Wrist device?

[Carterton]

Can I use a wrist device to capture activity, rather than have to carry my iPhone around all the time? I don't really want an Apple watch because of the cost. Any suggestions?

[CBDB Administrator]

I don’t actually have a wrist device, but many runners swear by Garmin.

However, I do like having my phone with me, and the game changer for me was discovering running leggings with side pockets, which hold my iPhone securely but easily reachable.

The running leggings with side pockets tend to be more expensive than the ones without, but they made a huge difference to me, and often they are in the sales.

[ChannelRunner2 2000miles per year]

It really depends on what you want to capture, Carterton ! I am still using an Excel spreadsheet to capture a lot of what I do, like jotting down the Pilates classes I take. I do have a Garmin Forerunner 55, which captures steps, heart rate, and helps me with training runs (I can pre-plan interval runs with it, for example).

If you just want a device to count your steps, this might be overkill for you and a simple step counter might do. Mind you, though, that step counters aren't always accurate! If you don't move your arms when walking because you're pushing a stroller, say, you won't get many steps in... I've reverted back to distance and use Google maps to measure that (since my iPhone always undercounts...)

[Doris8 1000miles per year]

I have a Garmin 35 wear it all the time even in bed. Measures steps distance etc. quite reasonable price as well . Connects to Garmin connect and then have it connected to Strava on phone. Or get a running bag that fits around your waist to carry phone.

[nowster]

Before I found trail shorts/leggings with pouches all round the waistband, I used a running belt with two zipped compartments, one of which contained my house keys, with the other just being big enough to contain my phone.

I now also have a running watch (a Garmin Forerunner) but that's overkill if you just want to track motion, distance and position.

[Lexy5646]

A Garmin Venu Sq 2 may be the way to go. It's one of the more reasonably priced Garmin smart watches at @£125. It has a good review on Which. That's why I've asked for one for my birthday. The version I'm going for allows you (with some wireless headphones) to listen to music/podcasts without carrying your phone.

[SunnyCorner A30min a day]

Look for a Polar Flow Loop 2 online. Polar no longer make it but there are plenty new ones online. My bracelet wore through but I have sourced another pink one (they do them in black as well), which I synced with Polar on my laptop. I think it was a great mistake for Polar to stop making bracelets. I don’t want a watch because they all seem ugly to me!