What’s the difference between the Gymboss Classic, Plus, Charge, and miniMAX?

The Classic times 1 or 2 intervals and can repeat or cycle through them — ideal for indoor interval training, Tabata, or timing rest between weightlifting sets. The Plus has identical functionality to the Classic but with a louder beep and more water resistance, making it better suited for outdoor use, including running in rain or humid climates. The Charge also matches the Classic and Plus in functionality but has the loudest alarm of the four models and runs on an internal rechargeable battery instead of a single AAA battery. The miniMAX is the most advanced model: it can time up to 25 different intervals, repeat individual intervals or groups within a sequence, and save up to 20 programs for future use. The miniMAX is built for complex HIIT programs with many different interval lengths, but please note the miniMAX is more advanced and therefore there is a steeper learning curve on how to set up programs. Reading the full instructions is a must!

Which Gymboss model is right for runners?

The Plus or Charge models are built for this — they have the same interval functionality as the Classic but with a louder beep and better water resistance, so they hold up running in rain or humid conditions. 

Which Gymboss model is right for HIIT?

This depends on how many different intervals you need. If you only have 2 different intervals, such as “45 seconds on, 15 seconds off” or “30 seconds on, 30 seconds off” etc then the Classic, Plus or Charge model will work great for you. If you are doing a more advanced program that has 3 or more different intervals, such as for example “40 seconds squats,  20 seconds mountain climbers, 60 seconds rest, 30 seconds high knees, 30 seconds push ups” then you will need the miniMAX model, as in this example there are 5 different intervals. Again, the miniMAX is more advanced and therefore there is a steeper learning curve on how to set up programs. We do not recommend the miniMAX unless it is absolutely necessary.

Which Gymboss model is right for advanced interval programs?

The miniMAX, since it’s the only model that times up to 25 different intervals and lets you repeat individual intervals or groups of intervals within a sequence — useful for program structures more complex than a simple work/rest cycle. It also saves up to 20 programs, so you’re not reprogramming intervals before every workout. Again, the miniMAX is more advanced and therefore there is a steeper learning curve on how to set up programs, it is not recommended unless necessary. 

Which Gymboss model is best for weightlifting and rest-between-sets timing?

The Classic covers this well — it’s designed for timing 1 or 2 intervals, which is exactly the work/rest structure most lifters need between sets.

Can I use a Gymboss timer for things other than workouts?

Yes — many customers use Gymboss timers for cooking (timing one or multiple dishes) and productivity techniques like the Pomodoro method or timing bites of food for people who have had gastric bypass surgery, since the interval/repeat function works the same way regardless of activity.

What is the Gymboss warranty?

Gymboss offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects. Full details are on the Gymboss Guarantee section of the Returns page.

How do I request a refund or replacement under the Gymboss Guarantee?

We offer a 30 day money back guarantee and a 1 year warranty against defects. Please see “Gymboss Guarantee” on the Returns Page for further details.

Are any Gymboss models waterproof?

No model is waterproof, and none should be submerged. The Plus and Charge are water and sweat resistant and can be used outside — for example, running in the rain. However keep in mind this is a piece of electronic equipment and it is always best to not get it wet at all.

What kind of battery does each Gymboss model use?

The Classic, Plus, and miniMAX run on a single AAA battery. The Charge is the exception — it uses an internal rechargeable battery instead.

I’m not sure which Gymboss model to buy — how do I decide?

It depends mainly on two things: where you’ll use it, and how complex your interval needs are. For indoor use with 1-2 simple intervals (lifting, basic HIIT or Tabata), the Classic covers it. For outdoor use, especially running in rain or humidity, choose the Plus for its louder beep and better water resistance, or the Charge if you also want the loudest alarm and a rechargeable battery instead of AAA. For advanced or highly variable interval sequences — up to 25 intervals with the ability to save 20 programs — the miniMAX is the only model built for that but does have a much higher learning curve to learn how to use.

Will the Watchstrap work with my timer?

Yes — the Watchstrap is compatible with all four models: Classic, Plus, Charge, and miniMAX.

Where can I buy Gymboss accessories like the Watchstrap?

You can buy accessories on our shop page here!

Will the miniMAX keep my saved programs after a battery change or reboot?

Yes — saved programs are retained through a battery change or reboot.

How many programs can I save on the miniMAX?

Up to 20 programs can be saved for future use. You can save five programs per mode (1 INT, 2 INT, 3+ INT, MULTI).

Can I save programs on the Classic, Plus or Charge?

No. However every time you turn the timer on it always defaults to the last program used.