Upgrade to a Garmin 235 if you already have a 620, or just cheap out on a Vivosmart HR?

This question was posed on the latest version (Episode 32) of The DCR Podcast: is it worth upgrading to a 235 from a 620? Ray Maker thought it made sense to just buy a Vivosmart HR and use that with the 620 instead of upgrading. I usually see eye to eye with Ray, but on this one, unlike Ben Hobbs, I really don't think he's right here.

First off -- cost. 

The Vivosmart HR is $150. So in that sense, it is certainly cheaper than going out and buying a 235 for $329.  Is the 235 worth an extra $180?  

I would have thought a 620 in pretty good shape would have sold for close to $100 on eBay, but the market seems thin - I only saw one used device getting bid on - and it was only up to $30. So it isn't prudent at this point to expect the 620 retains a ton of value.

I think there's real value in the 235 over the 620 + Vivosmart HR. Here's my list:

- A better accelerometer for indoor treadmill running.  I find the 235 to nail it as well as a Garmin footpod (which retails for $70) when I run inside -- more accurate (closer to perceived pace and actual pace on treadmill display) than any other Garmin I've owned. My Vivosmart HR was unusually bad on this count - 20% off the actual count in miles. If you do a lot of treadmilling, this accuracy is a significant feature.  The pace and HR below are from a treadmill 5K.

- It looks more like a watch than a running watch.  The 620 watchface and color scheme weren't business friendly - I like a watch that isn't noticed as a running watch. The 235 is black, sleek, and is not noticeable as a running watch.  

- Garmin Connect IQ watch faces. There are some really functional and even approaching attractive free watch faces on the storefront (and a bunch of other widgets to play with). If you like gadgets and fiddling with this kind of thing, it's a lot of fun.

- One watch to rule them all. It's a lot better to have one device to charge and wear, rather than a band and a running watch - much more convenient.

So there you have it.  I'd say if you are a regular runner, it's a no-brainer - go upgrade. Welcome to 2016.

Intensity Minutes - Can you get them from an elliptical (and how does a treadmill run work)?

Yes, and here's how.

I started using the arc trainer elliptical machine at a 15 level resistance, working my way higher in order to keep my HR over 100.  I continually increased the resistance level up to a 25 in order to keep my HR above 110, below 120.  Since I was creating an activity, I wasn't monitoring the Intensity Minutes meter (IMM) during the session.  

Total elliptical time: 30 minutes
Total IMs: 31 minutes 

I was getting near 100% "Moderate" exercise minutes from an "easy" exertion elliptical session, keeping HR 100-120 (max 134) for the entire workout.  

The Strava heart rate chart from the elliptical.  

While on the treadmill earlier in the day, running at an average pace of 10:19 and as fast as an 8:20 minute/mile, keeping my HR above 130 (max 157), I was getting mostly "Vigorous" exercise minutes (22 minutes of vigorous, 13 of moderate exercise).

Total treadmill time: 35 minutes (incl. 3 cool down)

Total IMs: 57 minutes.

The Strava heart rate chart from a treadmill run.  

Please check out my final post on Intensity Minutes and the VHR in general: http://www.midpackgear.com/2016/01/vivosmart-hr-final-wrapup-and-some.html

Intensity Minutes -- Can you get them from treadmill walking?

Yes, and here's how.

I started walking on the treadmill at 3% incline, 3 mph.  A couple of times the Intensity Minutes meter (IMM) started flashing, but it wasn't a sustained flashing.  

I raised the speed to 3.8 mph, at which point the IMM stayed flashing continually, which was at about 20 minutes (my pulse was around 102 at that point).

The meter was running.  After the 30 minute mark, I started reducing the speed (I had earned 10 IMs).  It continued earning IM minutes until the speed was down to 3 mph, at which point the IMM stopped flashing -- around minute 37.

Total walking: 37 minutes
Walking before IMM continuous flashing: 0 to 19 minutes (speed <3.8 mph)
Walking while IMM continuously flashing: 17 minutes (speed = 3.8 mph)
Total IMs: 17 minutes

(the point at which the IMs started counting -- getting cred for the previous 10 minutes where the meter had been continuously flashing)



Please check out my final post on IMs and the VHR in general: http://www.midpackgear.com/2016/01/vivosmart-hr-final-wrapup-and-some.html