Garmin Forerunner 35 review: Should You Buy One

With its advanced fitness tracking capabilities and performance optimization features, the sleek and stylish Garmin Forerunner 35 will revolutionize the way you train. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out on your fitness journey, the Forerunner 35 has got you covered. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this state-of-the-art device, from its impressive range of tracking metrics to its intuitive user interface.

Understanding Fitness Tracking and Performance Optimization

Fitness tracking has become an essential tool for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. It allows you to monitor your progress, set goals, and make informed decisions about your training regime. The Garmin Forerunner 35 takes fitness tracking to the next level by providing a wide range of metrics that go beyond basic step counting. With its built-in GPS, heart rate monitor, and advanced sensors, this smartwatch is designed to give you a comprehensive view of your performance. Whether you’re running, cycling, swimming, or engaging in other activities, the Forerunner 35 can accurately track your distance, pace, heart rate, calories burned, and much more.

But fitness tracking is not just about collecting data; it’s about using that data to optimize your performance. The Forerunner 35 offers a variety of performance optimization features that can help you train smarter and achieve better results. From personalized training plans to interval workouts, this smartwatch has everything you need to take your fitness to the next level. Whether you’re a beginner looking to improve your endurance or a seasoned athlete aiming for a new personal best, the Forerunner 35 has the tools to help you reach your goals.

Features of the Garmin Forerunner 35

The Garmin Forerunner 35 is packed with features that make it the ultimate fitness companion. Let’s take a closer look at some of its key features:

Basic Informaion

Producer	Garmin
Model	Forerunner 35
Dimensions	35 x 40 x 13.3 mm
Weight	37 g
Screen Type	Display resolution 128×128
Battery	wired charging
GPS	YES
Bluetooth	YES

Built-in GPS

The Forerunner 35 comes with a built-in GPS that allows you to track your outdoor activities with precision. Whether you’re running through the city streets or exploring a new trail, the GPS feature will accurately track your distance, pace, and route. This not only helps you keep track of your progress but also provides valuable insights into your performance.

Heart Rate Monitoring

Monitoring your heart rate is essential for optimizing your workouts and avoiding overexertion. The Forerunner 35 features a wrist-based heart rate monitor that continuously tracks your heart rate throughout the day and during your workouts. This allows you to gauge your intensity, track your progress, and make adjustments to your training as needed.

Activity Tracking

The Forerunner 35 automatically tracks your daily steps, calories burned, and distance traveled. It even reminds you to move if you’ve been inactive for too long. This feature is particularly useful for those looking to improve their overall fitness and increase their daily activity levels.

Smart Notifications

Stay connected even while you’re on the move with the Forerunner 35’s smart notifications feature. It allows you to receive notifications for calls, text messages, emails, and calendar events right on your wrist. This means you can stay in touch with your loved ones and keep up with your commitments without having to constantly check your phone.

How to Set Up and Customize Your Garmin Forerunner 35

Setting up your Garmin Forerunner 35 is quick and easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Charge Your Device: Before you start using your Forerunner 35, make sure it’s fully charged. Connect the included charging cable to a USB port or wall adapter and attach the other end to the charging port on the back of the device. It usually takes around 1-2 hours to fully charge the battery.
Download the Garmin Connect App: To get the most out of your Forerunner 35, download the Garmin Connect app on your smartphone. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and allows you to sync your data, customize your device settings, and access additional features.
Pair Your Device: Once you’ve downloaded the Garmin Connect app, open it and follow the on-screen instructions to pair your Forerunner 35 with your smartphone via Bluetooth. This will enable you to receive smart notifications, sync your data, and access personalized insights.
Customize Your Device: After pairing your device, you can customize it to suit your preferences. Use the Garmin Connect app to adjust settings such as watch face, activity profiles, and data fields. You can also set goals, create training plans, and track your progress over time.
Explore Additional Features: The Forerunner 35 offers a range of additional features that you can explore to enhance your training experience. These include interval workouts, virtual pacer, auto pause, and more. Familiarize yourself with these features and experiment with different settings to find what works best for you.

Tracking Your Workouts with the Garmin Forerunner 35

The Forerunner 35 provides comprehensive workout tracking capabilities that allow you to monitor your performance in real-time. Whether you’re running, cycling, swimming, or engaging in other activities, this smartwatch has got you covered. Here’s how you can make the most of its workout tracking features:

1. Select Your Activity

Before starting your workout, select the appropriate activity profile on your Forerunner 35. This ensures that the device accurately tracks the metrics specific to your chosen activity. From running and cycling to cardio and strength training, there are a variety of activity profiles to choose from.

2. Use the GPS Feature

If you’re engaging in an outdoor activity, make sure to enable the GPS feature on your Forerunner 35. This allows the device to track your distance, pace, and route accurately. Simply wait for the device to acquire GPS signals before starting your workout.

3. Monitor Your Heart Rate

Keep an eye on your heart rate throughout your workout to ensure you’re training within your desired intensity zone. The Forerunner 35’s wrist-based heart rate monitor provides real-time heart rate data, allowing you to make adjustments to your effort as needed.

4. Analyze Your Metrics

After your workout, sync your Forerunner 35 with the Garmin Connect app to analyze your metrics in more detail. The app provides a wealth of information, including distance, pace, heart rate, calories burned, and more. Use this data to assess your performance, track your progress, and identify areas for improvement.

5. Set Goals and Challenges

The Forerunner 35 allows you to set goals and challenges to keep yourself motivated and engaged. Whether it’s a distance goal, a time goal, or a specific training target, setting goals can help you stay focused and make your workouts more purposeful.

