Wearable technology has several advantages, not the least of which is the ability to precisely track fitness levels. Additionally, if you’re going to put in the effort, you need a piece of equipment that can withstand the strain of your workout. Which device matches your lifestyle the best?
How Do I Choose a Fitness Tracker?
What exactly you want this device to do is something that you need to consider carefully.
Accuracy
If you sit for too long, some devices will tell you to get up and move. They don’t know if you’re at your desk, where that advice would be useful, or if you’re at a conference, where it wouldn’t be.
Stress, for example, is difficult to quantify. The stress metrics — increased respiration, changes in heart rate variability, and increased body temperature can be the same changes induced by laughter.
Sleep Tracking
Some devices can show you when you are awake, and when you are asleep, and how much time was spent in each stage of sleep. Many have a spo2 sensor, resting heart rate, and skin temperature sensor, therefore allowing you to make adjustments to aid in increasing the amount of sleep you might get each night.
What are the differences between a fitness tracker and a smart watch?
A fitness tracker is a device that records data about your health and fitness. It records data such as heart rate, steps taken, calories burned, and hours slept. A smartwatch can perform all of the functions of a fitness tracker, plus it can run apps, play music, send and receive texts, and has a speaker and microphone for phone calls. Also, fitness trackers “usually” have a longer battery life.
Will I need to carry a phone with a fitness tracker?
No, many fitness trackers can be used in the absence of a smartphone. It’s useful to have a smartphone, tablet, or laptop to sync your data on your fitness tracker app or account, but you don’t need it to use the tracker. One thing is that many fitness trackers will require the app on your phone to connect with GPS, but not all.
Which devices are the best to purchase?
The answer is completely dependent on your wants or needs. While there are many to choose from, here are a few that are worth looking into and making comparisons, but this is by no means a complete list, nor in any particular order.
- Fitbit – https://www.fitbit.com/global/us/home
- Whoop – https://www.whoop.com/
- Garmin – https://www.garmin.com/en-US/c/sports-fitness/activity-fitness-trackers/
- XIAOMI – https://www.mi.com/global/product/xiaomi-smart-band-7-pro/
- Apple watches – https://www.apple.com/watch/
- Amazon Halo Band – https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Halo-Fitness-And-Health-Band/dp/B07QK955LS
- Wahoo – https://www.wahoofitness.com/
- Withings – https://www.withings.com/us/en/scanwatch
- Oura Ring – https://ouraring.com/
- Samsung – https://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/wearables/smart-fitness-bands/
- Amazfit – https://us.amazfit.com/