The Best Garmin Watch for Weightlifting: Complete 2025 Guide

Ready to elevate your strength training with a smartwatch? If you’re wondering whether Garmin watches can track weightlifting and which model is the ultimate gym companion – you’re in the right place. Garmin’s fitness wearables aren’t just for runners; they come equipped with features tailor-made for strength training and weightlifting.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down Garmin’s weightlifting capabilities (yes, Garmin does track weight lifting!) and highlight the top Garmin watches that can help you crush your gym workouts. From automatic rep counting to custom strength workouts and muscle group tracking, we’ll reveal the best Garmin for weightlifting and how it can unlock your fitness potential.

Do Garmin Watches Track Weightlifting?

Absolutely – Garmin watches can track weightlifting and strength workouts. Most Garmin fitness watches include a built-in “Strength” training activity profile designed for gym workouts. When you start a Strength activity on your watch, it will count your reps, track sets, and even log rest times automatically.

How Garmin’s Strength Tracking Works

Here’s how it works in practice:

1. Automatic Rep Counting: As you perform an exercise, the watch’s motion sensors detect repetitions – after about 4 reps it will display a rep count on screen.

2. Set Logging: You press a button when you finish a set, and the watch records the number of reps and starts a rest timer.

3. Weight Entry: During rest, you can input the weight you lifted for that set. Garmin watches support weight entries up to 999 lbs or 453.5 kg, more than enough for the biggest lifts.

4. Rest Timer: Once you’re ready for the next set, simply hit the button to resume, and the device begins counting the next set of reps.

This cycle continues until you finish your workout, at which point you can save the session and review it in Garmin Connect. Garmin’s approach essentially turns the watch into a weightlifting tracker: it serves as a rep counter, set timer, and workout log on your wrist.

Muscle Group Visualization

In Garmin Connect (the companion app/website), your recorded strength workouts will show all the sets, reps, and weights you logged. Garmin Connect provides a “muscle map” visualization for strength sessions, highlighting which muscle groups you worked in that workout. Primary muscle groups show up in red and secondary muscles in yellow on a body diagram, giving you a quick overview of your training focus.

Exercise Recognition

Newer Garmin models even attempt to auto-detect the exercise you’re doing based on your movement patterns (e.g., it might recognize a bench press versus a bicep curl) and tag it in the workout summary. This exercise identification isn’t 100% perfect, but it’s a helpful feature – you can always correct the exercise names in Garmin Connect afterward if needed.

The real value is that by knowing which exercises you did, Garmin can generate that muscle group graphic and provide better insights into your training patterns.

Bottom line: Garmin watches do track weightlifting. They count your reps and sets, log your weights, and help time your rest periods – essentially functioning as a digital workout log on your wrist. And beyond just recording your session, the Garmin ecosystem adds extra insights (heart rate, training load, muscle groups worked, etc.) to give you a fuller picture of your effort.

What to Look for in the Best Garmin Watch for Weightlifting

Not all watches are created equal – even within Garmin’s lineup, some models are better suited for pumping iron. Here are key features and factors to consider when choosing the best Garmin watch for strength training:

✔️ Strength Training Activity Profile

Make sure the watch supports the Strength (or “Gym”) activity mode. Thankfully, most Garmin watches do – from high-end Fenix and Forerunner models down to mid-range and budget models, you’ll typically get the strength profile with rep counting and weight logging. This is essential for weightlifting tracking.

✔️ Ease of Use (Buttons vs Touchscreen)

In the middle of a tough lifting session, you don’t want fiddly controls. Physical buttons can be easier to operate with sweaty hands or workout gloves on. Many lifters prefer models like the Fenix or Forerunner series (which have buttons) over touchscreen-only models for this reason.

Touchscreens (like on Venu series or Vivoactive 5) are fine, but consider your personal preference – buttons can offer more tactile control when pausing a set or editing reps on the fly.

✔️ Display and Size

A clear, easy-to-read display helps when quickly glancing at your stats between sets. Larger watches (45mm+ cases) naturally have bigger screens to show your rep count and rest timer boldly. Some newer Garmin watches feature high-resolution AMOLED displays (e.g., Venu 3, Forerunner 965) which make on-screen text and even animated exercise demos crisp and readable.

However, larger watches like the Fenix 7/8 or 7X are quite bulky – if you have smaller wrists or find big watches get in the way during lifts, you might opt for a mid-size model or one of Garmin’s “S” variants (small versions).

