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      Epic Rides From The Comfort Of Home With The New Garmin Smart Bike

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      Bring the outdoor world indoors when you train. The newest smart bike by Garmin delivers a realistic road feel and simulated descents — plus virtual shifting to immerse you in your ride. Redesigned shifters change gears easily and precisely with the tap of a finger. NEO Bike Plus adjusts to match the fit of your outdoor bike exactly, with stem and seat measurements in millimetres and five crank lengths.

      Get the feel of a real ride. Anytime.

      Tacx NEO Bike Plus is simple to use and always ready to ride. With accurate power, speed and cadence metrics — even in sprints — and nearly silent operation, you can crush your goals in any room. Plus, simple adjustments make it easy to share with other athletes in your household.

      READ MORE: The Garmin Fēnix® 7 Pro And Epix™ Pro Are Here

      Simulated riding. Precision training:

      Feel different road surfaces, such as cobblestone and gravel, when paired with the Tacx® Training smart-device app or other compatible apps.

      IMPROVED! Tap updated shifters to change gears with the precision and feel of electronic shifting. You’ll find the correct gear easily and quickly with shifters programmable for SHIMANO, SRAM or Campagnolo.

      Feel the sensation of your chain jumping into a different gear while shifting to experience more of your ride.

      Dynamic inertia maintains a sensation of forward motion based on your speed and gradient to make your ride feel more realistic.

      Drive downhill with descent simulation when the smart bike is connected to an external power source.

      Use built-in dual power meters to measure the position of your left and right legs and break down your pedalling technique to help you develop a more effective stroke.

      Keep track of your performance and progress with reliable power, speed and cadence measurements, accurate to within 1%.

      Hammer hard with the well-balanced design, even during the most explosive sprints, up to 2200 watts.

      Make your workout more intense by training on realistically simulated inclines up to a 25% gradient.

      Customizable. To share the experience:

      Ride in comfort with the updated seat post and match your outdoor bike fit with easy-to-adjust seat-post settings.

      NEW! Choose among 5 crank lengths for a precision fit, with your choice of pedals.

      IMPROVED! Ensure correct sizing with easily adjustable seat position and handlebar stem with measurement scale in millimetres.

      READ MORE: Train Brilliantly With The Garmin Forerunner® 265 GPS Running Smartwatch

      Connect with your training program:

      Enjoy the Tacx Training app and track your performance on your Garmin Edge® cycling computer (sold separately) at the same time. Tacx NEO Bike Plus can connect to multiple devices simultaneously.

      Pair with popular training apps such as TrainerRoad and Zwift; Tacx NEO Bike Plus communicates via BLUETOOTH® Smart technology and ANT+® FE-C protocol.

      No device to pair? No problem. In stand-alone mode, it simulates a flat road; the faster you ride, the higher the resistance.

      Experience the rush of riding famous courses in Europe, North America and Asia with more than 250+ high-quality, real-life videos on the Tacx Training app1. You can even join “Ride with the Pros” challenges with exclusive Garmin-sponsored team videos.

      Get help meeting your goals with a structured training plan designed for your fitness level with the Tacx Training app — plus race live opponents, upload GPS data, ride with 3D maps and more.

      Power up your devices with built-in USB chargers.

      Stay cool with built-in interactive fans that are automatically controlled by your power and heart rate. More

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      I Tried Out BodyTec’s Brand-New EMS Training System – And It’s From The Future

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      Whether you’re a seasoned professional in fitness or are just looking to elevate your routine, EMS training can be intriguing. What do those high-tech suits do? Can they really boost your training? All that and more, right here. Plus, we took EMS training for a spin with the brand new BodyTec SYMBIONT system, which offers deeper insights from your workout in real-time.

      First, let’s look at the basics of EMS training.

      What is EMS training?

      EMS, or Electro Muscle Stimulation, is a novel way to get your muscles working. As you’re doing basic exercise moves, you’re plugged into a suit with low-level electrical impulses that are sent directly to your muscles for deeper activation than you’d get with weights. “EMS technology allows for up to 90% of muscles to be activated simultaneously with the contractions reaching a much higher intensity than those done voluntarily,” says Sandra Leyck, Co-Founder and spokesperson for BodyTec.

