Maximize Your Workouts: How to Record Strength Training on Garmin Forerunner 35

Are you a fitness enthusiast looking to track your strength training workouts with your trusty Garmin Forerunner 35? While the Forerunner 35 is primarily designed for running and other cardio activities, you can still effectively record your strength training sessions with a little know-how. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, empowering you to capture and analyze your strength training progress.

Understanding the Limitations

Before we dive in, it’s essential to acknowledge the limitations of the Forerunner 35 when it comes to strength training. Unlike dedicated fitness trackers or smartwatches, the Forerunner 35 doesn’t offer advanced features like automatic exercise detection or detailed workout metrics specifically for strength training.
However, you can still use it to:

• Track your workout duration: The Forerunner 35 can accurately record the time spent on your strength training session.
• Monitor your heart rate: This data can be valuable for understanding your exertion level during your workout.
• Estimate calories burned: While not precise, the Forerunner 35 can provide a rough estimate of the calories you burned during your workout.

Setting Up Your Forerunner 35 for Strength Training

1. Choose the Right Activity: Instead of selecting “Running” or other cardio options, opt for the “Other” activity. This allows you to customize the data captured during your workout.
2. Customize Your Settings: Within the “Other” activity settings, you can adjust the data fields displayed on your watch face during your workout. Consider adding fields like:

• Time: To track the duration of your workout.
• Heart Rate: To monitor your exertion level.
• Calories: To estimate your calorie burn.

3. Start Your Workout: Once your settings are configured, press the “Start” button to begin recording your strength training session.

Recording Your Workout Effectively

1. Keep Your Watch Secure: Ensure your Forerunner 35 is securely fastened to your wrist to prevent it from coming loose during intense movements.
2. Record Your Sets and Reps: While the Forerunner 35 doesn’t automatically track sets and reps, consider using a separate notebook or app to manually record this information.
3. Note Your Weight: Remember to jot down the weights used for each exercise.
4. Focus on Your Form: Don’t let the need to track your workout distract you from maintaining proper form. Focus on executing each exercise correctly for optimal results.

Analyzing Your Strength Training Data

After completing your workout, you can sync your Forerunner 35 with the Garmin Connect app on your smartphone or computer. This will allow you to:

• Review your workout summary: See your total workout time, average heart rate, and estimated calories burned.
• Track your progress: Compare your workout data over time to monitor your progress and identify trends.
• Share your achievements: Share your workouts with friends and family on social media.

Boosting Your Strength Training Insights

While the Forerunner 35 offers basic tracking capabilities, you can enhance your strength training insights by using additional tools:

• Dedicated Strength Training Apps: Apps like Fitbod, JEFIT, and Strong offer detailed exercise libraries, workout plans, and progress tracking features specifically designed for strength training.
• External Heart Rate Monitors: For more accurate heart rate data, consider using a chest strap heart rate monitor compatible with your Forerunner 35.
• Workout Logs: Maintaining a written workout log can help you record detailed information about your sets, reps, weight, and rest periods.

Beyond the Basics: Leveraging the Forerunner 35 for Strength Training

While the Forerunner 35 may not be a dedicated strength training device, it can still be a valuable tool for tracking your progress and motivating you to reach your fitness goals. By understanding its capabilities and utilizing complementary tools, you can unlock its full potential for your strength training journey.

Time to Elevate Your Strength Training

Now that you’ve learned how to record strength training on your Garmin Forerunner 35, you’re equipped to track your progress and optimize your workouts. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of this versatile device to achieve your fitness aspirations.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Can I use the Forerunner 35 to track my rest periods during strength training?
A: The Forerunner 35 doesn’t automatically track rest periods. You’ll need to manually note them in a separate log or app.
Q: Does the Forerunner 35 offer any guidance or feedback on my strength training form?
A: No, the Forerunner 35 doesn’t provide form analysis or feedback. It’s crucial to focus on proper form and seek guidance from a qualified fitness professional.
Q: Can I use the Forerunner 35 to track my weightlifting progress over time?
A: While the Forerunner 35 doesn’t automatically log your weightlifting progress, you can manually track this information in your workout log or a dedicated strength training app.
Q: Is the Forerunner 35 suitable for tracking different types of strength training workouts?
A: Yes, the Forerunner 35 can be used to track various strength training workouts, including weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, and resistance band training.
Q: Can I use the Forerunner 35 to track my progress on specific strength training goals?
A: You can use the Forerunner 35 to track your progress on strength training goals, but you’ll need to manually log your progress and set personal goals.