What To Know
- Make sure your Forerunner 35 is securely fastened on your wrist, as loose straps can cause the watch to shift during your swim, affecting the accuracy of your data.
- Adding swimming to your fitness routine with the Garmin Forerunner 35 is a fantastic way to diversify your workouts and challenge yourself.
- While it may not offer the most advanced features, it provides a reliable and accurate way to track your progress and enjoy the benefits of swimming.
The Garmin Forerunner 35 is a fantastic running watch, but did you know it can also track your swimming workouts? That’s right, you can take your fitness routine to the pool with this versatile device. This blog post will guide you through the simple steps to add swimming to your Garmin Forerunner 35, making it your ultimate aquatic companion.
Understanding the Limitations
Before we dive in (pun intended!), it’s important to acknowledge that the Forerunner 35 doesn’t have the same advanced swimming tracking features as some of Garmin’s higher-end models. It lacks the built-in heart rate sensor for underwater tracking and doesn’t provide detailed stroke analysis. However, it can still accurately record your swim time, distance, and pace, which are essential metrics for tracking progress.
Preparing for Your Swim
1. Activate the Swim Profile: Start by creating a “Swim” activity profile on your Forerunner 35. Navigate to the “Activities” section on your watch and select “Add Activity.” Choose “Swimming” from the list of available activities and save the profile.
2. Choose the Right Pool Type: When you launch the “Swim” activity, you’ll be asked to select the type of pool you’re swimming in: “Outdoor Pool,” “Indoor Pool,” or “Open Water.” Selecting the correct pool type ensures accurate distance tracking.
3. Set the Pool Length: For accurate distance tracking, it’s crucial to enter the correct pool length. This is usually 25 yards or 50 meters, but you can adjust it based on the specific pool you’re using.
4. Wear Your Watch Securely: Make sure your Forerunner 35 is securely fastened on your wrist, as loose straps can cause the watch to shift during your swim, affecting the accuracy of your data.
Swimming with Your Forerunner 35
1. Start Your Swim: Once you’ve set up the activity profile and selected the pool type and length, you’re ready to start your swim. Press the “Start” button on your watch to begin recording your workout.
2. Navigating the Pool: The Forerunner 35 will display your lap time, distance, and pace on the screen. You can press the “Lap” button to manually mark each lap. Remember, the watch doesn’t automatically detect laps, so you’ll need to do it manually.
3. Ending Your Swim: When you’re finished swimming, press the “Stop” button on your watch to end the activity. Your swim data will be saved to your watch and can be synced to your Garmin Connect account for further analysis.
Analyzing Your Swim Data
1. Garmin Connect: After syncing your watch with Garmin Connect, you can view detailed information about your swim, including your total time, distance, pace, and average heart rate (if you’re wearing a compatible heart rate monitor).
2. Trends and Insights: Garmin Connect provides valuable insights into your swimming performance. You can track your progress over time, identify areas for improvement, and set new goals.
Beyond Basic Tracking
While the Forerunner 35 doesn’t offer advanced swimming features like stroke analysis, you can still enhance your swim experience by using third-party apps and accessories.
1. Swim Apps: Explore apps like “Swim.com” or “MySwimPro” on your smartphone, which can provide more detailed swim tracking, personalized workouts, and progress analysis.
2. Heart Rate Monitors: If you want to track your heart rate underwater, consider using a compatible heart rate monitor with a chest strap. This will provide more accurate heart rate data during your swims.
The Power of Consistency
Remember, consistency is key to improving your swimming skills and achieving your fitness goals. Regularly track your swims with your Forerunner 35, analyze your data, and use the insights to refine your technique and push yourself further.
Final Thoughts: Your Swim Journey Begins
Adding swimming to your fitness routine with the Garmin Forerunner 35 is a fantastic way to diversify your workouts and challenge yourself. While it may not offer the most advanced features, it provides a reliable and accurate way to track your progress and enjoy the benefits of swimming. Embrace the water, track your swims, and watch your fitness journey flourish!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use the Garmin Forerunner 35 to track open water swims?
A: Yes, you can track open water swims with the Forerunner 35. Select the “Open Water” pool type when setting up your activity profile. However, keep in mind that GPS accuracy may be affected by factors like water conditions and satellite signal strength.
Q: How do I sync my swim data to Garmin Connect?
A: After your swim, you can sync your watch to your Garmin Connect account via Bluetooth or a USB cable. Once the data is synced, you can view and analyze it in the Garmin Connect app.
Q: Can I use the Forerunner 35 with a heart rate monitor for underwater tracking?
A: While the Forerunner 35 doesn’t have a built-in heart rate sensor for underwater tracking, you can use a compatible chest strap heart rate monitor to track your heart rate during your swims.
Q: What are some tips for improving my swimming technique?
A: Consider taking swimming lessons from a qualified instructor to improve your technique. Focus on proper body positioning, arm movements, and breathing techniques. You can also use online resources and videos to learn about swimming drills and exercises.
Q: Does the Forerunner 35 track my calories burned during swimming?
A: The Forerunner 35 can estimate your calories burned during swimming based on your heart rate data (if you’re using a compatible heart rate monitor) and other factors. However, it’s not as accurate as calorie tracking during other activities like running.
