Functional fitness is built for tracking. Splits, heart rate, rounds and rest times are half the point. But it is also one of the roughest places to wear a smartwatch. Here is where watches get damaged in the gym, and how to keep yours on and tracking.
Where watches get damaged
- Kettlebells. Cleans, snatches and the rack position put the bell right on the back of your wrist, where your watch sits.
- Barbells. Front rack, cleans and dropped bars all bring steel close to your watch face.
- Burpees and wall balls. Hands slam into the floor and the wall, over and over, against a time cap.
- Rope climbs, sleds and carries. Ropes and handles scrape across the band and screen.
Why not just take it off?
Because the data is the point. In a timed workout or a race simulation you want your splits, your heart rate and your total time. Taking the watch off means losing the session you worked hardest for.
What to look for in a cover
- Real padding over the screen, not just a thin case. Impact Band uses D3O®, which stays soft while you move and hardens on impact.
- A way to check your stats. Between stations you need to see your time without pulling anything off.
- Coverage over the band, where kettlebells and ropes do a lot of the damage.
- Washable. Gym sweat adds up fast.
The QB: built for training
The QB slides over your watch and band. A padded flap covers the screen and flips open so you can check your time between rounds, then closes again. It comes in S/M, M and L, the widest fit range we make. If you also play a contact sport, pair it with The Band for game day in The Bundle.
Getting the fit right
Pick your size by wrist measurement, not by watch model. Bands run snug, so size up if you are between sizes or wear a large watch. See the size guide.
Own a gym or run a box?
We make custom bands with your gym logo for members, coaches and competition teams. Get a quote.
Keep your splits, keep your screen. See Impact Band for CrossFit, HYROX and the gym.
