throughout your activity plus environmentally adjusted VO2 max and training status...
Last update on 2024-03-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Fenix 6 Pro is a rugged but highly-priced watch that also charges solar energy. It performs at a high level, making it worth the price. The Fenix 6 Pro features robust thermal, shock, and water resistance, ideal even for military use.
Here are some features Crossfit athletes can benefit from:
- The Fenix 6 Pro now comes preloaded with animated yoga, cardio, and strength training workouts. You can choose and change workouts at will.
- The Recovery Time feature gives you enough time to rest and prepares you for your next hard workout.
- A Hydration Tracking feature monitors your hydration levels in your body. It regularly notifies you to drink water.
- Fenix 6 Pro’s music app stores up to 2000 songs. Despite that, you can also access songs from streaming apps like Spotify or Amazon Music and listen to your favorite songs during your workout session.
- A wrist-based heart rate monitor tracks and monitors your heart rate data.
- You can monitor your body energy levels with the Body Battery Energy Monitor feature.
Pros
- Large watch face display
- Long-lasting battery
- Solar charging capability
- Preloaded Sport apps
Cons
- Expensive.
Which Apple Watch Is Best For CrossFit?
Apple Watch Series 6
- GPS model lets you take calls and reply to texts from your wrist
- Measure your blood oxygen with an all-new sensor and app
- Check your heart rhythm with the ECG app
Last update on 2024-03-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Series 6 is a lightweight watch with a retina display that lets you read your stats at one glance. A soft silicone band gives you lush comfort every time you wear it.
Here are other outstanding features it has for CrossFit athletes:
- An ECG app tracks your heart rate using the electrical sensor.
- Using the sleep app, you can establish a regular bedtime routine and monitor your sleeping patterns.
- For premium users, the Apple Fitness app lets you interact with world-class trainers and enjoy 10 different workout types with new workouts added each week.
- An always-on altimeter notifies you of changes in altitude and weather in case you’re training outdoors
- You can access over 75 million songs on Apple Music as you work out to your favorite songs.
- An advanced revolutionary sensor and Blood Oxygen app help you track your blood oxygen saturation levels.
Pros
- Retina-display watch face
- Waterproof
- Comfortable fit
- Fitness app with access to world-class trainers
Cons
- Only connects with Apple device
- Expensive
- Average battery life
Final Verdict
For CrossFit, you’ll do more with a Garmin watch. Although Apple watches make for outstanding sports watches, they’ll serve you better in professional settings.
Also, Garmin watches are flexible across devices, unlike Apple devices which only connect to iPhones and iPads.