      Is EMS training a tough workout?

      You’ll find yourself sweating while doing something really basic, like bending down into a squat. That’s because your muscles are working that much harder than when you’re using just your bodyweight or even with weights added, per some studies.

      Does EMS training burn fat?

      As with any exercise, EMS training targets your muscles. Muscles don’t burn fat directly, but they require energy to maintain. By growing muscle groups, you allow them to burn more calories. Since BodyTec’s EMS training suit targets all the major muscle areas, including the back, arms, legs, butt and abs, you’re working all the major muscle groups, allowing them to grow and fire up their fat-burning potential.

      Why just one session a week?

      Your muscles, which are heavily activated during the workout (reportedly more than in traditional workouts) need rest to recover. For this reason, it’s recommended to only do EMS training once a week.

      What’s the new BodyTec SYMBIONT System?

      “With BodyTec’s shift to the SYMBIONT Smart Training System, they are changing the way people track, train, and transform their bodies,” says Leyck. “This state-of-the-art technology combines advanced symbiont technology with personalised training programs, offering an unparalleled workout experience.”  

      The new system means a new suit for the experience – completely wireless and loadshedding friendly. With each move, electronic impulses are sent to your muscles via vibrations that penetrate deeply for more muscle activation as you move. You also get live feedback on your reps from a screen that tracks your workout. The best part? You’re in and out in under 30 minutes, with just 20 minutes of work.  

      We tried EMS training with BodyTec

      WH Features Editor Michelle October took the brand-new SYMBIONT system for a spin.

      “The new suit looks like something from Ironman. Outside, it’s all fabric and stretchy, while the inside contains electro pads and high-tech wireless plug-ins that activate the suit. My trainer helped me prepare the suit, which should be rubbed down with lotion so the conduction pads can deeply penetrate the muscle for better activation.

      “Notably, the suit is completely wireless, so you have much higher range of motion. You are not plugged in, like other EMS suits. The entire setup is loadshedding friendly, too, but still allows for real-time monitoring, allowing you to track your work.

      After getting suited up, I was taken through a brief test run of the equipment. Electrical impulses are sent through the suit wirelessly and I could feel my muscles being contracted while doing basic squats. On the screen in front of me, I could monitor the intensity of the electronic pulses while working out and see how much longer the pulses would last – about 20 seconds of work, with a few seconds break in between moves.

      The entire workout lasted just 20 minutes, but I was panting towards the end. That’s because my muscles were working so hard to contract with the EMS suit. Overall, I still felt my arm muscles a few days after the workout, even though I had just been lifting them over my head with no weights. I’d say it’s an interesting way to work out and an eye-opening experience.” More

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      The ASICS GEL-KAYANO™ 30: The Shoe That Will Make You Love Running Again

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      Runners, rejoice! ASICS has just launched the GEL-KAYANO™ 30 shoe, the most comfortable stability running shoe featuring brand-new technologies to provide runners with adaptive stability and unprecedented comfort during every step.

      4D Guidance System

      With its new 4D GUIDANCE SYSTEM™, the GEL-KAYANO™ 30 provides adaptive stability and unprecedented comfort during every step. The 4D GUIDANCE SYSTEM™ works with the movement of your body to provide support when you need it most, so you can run worry-free.

      In addition to the 4D GUIDANCE SYSTEM™, the GEL-KAYANO™ 30 also features new PureGEL™ technology for the softest landings ever. PureGEL™ is strategically integrated in the midsole to deliver enhanced shock absorption and smoother transitions.

      The GEL-KAYANO™ 30 also has 20 percent more of the lightweight FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO cushioning and a 4mm increase in stack height, which further improve the comfort level of the shoe.

