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Some questions from new user

Former Member
Former Member
Hello All,

I've been using Forerunner 235 with heart rate monitor, temperature sensor and smart scales for about ten days since I bought it and I really like the features these devices offer.

I have some questions though and would be really happy if you can advise me. One thing is about using smart watch 24/7. When I use my laptop and charge it, does it still work in normal mode (tracking heart rate etc.) during charging process? Most often I charge it when I use laptop so I still wear it at that time, also at night, just on the other hand. Is there any longer cable available (if not maybe I should buy some USB hub with long cable, as the original cable is rather short). Should I do anything to make sure that no false data are introduced (like being in a deep sleep) when I take a shower and do not wear it (or do not wear it for whatever reason, even if I try to wear it all the time)?

The other thing is about tracking different kind of activities. I couldn't find anything adequate when I do various sports. When I go for unicycling, the closest match is bike, but it's not really the same. And I can't see any good category for using elastic bands for strength training (outdoor in the park or indoor at home). Can I create my own categories and then choose them somehow when I start activity on the watch? Are there any good ways to input through the watch which exercises (like exercise number from elastic band's manual), weight (which color of elastic band), how many series and repetitions (e.g. three series of twelve repetitions with green band and then two series of ten with dark green band, then next exercise)? More integrated way of inputting training data would be very helpful. I prefer to have all the data in one place and to see which exercises change heart rate up to what level.

When can I expect to have some meaningful and useful information and of what kind, in the Insights feature? These devices collect a lot of data and I really like the ability to see my heart rate and GPS locations on the map. It's also good to see how many hours I sleep and when it's deep or light sleep. But what about some practical advises that come from all the collected data? Those would be very helpful like what I should continue doing, what should I change and how I progress (so that e.g. I can compare after two or three months if my rest heart rate is lower or whatever else can be read from heart rate during very similar activities). Or what to do to improve sleep quality and be more fit etc.

Any convenient way to integrate data from other devices too? (I consider buying Neuroon for improved sleep tracking but it's not Garmin's).

Are there any plans to make smart scale able to save and perform statistical analysis for more than one measurement during the day? (I still work with support, as it doesn't measure fat and other things, only my weight and BMSI, it also has trouble connecting to my WiFi to get the latest software update, even if other devices like laptop and smartphone work properly). It's extra easy to use it and very nice design but not fully functional yet (hopefully problems will be solved soon).

Thank you!
  • When can I expect to have some meaningful and useful information and of what kind, in the Insights feature? These devices collect a lot of data and I really like the ability to see my heart rate and GPS locations on the map. It's also good to see how many hours I sleep and when it's deep or light sleep. But what about some practical advises that come from all the collected data? Those would be very helpful like what I should continue doing, what should I change and how I progress (so that e.g. I can compare after two or three months if my rest heart rate is lower or whatever else can be read from heart rate during very similar activities).


    Honestly, I don’t think there is any meaningful/helpful advice. Garmin will just throw a lot of information at you without giving you any hint how to become better.
    The only real, useful advice is the recovery advisor. It gives you (as the beginner) a number for orientation of how long you should rest.

    Insights so far just gave me me some meaningless blabla regarding my steps and that I should always start sleeping at the same time (advice you can find anywhere... but you dont really need a data collection device for that). That step data is pointless anyway for someone who bought the watch because he/she is doing "real" activities anyway.

    Sure all the information is there... they could do so much more with it. Analysing similar runners e.g., yourself to them and give yourself helpful information e.g.:
    • Given your running pattern, try increasing your cadence for better results
    • You do a lot of fast runs with high HR - why not throw in a slow run from time to time
    • You seem to overdo it a lot lately - take it easy to prevent injury
    • We suggest to use training plan XY for even better results - as it helped similar runners in your situation
    • It seems you are hitting a plateau - try using ZX for better results

    Sure, probably the points dont make musch sense... i dont know - but I hope you get what I mean
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 8 years ago
    Thanks, I would also expect this kind of insights as you mention, hopefully they will be available sooner or later in new versions of the software and its analysis.

    Any advises on those other things, i.e. charging while using and adding other training activities (e.g. elastic bands)?
  • Any advises on those other things, i.e. charging while using


    This is quite simple.. Hook up the charging cable, and connect it to something like a battery based cell phone charger while you are recording. If you're not connected to a PC, it charges while in use.