The Casio GBD-200 is the perfect low-EMF fitness tracking watch and one of the best in this category for those who want to avoid constant Bluetooth or GPS connectivity and are not interested in having a ‘smart watch’. The Casio GBD-200 allows you to track your workouts and offers the option to sync with your phone’s GPS for more accurate step counting, distance, and pace tracking. However, you can also choose when or even if, you would like to sync data with the Casio Move app.
Having the ability to turn off Bluetooth prevents unnecessary EMF exposure and battery drain, making it a great low-EMF fitness tracking watch for both outdoor workouts and home gym use. Plus, you won’t need to worry about frequent charging with two years of battery life with moderate use.
Key Low-EMF Features of the Casio GBD-200
Minimal Wireless Use: The Casio GBD-200 stands out as a low-EMF fitness tracking watch because it avoids the heavy reliance on continuous wireless technologies and is built with a focus on simplicity and functionality. It primarily uses minimal radio signals for syncing time and workout data, which reduces its overall EMF output. While it’s not entirely free from electromagnetic fields (as most electronic devices aren’t), its design significantly reduces the exposure compared to most smartwatches or fitness trackers.
Connection-free fitness tracking: The Casio GBD-200 has a simpler design focused on basic fitness tracking (steps, calories burned, etc.) and is optimized for sporadic GPS use, mainly when needed for specific workout tracking or route mapping. It doesn’t continuously track heart rate or require real-time GPS syncing.
According to Casio, “Step counting is accomplished with an accelerometer and Casio’s proprietary algorithm delivers highly accurate distance and pace measurements. Distance adjustment is also possible pairing with a smartphone’s GPS. After adjustments are made, the watch can measure walking and running distance more accurately, even without needing to be connected to your phone”.
Airplane mode: When not syncing workout data or using GPS mode for GPS tracked runs, you are able to put the watch into Airplane mode to stop wireless communication and prolong your battery life. This is a fantastic and unique feature compared with other smart watches and fitness trackers giving you full control over the syncing of your data.
Bluetooth optional: The GBD-200 only uses Bluetooth to sync data (e.g., activity, step counts, etc.) with the Casio Move app if and when you choose to, or if you decide to use GPS pairing. You also have full functionality without needing the app if you are mainly interested in just using the watch itself.
Useful features of the Casio GBD-200 for the Gym:
The Casio GBD-200 is a great low-emf fitness tracking watch for gym-goers thanks to its combination of fitness-focused features and durable design. Here are the key features that make it useful for workouts and fitness tracking:
Workout Mode: Especially useful for running or walking. It measures your split time, distance, pace, calories and cadence. You can also pair it with the Casio Move app on your phone and use GPS for more detailed tracking and analysis which is great for those more serious runners that require increased accuracy.
Step Tracker: The GBD-200 has a built-in pedometer, great for tracking your overall daily activity levels, including how much walking or running you did. You can also set step targets which help you stay on top of your fitness goals.
Interval Timer: The GBD-200 offers a multi-timer with the ability to set up to five different time settings including Auto-Repeat and Auto-Start function. This a useful feature for interval training, CrossFit or High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workouts.
Timekeeping & Stopwatch: The stopwatch and timer functions are useful during timed intervals or circuit training, making it easier to track your rest periods and workout times. It also has multiple alarms to remind you of important workout times. And even just using the basic time feature can also be useful to check rest times between sets.
Activity Tracking: Tracks various activities, such as walking and running and can provide real-time data like distance, time, pace and calories burned.
Activity Log: Logs your workout data and is able to store 100 workouts, making it useful for tracking progress over time and adjusting your workout routine.
Bluetooth Connectivity: Pairs with the Casio Move app, which lets you sync your fitness data to your smartphone for more detailed tracking and analysis. You can view graphs, trends, and your workout history through the app, helping you stay motivated and focused on progress.
GPS Functionality: Includes GPS functionality (through smartphone pairing), so you can track your running or cycling routes more accurately if you choose to do so. Useful if you want greater accuracy for outdoor workouts like running or hiking.
Rugged, Durable Design: Casio G-SHOCK series of watches are known for their durability and toughness. Built to withstand shocks, vibrations, and extreme conditions, which makes it a reliable watch that can survive tough workouts and outdoor adventures.
Water Resistance: 200-meter water resistance rating handles sweat, rain, and even swimming. It is a great option for surfers and swimmers as well as anyone who works out in intense conditions.
Long Battery Life: Since it doesn’t rely on continuous wireless communication or high-power sensors, the CR2032 battery can last approximately two years before needing to be replaced, depending on usage. You won’t have to worry about constantly recharging it like your typical ‘smart watch’, even during long workout sessions.
Customizable Display: Customize the watch’s display to show the most relevant data for your workout, such as your step count, lap times, distance, split time & pace or split time, speed and calories. This makes it easy to glance at the watch and stay on top of your performance.
Simplicity and User Control: The Casio GBD-200 low-emf fitness tracking watch keeps things simple and easy to use with a digital interface and traditional button controls, avoiding complex touchscreen interfaces or constant software updates.
GBD-200 low-EMF fitness tracking watch colors
- Black
- Blue
- Burning Red
- Gray
- Lime Green
- Black / Glow straps
- Transparent Purple
- Transparent Orange
Conclusion
The Casio GBD-200 is designed with the active person in mind, offering a balance of fitness tracking, rugged durability, 200m water resistance and essential gym-related features. The point of difference with the Casio G Shock GBD-200 is that constant wireless connections are not needed and after calibrating a few GPS runs you can still get accurate distance and pace data from your watch.
In conclusion, the Casio GBD-200 is an excellent low-emf fitness tracking watch for runners and fitness enthusiasts who want to avoid higher EMF exposure but still enjoy essential fitness tracking features. Its combination of simplicity, durability, and low EMF make it a top contender in the world of fitness watches, especially for those who prefer a more minimalist, simplistic and EMF-conscious approach to tracking their health.