✔️ Durability and Design

Weightlifting can be tough on a watch – you might bang it against a barbell or dumbbell accidentally. Garmin’s higher-end models (Fenix series, Instinct series) are known for their rugged build, scratch-resistant lenses, and sturdy straps, built to military-grade durability.

If you’re doing CrossFit, powerlifting, or any workouts where your watch might take a beating, a robust design (fiber-reinforced case, Gorilla Glass or Sapphire lens) is a big plus.

✔️ Heart Rate & Sensors

Garmin’s wrist heart rate monitor can track your heart rate during lifts, which contributes to calorie burn estimates and training load. Be aware that optical HR sensors on the wrist can struggle with rapid heart rate changes or tension from gripping weights.

If heart-rate accuracy during lifting is important to you, choose a model that allows pairing an external chest strap HRM (virtually all Garmin watches support ANT+ / Bluetooth chest straps).

✔️ Advanced Training Metrics

One reason you’d use a Garmin over a basic gym stopwatch is for the training insights it provides. Features like Training Load, Training Effect, Recovery Time, and Training Readiness can factor in your strength workouts in addition to cardio.

Garmin’s Training Readiness score (available on higher-end models) considers your sleep, recovery, and recent workouts – useful to gauge if you’re ready for that heavy leg day.

✔️ Workout Planning & Guidance

Garmin Connect allows you to create custom strength workouts or download premade routines. If you like following structured programs, look for watches that display on-screen workouts or animations. Garmin’s Venu series and newer Forerunners/Fenix support animated workout diagrams on the watch for strength, cardio, yoga, etc.

✔️ Battery Life

While weightlifting itself isn’t super demanding on battery (no GPS usage unless you combine with running), a good battery means you can wear the watch all day (and night) to track recovery, sleep, etc. Garmin watches are known for multi-day battery life. Even the AMOLED-screen models typically get 5-10+ days per charge, and the MIP-screen models (like Fenix or Instinct) can go weeks.

✔️ Connectivity and App Support

If you like using third-party fitness apps, consider Garmin’s Connect IQ ecosystem. All modern Garmins support Connect IQ apps, which means you can download specialty weightlifting apps or data fields to enhance your tracking.

Top 5 Garmin Watches for Weightlifting in 2025

When it comes to the best Garmin for weightlifting, a few standout models rise to the top. Here are our recommended Garmin watches for strength training, and why each one earned a spot:

1. Garmin Fenix 7 / 8 Series – Best Overall for Serious Lifters

Why It’s Great for Weightlifting: The Garmin Fenix series is Garmin’s flagship multisport watch, and it’s a beast in the gym. The Fenix 7 (and the newer Fenix 8) offer robust strength tracking features along with top-of-the-line durability.

With its large transflective display and five-button interface, the Fenix makes it easy to see and control your workout mid-lift. The strength training profile on the Fenix includes rep counting, one-button set marking, and weight entry just like other models.

But the Fenix stands out for its rugged build – you get a steel or titanium bezel, sapphire glass options, and 10 ATM water resistance, so you never have to baby it. If you accidentally whack your watch doing kettlebell cleans or bump it re-racking a barbell, the Fenix can shrug it off.

Beyond durability, the Fenix brings all of Garmin’s advanced training metrics to the table. It will factor your lifting sessions into your Training Load and recovery time. And if you also do running, cycling, hiking, or any other activities, the Fenix excels – it’s truly an all-in-one device for multisport.

Strength Training Highlights on Fenix:

• Large memory capacity to store many workouts
• Compatibility with Connect IQ apps
• On-watch workout animations for strength exercises (on Fenix 7/8 Pro models)
• High-end heart rate sensor and support for external HR straps
• Fantastic battery life (often 1–2 weeks per charge)

Considerations: The Fenix is pricey (especially the newest Fenix 8 models) and fairly bulky on the wrist. If you have very slender wrists, you might consider the smaller Fenix 7S/8S variant.

Key Specs (Fenix 7 Standard edition): 47mm case, ~1.3” MIP display (always-on), up to 18 days battery (Smartwatch mode), GPS + multi-band, 10 ATM water resistance, Strength, Cardio, HIIT and dozens of sports profiles, full Garmin training metrics suite, metal bezel, 24/7 health monitoring.

2. Garmin Forerunner 965 (or 265) – Best for Running and Lifting

Why It’s Great for Running & Lifting: The Forerunner 965 is essentially a runner’s dream watch (with advanced GPS, training analytics, and a bright AMOLED display) that also packs the full Garmin strength training feature set. It’s lighter and slimmer than a Fenix (titanium/polymer build), making it comfortable for high-movement activities and everyday wear.