      As Rohan van der Zwet, Senior Product Marketing Manager at ASICS EMEA, says, “The GEL-KAYANO™ shoe has been a crowd favourite for many years, and quite frankly is a legend in our product range. We know the stereotypes that stability shoes have faced over the years: clunky, ugly, and simply not comfortable. That’s why we’re excited to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the GEL-KAYANO™ series with such landmark developments. Through our commitment to ASICS’ unique design philosophy, we’ve been able to develop a shoe that offers the stability that consumers have grown to love from the series and added the comfort that we know is so important to runners. Stability truly never felt better and we’re eager to see runners across the globe experience this with the GEL-KAYANO™ 30 shoes.”

      Shop The GEL-KAYANO™ 30

      From 5Ks to full marathons, the GEL-KAYANO™ 30 shoe is designed to provide advanced stability and softer cushioning properties.  ​

      Engineered stretch knit upper 

      Improves breathability

      External back heel counter 

      Helps keep the foot stable and provides a more comfortable stride

      The GEL-KAYANO™ 30 is available from ASICS retail, online stores and specialists running outlets.

      Is this really the most comfortable stability running shoe? Comfort is subjective, so judge for yourself. Try ASICS’ latest product innovation and tell us how running in ASICS makes you feel. To find out more, please visit asics.com More

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      How To Sport The New TS-ACTV8 Range On Your Next Adventure

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      Looking for a new activewear look that will keep you looking and feeling your best? Look no further than TS-ACTV8 from Totalsports. These high-performance pieces are made with innovative technology and features to help you stay comfortable and confident on your next workout or adventure.

      READ MORE: Introducing the TS-ACTV8 Performance Training Gear by Totalsports

      TS-ACTV8 Storm Chaser Jacket

      The Women’s TS-ACTV8 Storm Chaser Jacket is the perfect outer layer for any activity. The water-resistant and windproof fabric will keep you dry and protected from the elements and the reflective details will help you stay visible in low-light conditions. Plus, the jacket is packed with features that will make your life easier, like heat-sealed zippers, 360˚ ventilation and a storm flap on the front.

      Key features:

      Waterproof technology

      Advanced wind resistant

      Reflective details

      Heat sealed zippers

      360˚ ventilation

      TS-ACTV8 Hyper Stride Black Tights

      These long tights are perfect for runners and other athletes who need a supportive and moisture-wicking pair of tights. The 360 reflective detail will keep you safe on your early morning or late night runs and the Power-Lite™ technology will help you stay cool and dry no matter how hard you’re working out.

      Key features:

      360 reflective detail for visibility in low-light conditions

      Power-Lite™ technology for moisture-wicking and cooling

      Quick-dry fabric

      Storage pockets

      Adjustable drawcord on waistband inner

      Gel gripper hem to keep tights in place

      Side zipper for easy access

      READ MORE: 23 *Stunning* Activewear Sets To Cop Now To Give Your Workout An Oomph

      Shop The Look

      TS-ACTV8 Storm Chaser Black Jacket

      The TS-ACTV8 storm chaser is engineered for maximum performance, protection and comfort. Adventure awaits!

      TS – ACTV8 Hyper Stride Black Tights

      The TS-ACTV8 Hyper Stride Tights have 360 reflective detail, Power-Lite™ technology for ultimate moisture control, quick dry fabric and storage pockets. More

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      Power Shoes Now At Mr Price Sport 

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      In an exciting collaboration with Mr Price Sport, Canadian-designed footwear brand, Power, brings its latest collection of lifestyle to high-performance athletic shoes directly to consumers in selected stores and online.

      Power has been producing athletic footwear globally since 1971, delivering a winning combination of style, technology, comfort and durability for athletes across all skill levels – from gentle walking to intense high-performance activities. With a strong retail and online presence in more than 25 countries, the brand is no stranger to South African consumers.

      Now, in an exciting collaboration with Mr Price Sport, Power brings its latest collection of lifestyle to high-performance athletic shoes directly to consumers in selected stores and online. This partnership ensures that South African sports enthusiasts can conveniently access the cutting-edge offerings from Power’s new collection, tailored to meet the demands of their active lifestyles.

      Power has been investing significantly in technical developments and expanding its running collection since 2010 to meet ever-changing consumer needs, coupled with the demand for advanced footwear technology and specialised support for various types of runners.

