Using Technology to Track Your Swimming Progress in Miami

Introduction

Tracking your swim progress is a fantastic way to stay motivated, improve your technique, and reach your fitness goals. In Miami, where swimming is a year-round activity, the right tech tools can enhance your training experience, whether you’re swimming in Biscayne Bay, a local pool, or at Miami Beach. This guide reviews the best apps and wearable devices to help you monitor your progress and take your swimming to the next level.


1. Apple Watch with Swim Tracking

  • Why It’s Great: The Apple Watch is a versatile fitness tracker that offers robust swimming features, tracking metrics such as distance, laps, and calories burned.
  • Key Features:
    • Waterproof up to 50 meters, making it suitable for pools and open water.
    • Tracks heart rate, SWOLF (efficiency score), and calories burned.
    • Syncs with popular swim apps like MySwimPro and Strava for enhanced tracking.
  • Ideal For: Swimmers who want an all-in-one device that tracks swimming, running, cycling, and other activities.
  • Tip: Use the built-in Workout app to set swimming goals, and check your performance in real-time on the watch face.

2. Garmin Swim 2

  • Why It’s Great: Specifically designed for swimming, the Garmin Swim 2 provides detailed data, from pace and distance to stroke type and SWOLF scores.
  • Key Features:
    • Open-water GPS tracking, ideal for Miami’s ocean and bayside swims.
    • Real-time heart rate monitoring, even underwater.
    • Tracks stroke count, stroke rate, and pace alerts to keep you on target.
  • Ideal For: Swimmers focused on improving their technique and efficiency with specialized swim metrics.
  • Tip: Use the Garmin Connect app to review your performance, set goals, and view insights on your stroke mechanics and overall fitness.

3. MySwimPro App

  • Why It’s Great: MySwimPro is a highly-rated app that provides personalized swim workouts, technique tips, and progress tracking.
  • Key Features:
    • Offers video-guided workouts and training plans for all levels.
    • Tracks metrics like distance, splits, calories burned, and workout times.
    • Syncs with Apple Watch, Garmin, and Fitbit for seamless tracking.
  • Ideal For: Swimmers who prefer guided workouts and need extra help planning a training routine.
  • Tip: The app’s premium version includes advanced coaching tips and customized training plans for those training for specific events or goals.

4. FINIS Smart Goggles

  • Why It’s Great: FINIS Smart Goggles offer an innovative, heads-up display that provides real-time data while you swim, letting you monitor your stats without pausing.
  • Key Features:
    • Tracks distance, split times, and rest times directly in the goggle display.
    • Connects to the FINIS app for post-swim data review, tracking goals and personal records.
    • Lightweight and designed for comfort, making it easy to wear during long training sessions.
  • Ideal For: Competitive swimmers or anyone looking for real-time insights during their swims.
  • Tip: Customize the display settings to show only the metrics you need, minimizing distractions and focusing on your goals.

5. FORM Swim Goggles

  • Why It’s Great: Like the FINIS Smart Goggles, FORM goggles display metrics in real-time, but they also offer added features for training in open water.
  • Key Features:
    • Measures distance, pace, stroke rate, and SWOLF score with a clear display.
    • Compatible with smartwatches like Garmin and Apple Watch for GPS-enabled open-water tracking.
    • The FORM app allows for post-swim analytics and sharing your progress with others.
  • Ideal For: Swimmers who need both pool and open-water tracking options, and those who appreciate real-time feedback.
  • Tip: Use the app to create a customized training plan and monitor improvements across various swim metrics.

6. Swim.com App

  • Why It’s Great: Swim.com is a free app that tracks swim workouts, allowing you to set goals, log progress, and compare with other swimmers.
  • Key Features:
    • Tracks distance, pace, lap count, and stroke recognition.
    • Social sharing options let you connect with other Miami swimmers and join challenges.
    • Syncs with devices like Apple Watch and Garmin for seamless tracking.
  • Ideal For: Social swimmers who enjoy connecting with others, sharing milestones, and participating in swim challenges.
  • Tip: Take advantage of the app’s leaderboard to find local swim events and connect with other swimmers in Miami.

