2. Garmin Vivoactive 4S
See the Garmin VivoActive 4S
With the Vivoactive 4, Garmin deploys a dazzling array of new features. Body Battery technology is emerging, as is blood oxygen monitoring. These technological jewels are added to the existing jewels: GPS, heart rate, sleep monitoring. The NFC chip makes it possible to use Garmin Pay, despite the reluctance of British banks.
Its major asset? The Pulse Ox sensor. It lights up your nights, analyzes your blood oxygen levels. Your sleep becomes an open book, allowing you to acclimatize to the altitude during your mountain getaways. Its daily usefulness is questionable, except in cases of suspected sleep apnea. However, Garmin warns: this function cannot replace a medical device.
Like its sisters, the Vivoactive 4 puts the world in the palm of your wrist. Thanks to the GPS, Galileo and GLONASS triangulation, you locate yourself in the blink of an eye. In addition to the classic running, cycling and swimming modes, it offers you other playgrounds: golf, skiing, weight training, cardio, yoga.
The Vivoactive 4 makes friends with Bluetooth and ANT+ cycling speed/cadence sensors and pods. These allies improve distance accuracy, especially in fickle signal areas. To connect a power sensor, however, you will have to turn to the Forerunner 945 or the Fenix 6.
The Vivoactive 4 can also pair with an external heart rate monitor, although this isn’t a necessity. It shows remarkable precision on its own. During a 25-minute run, she competed with a chest strap paired with a Fenix 5 Plus.
The Vivoactive 4 stands out with its animated guided workouts. A simple swipe reveals workout options in sport mode. Animations guide you, show you the way to go. An excellent initiative, which harmonizes perfectly with the Garmin Coach. Configurable via the Connect mobile app, this tool guides you to personalized training plans. It accompanies you, whatever your goals, from a simple run to a half-marathon. An asset for seasoned runners, but also for novices who simply dream of crossing the finish line.