In the gym, the FR965’s 1.4” AMOLED touch screen and 5 buttons give you dual control options – you can swipe if your hands are free or use buttons when they’re sweaty. Like all newer Garmins, it will count your reps, let you log sets, and time your rests in Strength mode.

The Forerunner’s Training Readiness and recovery tools can help lifters decide when to push hard or when to back off, by analyzing your strain (including from lifting) and sleep quality.

The slightly cheaper Forerunner 265 is also a great choice for the gym. It has a bit smaller display and lacks some of the mapping features of the 965, but for gym purposes those aren’t needed. The FR265 still has the AMOLED screen, strength profiles, and it’s a bit more affordable.

Strength Training Highlights on Forerunner:

• Auto rep counting (users rate as fairly accurate, though not flawless)
• Ability to detect common exercises
• All the post-workout analysis in Garmin Connect including muscle maps
• Training load focus feature categorizes workouts into low aerobic, high aerobic, and anaerobic
• Full Garmin Connect IQ support

Considerations: While the Forerunner 965 is premium (around $600), the 265 comes in around $450, and there are even more budget-friendly older Forerunners (like FR255 or FR245) that support strength training too.

3. Garmin Venu 3 – Best for Gym-Focused Workouts and Lifestyle

Why It’s Great for Weightlifting: The Venu 3 comes with 30+ built-in sports apps, including Strength, HIIT, cardio, Pilates, etc., and it specifically shines for gym workouts. One of its hallmark features is the library of animated on-screen workouts.

When you start a strength workout (either a preloaded routine or one you created in Garmin Connect), the Venu 3 will actually display a small animation of the exercise right on your wrist. This is super handy if you’re not 100% sure about exercise form or just as a reminder of what move comes next.

Aside from animations, the Venu 3 has all the core Garmin strength-tracking features: rep counting, set logging, weight entry, auto rest timer. Its touchscreen makes editing reps or weight easy – just tap and adjust – but importantly, the Venu 3 also has two side buttons that you can use to lap/end sets, so you don’t rely solely on touch.

The display is large (available in 45mm size) and very clear, so reading your stats mid-workout is a breeze. During a strength exercise, you can swipe through multiple data screens on the Venu: one shows your current set’s reps (with a progress arc) and heart rate, another shows total workout time and total reps so far, another shows heart rate zones, etc.

Beyond the gym, the Venu 3 is a full-featured health smartwatch. It offers things like advanced sleep tracking with sleep coach, nap detection, all-day stress tracking, and even a new Body Battery improvement that gauges how workouts have drained or charged you.

Garmin has also rolled out Garmin Coach strength training plans, which the Venu 3 fully supports. These are adaptive training plans focused on strength (e.g., programs to build muscle or get stronger), delivering scheduled workouts to your watch.

Considerations: The Venu 3 is positioned as a lifestyle watch, so it doesn’t have some of the hardcore athlete features of Fenix/Forerunner (for example, no onboard mapping or triathlon mode). If you prefer a smaller size, there’s the Venu 3S (41mm) – easier for small wrists, though you get slightly shorter battery life.

4. Garmin Instinct 2/3 Series – Best Rugged Budget Option

Why It’s Great for Weightlifting: The Instinct is Garmin’s rugged outdoorsy smartwatch – think of it as the G-Shock of Garmin watches – but it quietly has all the essential Garmin fitness features, including strength tracking.

The Instinct might not have a fancy color screen (it’s a monochrome display) and it doesn’t show pretty muscle maps on the watch itself, but it does include the Strength activity profile with rep counting and set tracking. So functionally, it can log your weightlifting workouts similar to other models.

The appeal of the Instinct is its ultra-rugged build (thermal, shock, and water resistant to MIL-STD standards) and exceptional battery life. If you’re the type who might wear your watch from the weight room to the wilderness, the Instinct can handle it.

For gym usage, the Instinct’s screen is basic but high-contrast, which is actually very easy to read under bright gym lighting. It also uses physical buttons (no touch), which as discussed can be handy for mid-lift operation.

The Instinct 2 series introduced multiple sizes and even solar-charging models – meaning some Instinct versions can go weeks without charging, even with regular use.

Considerations: Because the display is simple and small, the Instinct’s interface for strength training is more bare-bones. It will show your rep count and set number, but it may not display as much detailed data at once as a Forerunner or Venu does. However, once you sync to Garmin Connect, your strength activity from the Instinct will show the full details (including the muscle map and exercise stats) in the app or web.

