As an avid fitness enthusiast, I’ve always been curious about tracking my heart rate and stress levels in a sauna. I thought, why not use my trusty Garmin watch to do so?
But, I soon realized that wearing a smartwatch in a sauna is not as simple as I had imagined. The high heat and humidity of a sauna can damage the electronics of the watch, causing it to malfunction or stop working altogether.
Exposing the watch to high temperatures can also cause the battery to degrade more quickly.
Despite these challenges, I was determined to find a way to make it work. I started to be more mindful of my watch, removing it as soon as I began to feel overheated and allowing it to cool off before wearing it again.
And to my surprise, I could still track my heart rate and stress levels during my sauna sessions. It was an effort worth taking to achieve the data I was curious about.
The short answer is. Yes, you can wear a Garmin watch in a sauna or steam room. But a few things we should remember before doing this.
However, it mostly depends on the watch’s water rating, or you can read the manufacturer’s instructions from the owner’s manual.
What are the Determines for watches to wear in Sauna?
A sauna is a small room or enclosure heated to a high temperature, typically between 150-200°F (65-93°C). The room is also typically very humid, ranging from 20-40% humidity.
When these high temperatures and humidity levels are combined, it can be very challenging for electronic devices, such as watches, to function correctly.
The heat can cause damage to the electronics and battery, while the humidity can cause corrosion and rust.
Wear a Garmin watch in a sauna is totally based on the watch’s specifications, like its water rating or heat resistance.
However, a few Garmin watches can withstand high heat or humidity. But Garmin does not recommend doing this; you can wear it at your own risk.
Waterproof Rating
When it comes to wearing a Garmin watch in a sauna, there are several factors to consider. One of the most important is the watch’s water rating.
Water ratings are usually measured in ATM (atmospheric pressure), which tells you how much pressure the device can withstand underwater.
The higher the ATM rating, the deeper the watch can be worn underwater. It’s important to note that a higher ATM rating does not necessarily mean that a watch is suitable for wear in a sauna.
While a watch with a high ATM rating may be able to withstand more pressure, it does not necessarily mean that it can handle the high temperatures and humidity levels of a sauna.
I would not recommend wearing a watch that is only splash-proof or one that you can wash your hands in a sauna room.
Instead, you should look for a watch that is specifically designed for use in high-temperature environments.
To ensure that your watch is suitable for use in a sauna, you should check the manual and look for a water rating that is rated as suitable for swimming.
Can You Wear Garmin Watch in Shower?
I feel comfortable wearing a Garmin watch in a sauna room rated for swimming and high ATM ratings.
However, you can check Garmin’s official water ratings definition and ensure the watch’s water resistance specifications.
Operating Temperature Ratings
Another essential thing to consider is the device’s operating temperature range. Devices with a high operating temperature range will be an excellent choice for wearing in a sauna.
For example, the Garmin Vivoactive 3 has a stated temperature range of -20º to 50ºC (-4º to 122ºF) in the owner’s manual.
While the temperatures in a sauna are typically higher than this range, the device still operates well when worn in a sauna room.
I don’t worry about wearing my Vivoactive 3 in a sauna room. I have worn it in winter temperatures below -20ºC without any problem.
The reason is your wrist will keep the device at an average temperature. Even though the sauna room is hot, your wrist will keep the watch cooler.
However, I know some friends who go to the sauna 3 or 4 times a week and wear their Garmin watches without a problem.
It’s crucial to ensure that the device you choose has high heat and water resistance ratings.
A simple watch without high water or heat resistance ratings will likely be damaged if worn in a sauna.
I recommend checking the official specifications of the device to ensure that it has the appropriate ratings for use in high-temperature environments.
Which Garmin Watch Can be Used for Sauna
It is possible to wear a Garmin watch in a sauna as long as it is stated as swim proof.
There are a few examples of Garmin watches that can be used in a sauna, such as the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro, Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music, Vivoactive HR, and Garmin Fenix 5.
However, as we have discussed previously, it is important to remember that a sauna’s high temperatures and humidity levels can be challenging for electronic devices.
I have used the Vivoactive 3 in a sauna without any problem, but it’s important to note that Garmin does not provide a warranty or repair for any damage caused to a watch worn in a sauna.
This is because their products are not specifically designed or intended for use in sauna environments, so they are not covered under warranty.
However, it’s essential to ensure that if you feel the device temperature increase unexpectedly, you should take it out of the sauna.
Garmin Watch Overheating (Fixed)
It’s always better to be cautious and check the specific ratings and features of the watch before exposing it to the harsh environment of a sauna.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is possible to wear a Garmin watch in a sauna, but it’s essential to consider a sauna’s high temperatures and humidity levels before doing so.
It’s recommended to look for a watch specifically designed for high-temperature environments with a high water resistance rating.
It’s also important to check the device’s operating temperature range and ensure that it can handle the harsh conditions of a sauna.
However, it’s always best to contact customer support for further details; they will be able to provide you with information about the device’s features and capabilities that are relevant to use in a sauna environment.
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