From Garmin to Apple: is there an alternative to the Garmin coach that works on the watch?

[deeddawg]

I always hated the unpredictability of watches that need charging multiple times a week. You never know when it’s going to need it and can’t get in a rhythm.

FWIW, my "rhythm" is simple:

• When I go to bed, I put my AW on its charger on my nightstand.
• When I get up in the morning I put my AW on my wrist.
• On days when I do a particularly long run or ride, I'll put my AW on its charger while I shower.

(I wore a Garmin FR610 for years, then 910xt, then FR235, then AW. IMHO I find the AW battery regimen more predictable since it's an every-night thing vs a time or two a week)

All in all though, the two are of different paradigms. AW is a smartwatch that has some training capabilities. Garmins are training devices with some smartwatch capabilities. Choose based on your focus. Maybe both and switch between them (which I did for a while).

As for Garmin Connect -- the iOS app RunGap will export AW workouts to Garmin Connect. Not quite as much detailed stuff (and none of the TE analysis stuff) as from a Garmin device, but it's still nice as a central location. I use AW for running and Garmin Edge 830 for cycling. I'm pretty casual about both though these days; I'm well into the "Grand Masters" age category and more focused on fun than growth.

 

[TTTedP]

Good synopsis. I like a one stop shop of Garmin Connect. I like the fitness analysis that Garmin gives you. I just wish I could send quick replies to texts on Garmin with my iPhone. I also only want to charge a watch once a week or every day. I always hated the unpredictability of watches that need charging multiple times a week. You never know when it’s going to need it and can’t get in a rhythm.

I’m realizing though from using certain training apps with my Apple Watch that I’m nowhere near serious enough or training hard enough to need the training features of Garmin.

100% with you.

I started with AW and what drew me to Garmin was 1. it looked like a normal watch and 2. battery life. I then really got into all the stats.

> but now after looking at all the stats, I kinda realize I'm more a "just stay active" guy than some sort of competing athlete. The stats don't do anything actionable for me and the Garmin is probably overkill - I just prefer the way it looks! *Garmin coach was also very helpful to get me running again and I realize I needed the plan more than the stats.

What got me looking at AW again was their expansion with more health stats, new [good] 3rd party apps, and the tie-in to other Apple services - Apple Music, Fitness, Podcasts etc were just easier on AW.

I think they're both great options these days.

 

[grmlin]

100% with you.

I started with AW and what drew me to Garmin was 1. it looked like a normal watch and 2. battery life. I then really got into all the stats.

What got me looking at AW again was their expansion with more health stats and the tie-in to other Apple services.

> but now after looking at all the stats, I kinda realize I'm more a "keep active" guy than some sort of competing athlete. The stats don't do anything actionable for me and the Garmin is probably overkill - but I just prefer the way it looks!

God I hate the look of Apple Watches. Right now I'm leaning towards buying a used older AW just for Apple Fitness. ?‍♂️
Garmins (Fenix especially) just look fantastic, and they are much more rare than Apple Watches, which is a plus, too, imo.

It's also so relaxing to see the battery on my Fenix sitting at 20% knowing that I'll make it through the day easily even with some training.


My black silicone strap had to be replaced recently and I bought the Orange one from Garmin. I like the Fenix 5 even more now haha

 

[TTTedP]

As for Garmin Connect -- the iOS app RunGap will export AW workouts to Garmin Connect. Not quite as much detailed stuff (and none of the TE analysis stuff) as from a Garmin device, but it's still nice as a central location.

I was curious about that - if I should keep using GC if not using Garmin HW. And you're right, daily charging AW is doable. I had battery anxiety when camping but easily remedied these days. I guess I need to get past being annoyed with the nagging feeling AW requires more babysitting and just use it. Garmin instilled a more "set it and forget it" vibe for me.

The nice thing with RunGap is I can use any Apple/Wahoo/Coros/Hammerhead/3rd party app combo - have it all go to AH, and then export to GC via RunGap. This gives me max flexibility today with a good record in Garmin for tomorrow should I chose to go back. It's especially a plus when compared to trying to import the other direction, GC to AH. There are many stats that still don't make it in, like cycling distance!

 

[TTTedP]

God I hate the look of Apple Watches. Right now I'm leaning towards buying a used older AW just for Apple Fitness. ?‍♂️
Garmins (Fenix especially) just look fantastic, and they are much more rare than Apple Watches, which is a plus, too, imo.

It's also so relaxing to see the battery on my Fenix sitting at 20% knowing that I'll make it through the day easily even with some training.


My black silicone strap had to be replaced recently and I bought the Orange one from Garmin. I like the Fenix 5 even more now haha

What you just said is why I can't commit to AW full time either. Getting a nicer trim like stainless or titanium might help.

Did someone say orange strap?

 

[PaladinGuy]

God I hate the look of Apple Watches. Right now I'm leaning towards buying a used older AW just for Apple Fitness.
Garmins (Fenix especially) just look fantastic, and they are much more rare than Apple Watches, which is a plus, too, imo.

It's also so relaxing to see the battery on my Fenix sitting at 20% knowing that I'll make it through the day easily even with some training.


My black silicone strap had to be replaced recently and I bought the Orange one from Garmin. I like the Fenix 5 even more now haha

I personally find that Garmin heavily exaggerates battery life numbers. You’ll never get the number on the box, unless you turn everything off. That’s just what my experience was in the past, but you’re definitely right that battery anxiety is lower in some ways. It’s just a little less predictable. Fast charging mitigates this some though.

 

[grmlin]

I personally find that Garmin heavily exaggerates battery life numbers. You’ll never get the number on the box, unless you turn everything off. That’s just what my experience was in the past, but you’re definitely right that battery anxiety is lower in some ways. It’s just a little less predictable. Fast charging mitigates this some though.

Oh sure, but I get 7-10 days out of my aging Fenix 5, that's more than enough

 

[Howard2k]

Why on earth would you buy an Apple Watch if you hate the look of them?

It seems like the Fenix is a better option. You like the look if it, it has better battery life, they are not as common.
Or like you said - just buy an old used beater and use it exclusively just for fitness.

 

[Night Spring]

To me, Garmin looks too masculine -- kind of rough and outdoorsy. Not my style at all. I guess that's why it's good to have different options!

 

[grmlin]

Why on earth would you buy an Apple Watch if you hate the look of them?

It seems like the Fenix is a better option. You like the look if it, it has better battery life, they are not as common.
Or like you said - just buy an old used beater and use it exclusively just for fitness.

Ha. You are right. I just need a Fitness+ dongle if I’m honest haha

 

[Howard2k]

Ha. You are right. I just need a Fitness+ dongle if I’m honest haha

If I was just going to use it for Fitness+ I'd probably look for a used S4 or SE. Maybe even find one with a scratched screen and see if you can low ball it.

 

[deeddawg]

I personally find that Garmin heavily exaggerates battery life numbers. You’ll never get the number on the box, unless you turn everything off. That’s just what my experience was in the past, but you’re definitely right that battery anxiety is lower in some ways. It’s just a little less predictable. Fast charging mitigates this some though.

Don't get me started regarding the marketing images of the Garmin "color" displays... ?

 

[TTTedP]

OP, article I saw today if it helps - the-best-apple-watch-running-apps