Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise. It is less jarring for muscles and joints, it works all muscle groups for a total body workout, it improves your core strength, and is an excellent cardiovascular workout. If you want to track your progress and improve your technique, there are a number of excellent waterproof smart watches on the market.
Moov Now
While this waterproof smart watch is pretty bare bones when it comes to bells and whistles, it is one of the best for swimmers, particularly for its price. It’s one of the least expensive waterproof smart watches, and as such you do not get fancy displays or real-time feedback while you are in the pool. Your workout has to be started from the app on your phone, so that too is a bit of a drawback. It’s still excellent for swimmers, particularly if you work out in a pool, as the maximum depth is lower than most at 30 meters (98.4 feet).
The Moov Now tracks a lot of swim data, including your number of strokes, stroke type, turn time, and even pauses and breaks. These metrics can all be viewed in the Android app on your phone. The best feature of this waterproof smart watch is its coaching advice. Not only can you view your trends, but the Moov Now will also give you tips on how you can improve your swim workout.
The lower cost of this waterproof smart watch makes it an ideal choice as a waterproof kids smart watch.
Garmin Fenix 5
On the opposite end of the pricing scale is the Garmin Fenix 5 waterproof smart watch. This is for the serious athlete: tri-athletes, weekend warriors, Tough Mudders, and all other hardcore workout enthusiasts. The Fenix 5 is one of the larger watches/fitness trackers, so it may be more appropriate as a men’s waterproof smart watch; however, Garmin understands that women are just as tough as men when it comes to workouts. Smaller bands are available to make this an awesome women’s waterproof smart watch.
The Garmin Fenix 5 has one of the highest ratings for waterproof smart watches at 10 ATM, which is 100 meters or 328 feet, so it is good for deep sea activities like scuba diving. The display on this waterproof smart watch is phenomenal; bright vivid colors are easy to view. Not only does the Fenix 5 have a heart rate monitor, but it is also very reliable and provides great feedback. With superb analytics and customizable features, the Garmin Fenix 5 is the luxury car of the waterproof smart watch world.
Apple Watch Series 4
Don’t worry Apple fans, there’s a magnificent waterproof smart watch for you! The Apple Watch Series 4 is wonderful for multi-sport fitness tracking, and its swim tracking capabilities are excellent. The Apple Watch 4 will work in pool workouts or open water swims. Like most good waterproof smart watches, it has stroke detection along with other workout tracking as well as a heart rate monitor, GPS, and an accelerometer. The accelerometer is very important for those who are into competitive swimming, as it measures the force of your stroke and turns.
Waterproof up to 50 meters (164 feet), the Apple Watch is a reliable fitness tracker. The Series 3 is also an excellent choice–it just has a slightly larger style, but with a smaller screen. The display on the Series 4 is also much more vibrant than the Series 3.
Fitbit Versa
When one thinks of fitness trackers, many people immediately hear the name “Fitbit.” The Fitbit Versa is a moderately-priced waterproof smart watch for Android devices that will work very well for casual swimmers. The Versa has a 5 ATM (50 meters) waterproof rating. Its display is nice and bright, so you can easily get feedback during your swim, but the data accessible on the watch itself is limited. However, with the use of the app you can get a lot more data post-workout.
Samsung Galaxy Watch
One of the best features of this waterproof smart watch for Android is its long battery life, making it ideal for extended outdoor adventures. Its 4-day battery will keep you charged and tracking your swim time, along with other workouts. Samsung has partnered with Speedo to not only improve the swim tracking capabilities of this waterproof smart watch, but also created a partnering app that tracks the fastest length, swim pace, calories burned, and heart rate, along with many other swim metrics. The Samsung Gear Fit Pro 2 is also available at a slightly lower cost. It has a sleek curved look and feel, but does not track quite as much data. The Gear Fit Pro 2 is also partnered with Speedo.
Swimming is a refreshing way to achieve and maintain optimal health, as well as ground your spirit for an overall sense of well-being. A good waterproof smart watch will help you amp up your workout without creating waves.