When we talk about sportwatches, we’re not just talking about stopwatches or phone notifications on your wrist. We’re talking about tools that can read, interpret, and deliver data capable of transforming the way you train, recover, and improve. With the new Forerunner 570 and 970, Garmin takes another step toward building a more mindful training ecosystem—where technology doesn’t replace the athlete, but becomes a trusted companion in your everyday decisions.
Two different models for different needs, but speaking the same language: intelligent training.
Forerunner 570: a multisport GPS for those who mean business
The Forerunner 570 is designed for runners and triathletes who train regularly and seriously. The most noticeable update? A bright AMOLED touchscreen, paired with Garmin’s signature 5-button layout—ensuring ease of use even in rough outdoor conditions.
Inside, the watch delivers a full suite of training insights: Training Status, Training Load, Performance Condition, VO2max, Running Power, wrist-based running dynamics, Acute Load, and the new Training Readiness score—which factors in your sleep, recovery, and recent activity to tell you, every morning, how ready you are to train.
Its training approach is adaptive: with Garmin Coach integration and daily suggested workouts, your training load is dynamically adjusted based on your body’s real-time feedback. This isn’t a rigid training plan—it’s a system that evolves with you.
Navigation is streamlined with features like Autolap for Timing Gates, letting you set virtual checkpoints to track your performance lap by lap. The Suggested Finish Line function trims your route to the finish if you forget to stop recording. And Race Time Prediction offers pace estimates based on your recent training sessions.
On the health and wellness front, the Forerunner 570 brings in advanced metrics like Body Battery, stress tracking, skin temperature (also useful for menstrual and ovulation tracking), heart rate variability (HRV), and respiration analysis via Pulse Ox.
Forerunner 970: when you need more
The Forerunner 970 is built for seasoned athletes who already use training data and want even more refined tools to keep progressing. Compared to the 570, it adds a built-in LED flashlight you can control directly from the screen—perfect for low-light runs or night sessions.
But the real differences lie in its performance metrics:
- Running Tolerance: suggests your optimal weekly mileage based on how much training stress your body can handle.
- Running Economy: evaluates your overall energy efficiency using data gathered from the optional HRM 600 chest strap.
- Pace Decrease on Ground Contact: measures how much you slow down when your foot hits the ground—great for biomechanical insights.
It also features premium materials—a titanium bezel and sapphire glass—and integrated full-color mapping with turn-by-turn directions and route suggestions (loop or out-and-back), based on your desired distance.
Though made for multisport use, the Forerunner 970 is a serious trail-running ally too, with multiband GPS accuracy, map support, and the flashlight—all crucial when you’re off the grid.
A complete ecosystem, right on your wrist
Both models include speakers and a microphone so you can answer calls from your watch (when connected to your phone), use voice commands, sync music from major streaming platforms, receive notifications, make contactless payments via Garmin Pay, and access safety features like LiveTrack and incident detection.
Also worth noting: the new Evening Report, which gives you a quick evening summary of your recovery, upcoming workouts, weather, and calendar—part of Garmin’s increasing focus on the full daily cycle of the athlete, not just isolated performance.
Availability and pricing
- Forerunner 570: available in two sizes (42 and 47 mm), with an aluminum bezel and multiple color options. MSRP: €549.99.
- Forerunner 970: one size (47 mm), with premium materials and built-in mapping. MSRP: €749.99.
Available starting May 21 on Garmin.com.
In short
Garmin continues its strategy of personalizing and specializing its training tools, offering two different—but complementary—watches. The Forerunner 570 is a high-level sportwatch that balances simplicity with powerful features. The Forerunner 970 is for advanced athletes looking for precision, deep planning, and detailed data analysis.
Two different tools to help you answer the same question—a question every runner asks at some point: am I doing everything I can to get better?
With these devices, the answer is: now you’ll know for sure.