[DigitalToday reporter Suk Dae-geon] Samsung Electronics is upgrading an integrated health solution for runners by combining 14 years of accumulated Samsung Health data with precision sensors in the Galaxy Watch. It is a comprehensive platform that goes beyond simple record measurement to cover posture analysis, heart rate tracking and recovery management. A key feature is that it lets everyday runners use professional metrics used by top marathon athletes in an intuitive way.

Samsung Electronics held a media briefing on May 14 titled "Running with Galaxy Watch and Samsung Health" and introduced running features and how to use them. At the briefing, Choi Jun-il (최준일), an executive director in the Digital Health Team at Samsung Electronics' MX Business, explained overall running features of the Galaxy Watch and Samsung Health. Former national team marathon runner Kwon Eun-ju (권은주), now a coach, shared practical tips for use.

According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's "2025 National Sports Participation Survey," the domestic running participation rate rose to 7.7 percent in 2025 from 4.8 percent in 2024, up about 60 percent in a year. Gallup Korea data also showed the adult smartwatch usage rate climbed to 33 percent in 2024 to 2025 from 12 percent in 2020, expanding demand for data-driven running. Within Samsung Health, running is the exercise category with the highest usage rate.

Samsung Health began in 2012 as "S Health." Early on it focused on basic tracking and GPS route recording, but in 2018 it combined with the Galaxy Watch to support real-time pace guidance and strengthen wearable tracking functions. In 2020 it introduced six running posture analysis features for the first time in the world. In 2021 it added the BioActive sensor to the Galaxy Watch, enabling integrated measurement of blood pressure, electrocardiogram and blood oxygen level.

◆Executive Director Choi Jun-il: "We aim to be a health partner that helps users understand their bodies beyond records"

Samsung Electronics has also operated a "Running Coach" service since 2025 that suggests a pace tailored to an individual's fitness level. If a user measures endurance and pace through a 12-minute run test, the system automatically assigns a running level from 1 to 10. It then suggests training matched to the user's level from about 160 professional programs, ranging from basic fitness improvement to high-intensity training. After training, it also provides insights that users can refer to for their recovery status.

Coach Kwon, a former national team marathon runner who participated directly in developing the Running Coach program, explained that "real-time voice guidance prevents overpacing and provides schedules suited to runners in busy daily lives, making it an optimized running partner for individuals." She added, "With stage-by-stage analysis during sleep or blood oxygen level, users can objectively gauge fatigue from the previous day's training, which can prevent injuries or stress fractures from excessive running."

Samsung Health also covers recovery and total care after running. It provides an "energy score" that suggests rest based on the day's condition, as well as daily indicators such as sleep, mental health and nutritional status.

Choi, executive director in the Digital Health Team at Samsung Electronics' MX Business, said, "Samsung Health is a service that has grown over the past 14 years while breathing alongside global users," adding, "We will continue to be a reliable health partner so runners can understand their bodies, rather than being tied to simple records, and find balance for a healthy life."