Garmin heart rate monitors are all about GPS. In fact, Garmin practically owns the GPS Watch industry. Although Polar, Suunto and Timex now offer GPS heart rate monitor watches, Garmin offers more variety and features than the others.
In case you’ve been living under a rock for 20 years, GPS is Global Positioning System. It’s a satellite system first launched by the US Government in 1978. The first GPS receivers (trust me on this one) were large and heavy. In fact, smaller USAF aircraft were barely able to carry the larger GPS receivers. It wasn’t until after 1990 when military personnel were able to lug large GPS receivers around. It’s incredible that we’re now able use them on our wrist…but I digress.
Why do you need GPS for your Heart Rate Monitor Watch?
GPS, specifically Garmin Forerunner GPS, is a perfect compliment to a heart rate monitor because it will track your distance, speed and elevation in addition to your heart rate. When you upload your workout data to your computer you can view your workouts over a map so you can see exactly where you were training. Running in a new city? A GPS watch can even show you the way back to your hotel. Because they know your exact route, many Garmin heart rate monitor watches offer a capability to race against your previous runs (or bike route). That can be really motivating.
For times when you are working out indoors, you’re not out of luck because many GPS heart rate monitor watches are compatible with a foot pod. A foot pod attaches to your shoe and wirelessly communicates with your GPS watch to record distance and cadence.
An added benefit…your GPS watch will never have the wrong time. Handy.
Garmin GPS Forerunner History
The earlier models of the Garmin Forerunners (105, 205, 305, etc.) were larger and not very easy to use. They were very popular but could be a little large for many people. They used earlier versions of the GPS chipset so they took a while to lock onto the satellites. They also had a long learning curve because they were focused on features instead of ease of use.
The newer versions of the Garmin Forerunner (110, 210, 410 and 610) all use the latest GPS chipset for super-fast satellite acquisition. They are incredibly easy to use and have taken the industry by storm. You definitely need to learn more about these Garmin GPS Watches.
Our Garmin Heart Rate Monitor Reviews
 Garmin Forerunner 610 with HRM
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 Garmin Forerunner 410 with HRM
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 Men's Forerunner 110 with HRM
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 Forerunner 210 GPS Watch with HRM
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 Women's Forerunner 110 GPS Watch with HRM
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 Forerunner 405CX GPS Watch with HRM
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