The Instinct lacks some of the advanced recovery metrics like Training Readiness (at least in Instinct 2; the Instinct 3 introduced HRV Status). It’s also generally more affordable – the Instinct 2 started around $349 (often on sale for less), and it’s likely the Instinct 3 comes in under $400.

5. Garmin Vivoactive 5 / Venu Sq 2 – Best Budget Garmin for Weightlifting

Why They’re Great for Weightlifting (Budget POV): On a tighter budget? Don’t worry – you don’t need to spend a fortune to get Garmin’s strength tracking. Two affordable options stand out: the Garmin Vivoactive 5 and the Garmin Venu Sq 2. These watches cost around $250–$300 and still pack the essential features for gym lovers.

Garmin Vivoactive 5: Launched in late 2023, the Vivoactive 5 is essentially a “mini Venu.” It has a bright AMOLED display and all-day health tracking, but at a lower price point. For weightlifting, the Vivoactive 5 has the Strength activity profile with rep counting, just like its higher-end cousins.

It might lack some advanced metrics (no Training Readiness or HRV status on the Vivoactive line), but if you primarily want to log workouts, monitor heart rate, and see your stats in Garmin Connect, the VA5 delivers. It’s lightweight and comfortable, with a battery life up to 11 days.

Garmin Venu Sq 2: This is a square-shaped, budget-friendly Garmin that also has an AMOLED display. The Venu Sq 2 has the Strength mode with rep counting, and an impressive battery life (up to 10 days) for its class. It doesn’t show animated workouts on the device, but you can still follow structured workouts on it (it will list the exercise names and reps).

Both these watches prove you don’t need to pay top dollar for the core Garmin experience. You get the same Garmin Connect ecosystem, meaning once you sync your gym workouts, you can analyze total weights, see muscle maps, and keep a history of your lifting progress.

Considerations: These budget models are smaller and lighter, which some folks prefer in the gym so the watch doesn’t get in the way. They might miss some bells and whistles, but they give you simple but effective strength tracking, plus you still benefit from Garmin’s reliability and GPS.

Pro Tips: Getting the Most Out of Your Garmin for Strength Training

Even the best device won’t replace hard work in the gym – but it can make your training smarter. Here are some tips and frequently asked questions on using Garmin for weightlifting:

How do I track my gym workouts on a Garmin watch?

To track a weightlifting session, simply select the Strength activity on your Garmin watch, hit start, and begin your set. The watch will count reps automatically (try to maintain consistent form so the accelerometer can detect the motion). When you finish the set, press the Lap/Set button to end the set – the watch will show the rep count it tallied and allow you to edit reps or add the weight you lifted.

Adjust if needed (e.g., if it missed a rep or counted an extra, you can fix it), input the weight, then press the confirmation to log that set. The rest timer will start counting up (or down, if you have a predefined rest). Catch your breath, then when you’re ready, press the button to start the next set.

Repeat this for each set/exercise. If you have a structured workout downloaded, the watch will guide you exercise by exercise. If you’re doing a freestyle workout, you can just keep hitting lap for each new set. When done, end and save the activity.

Later, in Garmin Connect, you’ll see the full breakdown: each exercise (if recognized or if you input names), number of sets, reps, weight per set, total volume lifted, and even a muscle heatmap.

Does Garmin automatically know what exercise I’m doing?

It tries to. Garmin’s rep counting algorithm will also make a guess at the exercise type (there’s an exercise list of dozens of common moves it recognizes). If you perform the exercise with a distinct motion and complete a full set, the watch might label it (e.g., “Push-ups” or “Deadlifts”) in Garmin Connect.

However, it’s not foolproof. You can edit the exercises after the fact in Garmin Connect (simply tap the set and choose the correct exercise from the list). By doing so, you’ll get accurate muscle maps and exercise history. Consider exercise auto-detect a helpful guess, not gospel.

Can I create my own lifting workouts in Garmin Connect?

Yes! Garmin Connect has a powerful Workout Builder feature. You can create a custom strength workout routine step-by-step: choose an exercise (from a large library of lifts and movements), set target reps (or duration for things like planks), and add it to the sequence. You can group exercises into “Rounds” (circuits or supersets) and specify rest periods, etc.

Once you build your routine (say, “Leg Day Workout” with squat sets, lunges, leg curls, etc.), you save it and send it to your watch. Next time you go to do that workout, just select it on the watch (usually under the Workouts menu within Strength) and start. The watch will walk you through it in real time – telling you what exercise to do, auto-counting the reps, and moving to the next step when you’re done.

What is Garmin Coach for Strength?

Garmin Coach was originally known for training plans for running (5K, half-marathon, etc.), but Garmin has introduced Coach plans for Strength Training as well. These are adaptive plans in Garmin Connect that cater to goals like building strength or muscle over a period of weeks.