      The new range of Power high-performance athletic shoes at Mr Price Sport includes the Power XoRise+ and Power Plazma X500 performance shoes for both men and women, in designs that inspire movement, made of high-quality materials and durable synthetics.

      Power XoRise+

      The Power XoRise+ 500 Series is an excellent performance shoe for medium-distance running. It features a range of technologies that support foot stability, heel support, cushioning, and energy return, providing extreme comfort during even the most intense workouts. 

      With its highly responsive Cushion+ insole technology, this shoe offers explosive rebound, maximum energy and minimum weight, enabling you to run for extended periods with ease. The unique patented Tunnel System cushioning incorporated in the Power XoRise+ guarantees maximum shock absorption, enhanced comfort and reduced risk of injuries.

      Designed to make running effortless, the Power XoRise+ boasts a lightweight construction that allows you to move with agility and speed. Its advanced Tech Mesh upper ensures breathability and repels sweat from feet, while the active insoles keep your feet feeling fresh and comfortable even after hours of continuous activity.

      Finishing off the look is a rubberised forefront and heel with an anti-slip, rubberised outsole and a midsole made of ultralight TPE (thermoplastic elastomers) compound. 

      Power Plazma

      Also new at Mr Price Sport, the Power Plazma running shoe offers excellent value and is suited for long-distance running, practice sessions and regular exercise.

      The shoe’s Plazma Gel technology features a silicone pad placed on the heel, clearly visible from the side, below the X-shaped insole, and inside the shoe. This technology enhances cushioning during running, particularly under the heel, and offers a soft and comfortable feel while providing excellent support and exceptional impact absorption.

      The outsole of the Power Plazma running shoe is strategically designed to provide reliable traction on various surfaces, with rubber in areas that require the most contact with the ground, such as the toes and heels. The shoe features a lightweight foam EVA stable midsole that ensures a balanced combination of cushioning, shock absorption, stability, balance and responsiveness. An additional midsole is added under the arch area to enhance stability while running. 

      The upper section of the Power Plazma, crafted from breathable Tech-Mesh fabric, promotes proper airflow and ventilation to keep your feet cool and comfortable. It also snugly embraces the contours of your foot, with a heel structure that wraps around the ankle, providing support to the Achilles tendon and securing the heel in place for increased confidence during jogging. A reflective stripe on the forefoot offers visibility and safety during low-light or night-time running.

      Find the new range of Power footwear at selected Mr Price Sport stores or online at MRPsport.com More

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      A Look Inside Under Armour’s Journey To Compete Collection

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      “It always seems impossible until it’s done,” the age-old adage rings true for athletes around the world. But what they rarely talk about is the epic journey that leads them from the realm of the impossible to the pinnacle of achievement. It’s a journey etched with relentless determination, endless training hours and an unwavering commitment – a journey marked by blood, sweat and tears, shaping the careers of athletes into greatness.

      Every athlete boasts a unique story, a personal measure of success and a distinct blend of grit. Yet, amidst these diverse tales, there is a common thread that binds them all together – the extraordinary journey to compete. It is within this journey that they strive to conquer, to exceed and to emerge as the epitome of athletic brilliance.

      The epitome of triumph

      Enter Under Armour Marathon Runner, Sharon Lokedi, the epitome of triumph, whose soaring victory in the 2022 New York Marathon broke records with an awe-inspiring time of 2:23:23. In a nail-biting finish, she outpaced Lonah Chemtai Salpeter of Israel (2:23:30) and reigning world champion Gotytom Gebreslase of Ethiopia by mere seconds. It’s worth noting that Lokedi and her partner, Under Armour, entered the race as underdogs, defying the odds to secure their place in the prestigious realm of marathon champions. On that unforgettable day, Lokedi not only etched her name in history but defined her very own journey!

      Beyond raw athleticism and tangible success, an athlete’s ‘Journey To Compete’ is an emotional voyage – a profound connection between heart and soul. It embodies countless hours of training, endless sacrifices and an unwavering determination to achieve greatness. Each step taken by an Under Armour athlete, each obstacle faced head-on and every victory celebrated carries a wave of emotion.

