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We all know it, there’s no better accessory to add to your gym ‘fit than your smart watch. Seeing your workout stats is like the ultimate high-five after a gym session. But are you maximising your watch’s full potential? In this article, we’ll unpack the hidden gems in your Garmin watch.
Alarm clock
Tired of waking up the whole house when your gym alarm goes off? Your Garmin watch is your silent alarm superhero.
Set your Garmin watch alarm clock to vibrate and get a non-invasive alarm right on your arm. No more disrupting anyone else at home while you wake up for your usual 5am club gym class.
Flashlight
Need a source of light in the dark, but don’t have your phone or a flashlight on you? You can use your watch as a low-light flashlight.
Select Garmin devices can use the screen as a source of light, which is conveniently always with you. Now, this isn’t a 1000 lumen flashlight, but if you need some help in the dark, your Garmin has got your back. Select devices have a dedicated LED flashlight as well.
In certain scenarios a low light display is very useful; like checking in on the kids, without wanting to switch on the light or looking for your hair tie in the bottom of your very big (but very necessary) gym bag.
Barometer
Did you know that select Garmin devices have a built in Barometer? This is a great feature to have if you’re the outdoorsy type. If the barometric pressure changes, it may be early indicators of sudden changes in weather. If you are out on a run, cycle or a hike, this information could be very useful.
Read more about how your Barometer works here.
Canned reply to messages
Your gym time is your time. Ditch the constant phone checks and stay connected effortlessly with your trusty Garmin “canned replies” feature. These are preset messages that you can respond with, and the great thing is, you don’t even need to have your phone nearby.
Now you can enjoy uninterrupted workouts while effortlessly managing notifications right from your wrist.
Use your Garmin to mark a waypoint
Safety first, and to make life a little easier, you can mark a start/end point on most of the Garmin GPS enabled devices. This is useful if you’re doing an activity in an area that you’re not familiar with.
You can mark a point on a map, for example, your hotel. You can then run to your nearest Virgin Active and do your favourite class knowing that the GPS would be able to take you right back to your hotel.
Make your straps last longer
Did you know that by alternating straps on your Garmin device, you can make them last longer? As with shoes, everyday wear may put a lot of strain on a strap. The other benefit? A different colour strap could make it look like a completely different watch. It’s a win-win.
Gym membership benefits
Are you interested in buying a Garmin watch now? Virgin Active gym members enjoy up to 25% off on Garmin watches, among other benefits. Explore our gym benefits here.
Join a Virgin Active gym near you today to experience many membership benefits.