7. Whoop Strap 4.0

  • Why It’s Great: While not specific to swimming, the Whoop Strap tracks recovery, strain, and sleep, helping swimmers manage overall health and training load.
  • Key Features:
    • Provides in-depth data on recovery, strain, and sleep quality, crucial for optimal swim performance.
    • Tracks heart rate variability (HRV) and resting heart rate to help monitor fitness levels.
    • Syncs with popular health apps for a holistic view of your training regimen.
  • Ideal For: Athletes who want insights into recovery and overall well-being, enhancing performance and avoiding burnout.
  • Tip: Review daily recovery scores and adjust training intensity based on recovery to maintain balanced progress.

8. Swimmo Watch

  • Why It’s Great: The Swimmo Watch is specifically designed for swimmers, tracking laps, distance, pace, and offering vibration alerts to help you stay on track.
  • Key Features:
    • Tracks pace, lap count, and distance with vibration alerts to keep you on pace.
    • Syncs with the Swimmo app for post-workout analytics and performance insights.
    • Waterproof and designed to work in both pools and open water.
  • Ideal For: Swimmers looking for a simple, swim-specific wearable with intuitive features.
  • Tip: Use the interval training feature to work on pacing, helping you gradually increase speed and endurance.

9. TrainingPeaks App

  • Why It’s Great: TrainingPeaks provides advanced analytics and training plans for endurance athletes, helping swimmers monitor long-term performance.
  • Key Features:
    • Tracks performance metrics, including pace, stroke rate, and distance over time.
    • Offers customizable training plans for those preparing for triathlons or open-water events.
    • Syncs with Garmin, Apple Watch, and other wearables for easy integration.
  • Ideal For: Swimmers training for competitive events who need comprehensive data and goal-oriented plans.
  • Tip: Use TrainingPeaks to set long-term goals and review detailed analytics, helping you adjust your plan based on progress.

10. Polar Verity Sense Heart Rate Monitor

  • Why It’s Great: The Polar Verity Sense is a comfortable, arm-based heart rate monitor ideal for tracking heart rate metrics during swim sessions.
  • Key Features:
    • Tracks real-time heart rate and connects with swim apps like MySwimPro.
    • Comfortable design that fits on the arm, making it ideal for swim strokes.
    • Provides comprehensive heart rate data for better training insights.
  • Ideal For: Swimmers focused on heart rate training and those interested in optimizing cardiovascular fitness.
  • Tip: Use the heart rate data to track improvements in aerobic conditioning and adjust intensity during interval sets.

Conclusion

Technology offers a range of tools for swimmers looking to track and improve their progress. Whether you prefer a smartwatch, swim-specific goggles, or heart rate monitors, these devices provide valuable insights into your swim performance. By choosing the right tool for your goals, you can enhance your training experience and make the most of Miami’s beautiful swim locations. Dive in and explore how technology can help you reach new milestones in your swimming journey!


FAQs

  1. What’s the best swim-tracking device for beginners?
    • The Apple Watch and Garmin Swim 2 are both beginner-friendly and offer comprehensive tracking features that grow with your skills.
  2. Can I track open-water swims with these devices?
    • Yes, devices like the Garmin Swim 2 and FORM Swim Goggles offer open-water GPS tracking, ideal for swimming in Biscayne Bay.
  3. Do any of these devices require a subscription?
    • Some apps, like MySwimPro and TrainingPeaks, offer premium subscriptions for additional features, but basic tracking is often free.
  4. How can I track swimming progress without a smartwatch?
    • Apps like Swim.com and MySwimPro can be used independently, allowing you to log swims and track progress manually.
  5. Are these devices waterproof for both pools and ocean swims?
    • Yes, all listed devices are designed for water use and can handle both chlorine and saltwater.
Slava Fattakhov

Slava Fattakhov

Former Professional Swimmer / Professional Swimming Coach

I enjoy every opportunity I get to coach, whether it is a national level university swimming team or a kid who just started exploring one of the greatest sports - swimming.

Ready to start?

Book individual training sessions to improve your confidence and athletic skills!