      Achieve the impossible

      Journey To Compete stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Athletes navigate through euphoric highs and heart-wrenching lows, experiencing elation, frustration, hope, happiness, excitement and perseverance. It’s an emotional athletic rollercoaster, fuelling the passion and dedication needed to surmount obstacles and attain the pinnacle of accomplishment – all while clad in the cutting-edge sportswear from the Journey to Compete collection. From professional swimmers to rugby players and footballers, the underlying purpose and drive of each athlete remain the same – to be the best, to perform at their highest level, to be surrounded by greatness and to achieve the impossible.

      Contrary to the media’s portrayal of overnight success stories, the journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step and Under Armour takes pride in honouring each step – from the smallest victories to the grandest accolades.

      Welcome to the Journey to Compete

      Welcome to the captivating new collection, Journey to Compete, brought to you by Under Armour, a celebration and magnification of the essence of team sports and their relentless pursuit of triumph. Bursting with unity, this collection embodies the spirit of teamwork, unwavering perseverance and an undeniable hunger for victory. Each thread is carefully crafted, every fabric meticulously chosen – a tribute to the efforts that carve their paths to success.

      The essence of the new collection

      This collection captures the heart and soul of every athlete, paying homage to those who have stood at their starting blocks waiting to break their current seasonal record; walked onto the pitch ready to sing their national anthem, or scored that winning goal on a worldwide stage. It is the athletes who breathe life into this collection, making it shine with brilliance.

      The right support

      Compiled of vibrant colours that ignite the spirit when worn, this is a collection where ‘compression doesn’t compromise’. With features such as hook and loop adjustability, the HeatGear® Armour High Sports Bra is designed with the ability to adjust on the body to customise support, ensuring you will be feeling comfortable and supported no matter the time, distance or training method. Boasting spacer pad front panels for a breathable compression fit and a grippy waistband that provides athletes with a non-slip fit, this collection is made with elite athletes in mind allowing them to feel secure and locked in when training and performing at their best.

      Shop The ‘Journey To Compete’ Look

      HeatGear® Armour High Printed Sports Bra

      TriBase™ Reign 5 Training Shoes

      Knockout Tank

      UA Challenger Pro Printed Shorts

      UA HeatGear® Long Shorts

      Robyn Moodaly

      As a proud face of the collection, Under Armour Athlete and Professional Footballer, Robyn Moodaly knows best when it comes to understanding and identifying the needs of sportswomen and recognizing the key elements of what to look for in an apparel collection.

      “Personally, I look for specific qualities and features that enhance both my performance and comfort – on and off the field. In the Journey to Compete collection, I find that these requirements are fulfilled exceptionally well. Under Armour is known for its innovative apparel and this collection is no exception. When it comes to my needs, functionality and performance-enhancing features are important to me, especially when it comes to training. Flexibility and freedom of movement are things I like in my apparel as it allows me to perform at my best without any restrictions, all of which are met with this collection. Lastly, I value the collection’s attention to detail in design and aesthetics. Looking good and feeling confident in my sports gear really does have a positive impact on my mindset and overall performance,” she explains.

      As the Banyana Banyana and JBW Football Club star takes to the field it’s no surprise she puts her trust in the Journey To Compete collection as it meets all the requirements of being a highly innovative and ground-breaking apparel wear – it’s a future game-changer for the whole athletic apparel industry.

      As we take a bird’s eye view of the overall journey of one’s success story, it’s clear to see and understand how it transcends the final destination; it’s a celebration of all the moments in between that have paved the way to who and where these athletes are today.

      Tried and tested

      WH Features Editor Michelle October took the Journey To Compete collection for a spin – here’s how it went.

      The HeatGear® Armour High Sports Bra

      The gear has been thoughtfully created and perhaps none more so than the HeatGear® Armour High Sports Bra, with adjustable straps so you can really get the best fit for you. It also has a keyhole detail at the back that makes it easier to take off – something that’s notoriously difficult to do post-workout. After my workout, I found the bra surprisingly dry, which makes its moisture-wicking properties truly stand out. Plus, nothing moved while I was jumping around.