Analyzing Your Performance Data with the Garmin Connect App

The Garmin Connect app is a powerful tool that allows you to analyze your performance data, track your progress, and gain valuable insights into your training. Here’s how you can make the most of this app:

Sync Your Data: After each workout, make sure to sync your Forerunner 35 with the Garmin Connect app. This will transfer your workout data to the app, allowing you to view it in more detail and analyze your performance.
View Your Metrics: Once your data is synced, you can view a wide range of metrics on the Garmin Connect app. From distance and pace to heart rate and calories burned, the app provides a comprehensive overview of your performance. Use this information to track your progress over time and identify trends.
Set Personalized Goals: The Garmin Connect app allows you to set personalized goals based on your fitness level and training objectives. Whether you’re aiming to improve your speed, increase your endurance, or lose weight, setting goals can help you stay motivated and focused.
Join Challenges and Compete with Others: The Garmin Connect app offers a variety of challenges that allow you to compete with friends, family, and other Garmin users. Whether it’s a step challenge, a virtual race, or a cycling challenge, participating in these challenges can add a fun and competitive element to your training.
Get Insights and Recommendations: The Garmin Connect app analyzes your performance data and provides personalized insights and recommendations to help you optimize your training. From workout suggestions to recovery advice, the app offers valuable guidance that can help you make informed decisions about your training regime.

Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Your Workouts with the Garmin Forerunner 35

To get the most out of your workouts with the Forerunner 35, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind:

1. Use Interval Workouts

Interval workouts are a great way to improve your speed, endurance, and overall fitness. The Forerunner 35 allows you to create customized interval workouts based on time, distance, or heart rate. Incorporate interval training into your routine to challenge yourself and take your fitness to the next level.

2. Explore Advanced Features

The Forerunner 35 offers a range of advanced features that can enhance your training experience. These include virtual pacer, auto pause, auto lap, and more. Familiarize yourself with these features and experiment with different settings to find what works best for you.

3. Listen to Music

If you enjoy listening to music while you work out, the Forerunner 35 has you covered. Connect your smartwatch to your smartphone and control your music playback directly from your wrist. This eliminates the need to carry your phone with you and allows you to focus on your workout.

4. Set Reminders and Alarms

The Forerunner 35 allows you to set reminders and alarms to help you stay on track with your goals. Whether it’s a reminder to take a break, drink water, or stretch, these prompts can help you establish healthy habits and make the most of your training.

5. Take Advantage of the Garmin Connect Community

The Garmin Connect app has a vibrant community of users who share their workouts, achievements, and insights. Joining this community can provide you with additional motivation, support, and inspiration. Connect with like-minded individuals, join groups, and celebrate your milestones together.

Advanced Features and Functionality of the Garmin Forerunner 35

In addition to its basic fitness tracking capabilities, the Garmin Forerunner 35 offers a range of advanced features that can take your training to the next level. Here are some of its standout features:

1. VO2 Max Estimate

The Forerunner 35 provides an estimate of your VO2 max, which is a measure of your maximum oxygen uptake. This metric can give you valuable insights into your cardiovascular fitness and help you track your progress over time.

2. Training Effect

The Forerunner 35 calculates your Training Effect based on the intensity and duration of your workouts. This metric provides an indication of how your training is improving your fitness and helps you make adjustments to your training as needed.

3. Recovery Advisor

After each workout, the Forerunner 35 provides a recovery advisor that estimates how long it will take for you to recover and be ready for your next training session. This feature can help you avoid overtraining and ensure you’re giving your body enough time to rest and recover.

4. Garmin Connect IQ

The Forerunner 35 is compatible with Garmin Connect IQ, an online platform that allows you to customize your device with additional apps, widgets, watch faces, and data fields. This means you can personalize your Forerunner 35 to suit your unique needs and preferences.

5. Live Track

The Forerunner 35’s Live Track feature allows you to share your real-time location and workout data with friends and family. This is particularly useful for those who train alone or participate in races or events where tracking and safety are important.

Comparing the Garmin Forerunner 35 to Other Fitness Tracking Devices

With so many fitness tracking devices on the market, it’s important to understand how the Garmin Forerunner 35 compares to its competitors. Here’s a brief comparison to help you make an informed decision:

Garmin Forerunner 45: The Garmin Forerunner 45 is an upgraded version of the Forerunner 35, offering additional features such as advanced running dynamics, incident detection, and support for Garmin Coach training plans. If you’re a serious runner looking for more advanced training features, the Forerunner 45 might be a better choice.
Fitbit Charge 4: The Fitbit Charge 4 is a popular fitness tracker that offers similar features to the Forerunner 35, including built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, and smart notifications. However, the Forerunner 35 has a longer battery life and a more comprehensive range of tracking metrics.
Apple Watch Series 6: The Apple Watch Series 6 is a premium smartwatch that offers a wide range of fitness tracking features. While it has a more advanced display and additional functionalities, such as ECG and blood oxygen monitoring, the Forerunner 35 is more focused on fitness tracking and offers longer battery life.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Garmin Forerunner 35

Q: Is the Garmin Forerunner 35 waterproof?

A: Yes, the Forerunner 35 is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.

Q: Can I listen to music on the Garmin Forerunner 35?

A: While the Forerunner 35 doesn’t have built-in music storage, you can control music playback on your smartphone through the smart notifications feature.

Q: How long does the battery last on the Garmin Forerunner 35?

A: The battery life of the Forerunner 35 depends on your usage. With regular activity tracking and a few workouts per week, the battery can last up to 9 days.

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