While you do not need a watch to get up and go for a run, having a GPS compatible watch can make your run more interesting.
A running watch can give you stats on your distance, calories, speed, and time. It can be the difference in how hard you train, how far you go, and how well you do on race day.
The Polar M200 is a GPS running watch and activity tracker that would be a welcome companion to any runner.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Polar M200
If you are looking for a running watch that can track your distances, speed, and time in addition to giving you wrist heart rate monitoring, then this watch is a good option.
It will help you know more specifics about your runs and provide you with information to determine how you can best adapt your training plan.
Before you purchase this running watch, there are a few questions you should ask yourself to ensure it is the best choice for you and your running goals.
Do You Want Extremely Accurate Heart Rate Data?
While you do get a heart rate monitor with this watch, it is not the most accurate.
If you need to be extremely accurate with your heart rate, then you should opt for a chest strap heart rate monitor.
If you are fine with the general heart rate range, this watch will work just fine.
Do You Want to Track More Activity Than Just Your Runs?
With the large watch face and wide strap, this watch might feel a little cumbersome to wear throughout the day as a daily fitness tracker.
The watch also does not count your swimming strokes, so even though it is waterproof and suitable for swimming, it may not give you the best data for your time in the water.
Does Style Matter to You?
In this lightweight and budget-friendly design, this watch is not made with the most sleek design and style.
It does come with a few different strap color options, but the watch face seems a bit basic and slightly dated.
Introducing the Polar M200 GPS Running Watch
This watch designed for running includes integrated GPS and on-wrist heart rate monitoring. It can be worn 24/7 as an activity tracker or just for your runs.
The watch is compatible with most fitness apps and can be paired directly to your phone for on screen notifications.
Your purchase comes with M200 GPS sports watch, charging cable, Polar M200 user manual, and an information note.
You also have access to the Polar Flow app as well as a running program designed for your race distance and fitness level.
Pros of the Polar M200
- On wrist heart rate monitor
- Waterproof and suitable for swimming
- Specific calorie burn information
- Pairs with smart phone for on screen notifications
Cons of the Polar M200
- GPS could be slow to connect
- Have to remove watch from strap to charge
- Not a touch screen
- Larger face design
Polar M200 Features & Benefits
What makes the Polar M200 one of the better running watches out there?
Here are a few features and benefits you’ll want to know more about.
On-Wrist Heart Rate Monitoring
One of the most exciting features of the Polar M200 watch is the on wrist heart rate monitoring.
This means you do not need another device, like a chest strap, to take with you on your run, but instead can rely on your watch to do it all.
Tracking your heart rate during your run will let you know if you are in the correct training zone based on your goals, and give you an idea of how well you are recovering on your off days.
It is an easy way to prevent overtraining as well as to maximize your running time.
Built-in GPS
With the built-in GPS system on the Polar M200, you are able to easily track your speed, distance, and route.
No more guessing your speed just based on your time and a general knowledge of the distances.
Having this accurate reading of your distance and speed will help you speed up on interval days and pull back on easy run days.
For those who tend to take a few too many wrong turns during their runs, the watch tracks your route making it much easier to find your way home without having to use your phone or call in reinforcements.
Includes a Running Program
With the Polar M200, you also get access to a Running Program designed specifically to your race distance.
Choose between a 5k, 10k, half marathon, or full marathon and simply plug in the date of your race.
You will receive a full running plan, free, that you can follow to get you to that finish line comfortably and feeling strong.
Sync Training Targets to Your Watch
By syncing your running goals and training targets to the Polar M200, your watch will make sure you hit them by guiding you through your workout.
No more guessing if you are actually hitting your training goals during a run as the watch will let you know where you are in terms of pace, distance, and heart rate needed.
Specific Calorie Burn Information
The Polar M200 works well as a running watch and as a nutrition guide.
The device gives you very specific calorie burn information based on your stats of weight, height, age, gender, maximum heart rate, and training intensity.
Knowing your specific calorie burn will help you determine the best ways to recover with your nutrition and ensure you are not overeating or under eating.
Access to Polar Flow app
With the Polar M200 running watch, you will receive access to the Polar Flow app.
This app not only lets you track your activity as it syncs with your watch, but it helps you analyze your progress so you can see just how far you have come with your training and where you have next to go.
