If you need an step up from your Forerunner 205, but want to stay within the product line, you should think about the Garmin Forerunner 305. One of the 305′s best features is it’s sensitive internal GPS receiver, as well as an antenna which encompasses part of your wrist to better access satellite signals. These details make it easier to keep up an accurate flow of information to your Garmin Forerunner 305, even when jogging under trees or tall buildings which may otherwise break up the signal. You’ll also discover that the internal GPS makes the Forerunner 305 very easy to carry, unlike some systems that make you wear a separate GPS. A step up from the Forerunner 205, the 305 includes a superior heart rate monitor that empowers you to record and compare current and preceding data. This information can then be uploaded onto your computer for a viewable progress display.

There are quite a few advantages to be gained from using the Garmin Forerunner 305 during your workout program. You can use the Garmin Training Center software included with your 305 to plot out your exercise courses and compare your speed and heart rate progress from past runs to your current one. You could even compete against yourself with the Virtual Opponent application, so you can work to conquer your own times and challenge yourself. You can evaluate how you’re doing in comparison to previous exercises on the easy-to-read display, giving you comprehensive knowledge of your progress and level of improvement.

You may even get a ton of accessories to boost your workout potential, like cadence sensors, foot pads and wireless components to free up your equipment and make things even lighter. The foot pad is optimal for people who may need to exercise indoors, but would still like to follow their heart rate data and progress. You can use the cadence sensor when you’re riding your bicycle to track your progress without the desire for GPS; there’s even a feature to let you know if you’re cycling too quickly or too slowly for your predetermined rates, warning you so you can keep up.

The Forerunner 305 improves on the 205 model with the addition of heart rate alerts you can make for yourself. This will provide you the ability to reach a certain heart rate that you are exerting for, especially with the ebb and flow of your routine. When you are outside these preset limits (over or under), the Forerunner 305 will notify you.

A charging station/docking cradle accompanies the unit, allowing you to either upload your workout records to a computer for evaluation or to recharge the unit before your next workout.