Garmin FR60 Fitness Watch Review

Garmin’s FR60 Fitness Watch in addition to being a everyday watch, provides the training feedback which is so important for improving athletic performance. The FR60 is actually not GPS enabled but using an ANT+ wireless link can pick up; distance and speed from a foot pod, heart rate from a heart rate monitor and even cycling speed and distance from a speed/cadence sensor. So with various packages and optional sensors available one can tailor a fitness watch for the exercise mode chosen.

Garmin FR60 Fitness Watch

ANT+ Wireless Sensors

Wireless sensors for tailoring the FR60 for the individual include:

Wireless Foot Pod: tracks your distance and speed indoors and out using advanced accelerometer technology, the foot pod collects and sends precise data about your movements, gathering distance and speed data that is 98 percent accurate for most users

ANT+ Digital Heart Rate Monitor: a lightweight strap on unit providing instant feedback of heart beats per minute

ANT+ Speed/Cadence Sensor tracks the speed and distance of cycling workouts measuring pedaling cadence and wheel speed both indoors and outdoors.

Tanita’s BC-1000 platform and monitor: provides measurements of muscle mass, overall physique rating, daily caloric intake, metabolic age rating, bone mass, and visceral fat which are wirelessly transmitted seconds after stepping on the platform. Garmin FR60 (and Forerunner 310XT) Fitness Watches will display the readings of weight, body fat and body water and store all of the readings.

Some useful features of the FR60 which assist in training are:

Virtual Partner – train against a digital partner
Auto Pause – pauses and resumes timer based on speed
Auto Lap – automatically starts a new lap
Auto Scroll – cycles through data screens during a workout
Pace alert – alarm sounds if you vary from a preset pace
Time/distance alert – alarm signifies when a goal has been reached
Interval Training – set up alternating exercise and rest intervals
Heart rate based calculation of calorie consumption
Customization of data display screens

The Garmin FR60 fitness watch will store 100 laps or up to 20 hours of data. Stored data is automatically transferred wirelessly to a PC or Mac when in range avoiding the need for hooking up cables. One training data has been transferred there are numerous tools available for analysis and sharing.

Garmin Connect – a website for a worldwide online community of cyclists, runners and outdoor enthusiasts where you analyze, categorize and share training data
Garmin Training Center Software – for storage and analysis of training data (PC and Mac compatible)
Training Peaks – comprehensive source of training and nutrition software tools

Garmin produce a range of men’s and women’s versions of the FR60 which differ only in the size and color options. Watch functions include; the time of day (12/24h), dual time zone, calendar (day/date), daily alarm. Without the considerable power drain of a GPS receive,r the FR60 battery life is up to 12 months. To cope with training in the rain or being accidentally left on in the shower, the FR60 is water resistant to 50 meters.

Review Summary – Garmin FR60 Fitness Watch

Garmin’s FR60 Fitness Watch is small enough to be worn as a casual watch yet, packs a lot of features which can significantly aid a fitness training program. The ability to tailor the device with optional, wireless sensors makes it a flexible product to meet a variety of training needs. The Amazon customer reviews for this product are mostly positive giving a 4/5 star rating.