When you sign up for a Strength plan, you’ll get coached workouts scheduled on your calendar, and these sync to your watch just like running workouts do. The plans adjust based on your feedback and performance. Garmin’s support says that Coach strength plans give “a variety of options for increasing strength, building muscle or getting fitter.”

To use it, open Garmin Connect (mobile app), go to Training > Training Plans > Find a Plan, and look for Strength plans (if available in your region).

Tips for improving rep counting accuracy

Garmin’s rep counting works best with controlled, consistent reps. Tips to get better counts:

• Wear the watch on your dominant arm (if possible) for exercises where that arm moves
• For exercises like barbell squats, your wrist might not move much – consider inputting those sets manually
• For exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, curls, etc., ensure you have a full range of motion
• Partial reps or very fast reps might not register cleanly
• Start and stop sets properly: only start the set on the watch when you are about to begin the exercise, and stop it immediately when you finish

Over time, you’ll learn which movements need manual tweaks. The good news is you can always correct the record afterward, and the system will still capture your effort.

Is a Garmin Worth It for Weightlifting?

This ultimately depends on your goals and personality. There is a camp of experienced lifters who feel no smartwatch is truly “needed” for strength training, and they treat it as a “glorified stopwatch” in the gym. They argue that tracking weight and reps for progressive overload is better done with pen and paper or a dedicated app.

However, there are also many who love what Garmin brings to their training. If you appreciate data, a Garmin can quantify aspects of your workout that a notebook can’t – like how elevated your heart rate got during a high-rep squat set, or how much recovery stress your body is under.

It can be motivating to close activity rings, hit calorie burn goals, or simply see a record of consistent workouts in Connect. Some users credit their Garmin with keeping them accountable to do cardio alongside lifting – for example, seeing low aerobic load might encourage a lifter to add some conditioning.

And features like training readiness and HRV can clue you in if your nervous system is fried from heavy training, prompting a light day. It’s these holistic health insights where Garmin shines for a strength athlete: you get feedback on sleep quality, stress, and overall load, which can inform how you plan your lifting sessions.

Plus, for anyone who mixes modalities (running + lifting, CrossFit, HIIT, sports, etc.), a Garmin watch provides a unified way to track everything.

So, is it worth it? If you’re a data-driven person or you enjoy tech, a Garmin will feel worth it. If you just want to simplify tracking of your workouts, it’s arguably easier to hit a button on your wrist than carry a notebook around – once you get used to it, it’s quite seamless to log a workout with Garmin, and you’ll have a digital history automatically stored.

Many find that a Garmin watch “adds little to your strength training performance, but adds to your overall health.” It won’t substitute thoughtful programming or effort, but it will give you trends and data that can enhance your training experience and keep you engaged.

Conclusion: Which Garmin Watch Reigns Supreme for Weightlifters?

After reviewing all these options, which is the best Garmin for weightlifting? If we have to pick one, we’d say the Garmin Fenix (7/8) series is the top dog for serious weightlifters who want maximum durability and features – it’s a watch that can handle hardcore training and everything else.

However, the “best” really depends on you:

• If you’re a runner who also lifts: The Forerunner 965/265 might suit you better, integrating running prowess with gym tracking seamlessly.
• If you’re focused on gym workouts and want a modern, user-friendly smartwatch: The Venu 3 will likely make you happiest with its animations and sleek design.
• On a budget? The Vivoactive 5 or Venu Sq 2 will cover your needs without breaking the bank, proving you can get fit and strong with a modest investment.
• Need hardcore ruggedness? The Instinct 3 has your back (and your biceps), ready for any beating you throw at it.

No matter which Garmin you choose, you’ll be getting a reliable partner for your strength training journey. Garmin watches not only track your weightlifting workouts (recording sets, reps, and weight), but also help you understand how those workouts fit into your broader fitness picture – from recovery and rest to cardio health and beyond.

With features like strength workout guidance, muscle maps, and performance metrics, Garmin has truly stepped up its game for gym-goers. And with new improvements like Garmin Coach strength plans, the ecosystem is only getting better for those looking to build muscle and strength.

So, strap on that Garmin, chalk up your hands, and get lifting! You’ll have the data to prove your progress and the motivation of seeing your numbers climb – whether it’s more reps, heavier weight, or just consistent effort week after week. The best Garmin for weightlifting is the one that gets you excited to track your workouts and push a little harder.

Now it’s time to hit the iron and let technology spot you towards new personal records. 💪⌚