      The UA Challenger Pro Printed Shorts

      The bottoms came with a ribbed section that holds tight to your waist and won’t fall down during burpees and inchworms. I was really impressed by how well it held its own and how smooth it felt to workout in. Plus, the colours are just to die for, while still being really flattering to my shape.

      The UA Knockout Tank

      The UA Knockout tank is just that – a knockout when it comes to training. The material lies comfortably and is never in the way, thanks to the tailored fit. It also holds sweat really well, while the stylish black trim detail makes for a statement fit that feels good to wear. 

      Journey To Compete. Game-Changing Women’s Gear. Never Give Up. Never Hold Back. Get the gear you need to do whatever it takes for your team.

      Available in-store and online now. www.underarmour.co.za More

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      The Garmin Fēnix® 7 Pro And Epix™ Pro Are Here

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      Unleash your spirit of adventure with the all-new Garmin fēnix 7 Pro and epix Pro. These extraordinary timepieces are meticulously crafted to redefine exploration, featuring a captivating blend of innovative features, expanded sizes and premium materials. Designed for those who crave thrilling experiences, the fēnix 7 Pro and epix Pro are the perfect companions for the daring and determined.

      Fēnix® 7 Pro Series

      Get ready for the Garmin fēnix® 7 Pro Series! These premium multisport GPS smartwatches with solar charging are designed to empower athletes and adventurers to reach their peak performance. With pro-grade performance insights, advanced mapping capabilities and comprehensive health tracking, the fēnix 7 Pro Series is built to conquer every challenge, every day. Equipped with a built-in LED flashlight and solar charging lens, these watches provide up to 37 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and an impressive 139 days in expedition mode1. Prepare to embrace endless outdoor exploration, day and night.

      What’s New?

      Built-in LED flashlight. Available in all size options, variable intensities, a red safety light and strobe mode help provide greater awareness while training in the dark. 

      Next-generation MIP display. Redesigned pixels, backlight and solar panel improve indoor readability, providing increased brightness, power efficiency and adaptability to different lighting conditions—all without sacrificing the exceptional sunlight performance of the MIP display. 

      Heart rate sensor. Enhanced optical sensors and sport-specific algorithms offer improved performance tracking for a wider variety of activities, making it easier to gain a better understanding of how the body is responding to exercise.

      Endurance score. Measure how easy it is to sustain prolonged efforts while also taking into account training data like VO2 max, short and long-term training loads and more from all other athletic pursuits.

      Hill score. Gauge how easy it is to run uphill by measuring running strength on steep climbs and running endurance on long ascents while also evaluating progress over time based on VO2 max and training history.  

      READ MORE: Train Brilliantly With The Garmin Forerunner® 265 GPS Running Smartwatch

      Garmin fēnix® 7X Pro

      Long battery life with solar charging (up to 37 days in smartwatch mode)

      Built-in LED flashlight

      Endurance score

      Heart rate sensor

      Epix™ Pro Series

      Introducing the epix™ Pro Series: high-performance GPS smartwatches with a crystal-clear AMOLED display, rugged design and an impressive battery life. With up to 31 days of power, these watches offer all-day health monitoring and fitness metrics to keep you active. Choose from three sizes (42mm, 47mm and 51mm) and enjoy the added bonus of a built-in LED flashlight. Get ready for an adventure like never before!

      What’s New?

      Built-in LED flashlight. A built-in LED flashlight with variable intensities and strobe mode to provide greater awareness while training in the dark.

      New preloaded activities. Stay active with dozens of new, preloaded activities including soccer, basketball, racquet sports, horseback riding and more.

      Up Ahead. Runners using the Up Ahead feature can now see certain POI (point of interest) checkpoints, like aid stations, right on a map to get a better understanding of what’s ahead.

      Weather map overlays. New weather map overlays make it easier to view upcoming weather conditions.

      Red Shift Mode. This mode changes display colours to shades of red to help users better acclimate to darker conditions and reduce sleep cycle disturbance.

      Garmin epix™ Pro

      Stunning AMOLED display

      Up to 31 days of battery life

      Advanced training metrics and recovery insight

      Health and wellness features More