What To Know
- Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just starting out, recording your swims with the Forerunner 235 can help you track your progress, analyze your technique, and motivate yourself to achieve your goals.
- This guide will walk you through the process of setting up and using your Garmin Forerunner 235 for swimming, ensuring you get the most out of your aquatic adventures.
- Before you dive into the pool, you need to ensure your Forerunner 235 is ready to track your swim.
The Garmin Forerunner 235 is a popular choice for runners, but did you know it can also track your swimming workouts? Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just starting out, recording your swims with the Forerunner 235 can help you track your progress, analyze your technique, and motivate yourself to achieve your goals.
This guide will walk you through the process of setting up and using your Garmin Forerunner 235 for swimming, ensuring you get the most out of your aquatic adventures.
Preparing Your Forerunner 235 for Swimming
Before you dive into the pool, you need to ensure your Forerunner 235 is ready to track your swim. Here’s how to prepare:
- Wet Suit Mode: The Forerunner 235 doesn’t have built-in water resistance for deep swimming. To use it for swimming, you need to activate “Wet Suit Mode”. This mode adjusts the sensor readings to account for the water’s impact on the heart rate sensor.
- Connect to Your Smartphone: Ensure your Forerunner 235 is connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth. This connection is needed for accurate GPS tracking and data uploads after your swim.
- Charge Your Battery: Before heading to the pool, make sure your watch has enough battery life. The Forerunner 235 can typically track several hours of swimming on a single charge.
- Download the Garmin Connect App: If you haven’t already, download the Garmin Connect app on your smartphone. This app allows you to view and analyze your swim data, set goals, and connect with other users.
Choosing the Right Swim Activity Profile
The Forerunner 235 offers various activity profiles, including swimming. Select the correct profile to ensure accurate data recording:
- Open Water Swim: Choose this profile for swims in lakes, oceans, or other open water bodies. The GPS will track your route and distance.
- Pool Swim: This profile is ideal for indoor pool swims. The watch will use your stroke count and pace to calculate your distance and pace.
Starting Your Swim Session
Once you’ve prepared your Forerunner 235, you’re ready to start your swim session:
- Press the Start/Stop Button: To begin your swim, press the start/stop button on your Forerunner 235.
- Select Your Activity Profile: Choose the appropriate swim activity profile (Open Water Swim or Pool Swim).
- Start Swimming: Once you’ve selected your profile, start your swim. The watch will begin tracking your data, including your heart rate, distance, pace, and stroke count.
- Pause or Stop Your Swim: To pause your swim, press the start/stop button again. To end your session, press and hold the start/stop button.
Understanding Swim Data
After your swim, you can view and analyze your data in the Garmin Connect app. Here’s a breakdown of what you can see:
- Distance: The total distance you swam.
- Pace: Your average pace per 100 meters or yards.
- Stroke Count: The number of strokes you completed.
- Heart Rate: Your average and maximum heart rate during your swim.
- Time: The total time you spent swimming.
- Calories Burned: An estimated number of calories you burned during your swim.
Optimizing Your Swimming Experience
The Forerunner 235 can help you improve your swimming technique and performance. Here are some tips:
- SWOLF Score: The SWOLF score measures your swimming efficiency. It combines your stroke count and time. A lower SWOLF score indicates better efficiency.
- Heart Rate Zones: Use your heart rate data to track your effort level and ensure you’re training in the right intensity zone.
- Data Analysis: Use the Garmin Connect app to analyze your swim data and identify areas where you can improve.
Final Thoughts: Swimming Beyond the Basics
The Garmin Forerunner 235 is a versatile tool that can enhance your swimming experience. By following these steps, you can confidently record your swims, track your progress, and push yourself to new levels in the water. Remember to explore the advanced features of the Forerunner 235 and the Garmin Connect app to unlock the full potential of your swimming journey.
What You Need to Know
Q: Can I use the Forerunner 235 for open water swimming?
A: Yes, the Forerunner 235 can be used for open water swimming. You’ll need to select the “Open Water Swim” activity profile and ensure your watch is connected to your smartphone for GPS tracking.
Q: How accurate is the stroke count feature?
A: The stroke count feature is generally accurate, but it may not be perfect in all situations. It’s best to use it as a general guide and not rely on it for precise measurements.
Q: Can I track my swimming workouts in a pool without GPS?
A: Yes, the Forerunner 235 can track your pool swims without GPS. It uses your stroke count and pace to calculate your distance and pace.
Q: Does the Forerunner 235 track my swimming speed?
A: Yes, the Forerunner 235 tracks your swimming speed, displayed as pace per 100 meters or yards.
Q: Can I use the Forerunner 235 for underwater swimming?
A: The Forerunner 235 is not designed for underwater swimming. It’s only water-resistant up to 5 ATM, which means it can be used for swimming in shallow water or pools.