Compatible With Other Fitness Apps
You do not have to give up your favorite fitness app to use this running watch effectively.
Instead, you can easily pair the watch to the fitness app of your choice.
Daily Activity And Sleep Tracking
The Polar M200 sports watch is not only designed to track your runs or workouts, it is also designed to be worn as a 24/7 activity tracker.
When you wear it like this, you can track your daily activity and sleep.
You can look at summaries from the day, week, or month to help you make better informed health choices that work into your current lifestyle.
Phone Notifications
Stop taking breaks during your run to check the notifications on your phone and just pair the watch to your smartphone.
Once you do that, you will be able to see on screen notifications on your watch face without having to pull out your phone and risk dropping it during a run.
Waterproof
With its waterproof design, the Polar M200 is suitable for swimming.
That means you can easily wear it all day and not worry about taking it off and keeping it safe.
Battery Life up to Six Days
Take the stress of remembering to charge your watch every day out with this six day battery life.
This is how long the battery will last if you wear it as a 24/7 activity tracker, include at least one hour a day of working out, and keep the phone notifications off.
Using a USB cable to charge, you can literally charge your watch almost anywhere without any specifically special cables.
Choices in Strap Color
If you are not in love with the black strap that the Polar M200 comes with, you can easily customize your colors to white, blue, or red.
These extra straps are sold separately.
Fun Running Displays
Have a little fun with your running distances and times with some of the running displays included with the watch.
For instance, you can compare your current speed to the world record marathon pace or check what your test result would be on the Cooper test.
What Others Are Saying About The Polar M200
To save you some time, I compiled a few reviews I found on the Polar M200 to give you a sense of what others are saying about this running watch.
Review #1
This reviewer had only accolades for the watch’s USB cable charging abilities. “I loved this feature, as I was able to charge the M200 by plugging it directly into my laptop.”
Review #2
This reviewer loves the watch and states, “I carry weights while training and love that this watch does not rely on arm motion for correct pace. It uses GPS distance / time based rather then a step count.”
Review #3
In this extensive review it was said, “The Polar M200 is lightweight and wears very comfortably.”
Polar M200 Alternatives
If you’re still having trouble determining if the Polar M200 is the running watch for you, here are a few other top GPS running watches for you to compare it to.
Suuntro 9 GPS Sports Watch
Designed for ultra runners and endurance athletes, the Suuntro 9 GPS Sports Watch is ideal for those who want to track multiple fitness activities from running to cycling, swimming, and gym time.
With this running watch, you will get some of the most accurate GPS tracking and exciting features like heart rate, calorie counter, sleep tracking, sunrise/sunset times, heatmaps, and storm alarm.
Suuntro 9 GPS Sports Watch Highlights
- Waterproof up to 100 meters
- 24/7 activity tracker
- 80 built-in sports modes
- 120 hour battery life
- Route planning abilities
Coros APEX Premium Multisport GPS Watch
The Coros APEX Premium Multisport GPS Watch is the industry’s leading GPS and distance tracking via GPS watch. No matter where you are, the watch will be able to find you.
With this running sports watch, you can use this device for its built-in heart rate monitor, barometer, and compass.
With a seriously long battery life depending on your various modes, you will never have to worry about running out of battery when you need it.
Coros APEX Premium Multisport GPS Watch Highlights
- Built in heart rate monitor
- Digital Knob for easy operation
- Resume later feature
- Connects to third party apps
Garmin Forerunner 35
The Garmin Forerunner 35 running watch is easy to use with all the features you want and none of the ones you do not.
Designed for those who really just want to run, you are getting an all day activity tracker that can estimate steps and calories as it reminds you when to move.
With your purchase, you receive access to the Garmin Connect act where you can store all your data and join fitness challenges with community members.
Garmin Forerunner 35 Highlights
- On-wrist heart rate monitor
- Smartphone notifications
- Music controls
- All day activity tracker
- Includes step counter
Final Thoughts
For those who want a GPS running watch that can also be used as a daily activity tracker, the Polar M200 is going to be an ideal device.
Using this watch you can track your distance, speed, calories, heart rate and follow a made for you running plan.
Sync the watch to your favorite fitness apps so you do not have to waste time learning new technology and get yourself running.
