Thanks to the explosive growth of fitness trackers, the days of guessing how many calories you burned during a workout are gone. However, not all fitness trackers are the same. Before you buy your tracker, you need to carefully consider what features you need so that the tracker doesn’t become an obsolete piece of fitness equipment.
1. Durability
Think about your exercise habits before you select a fitness tracker. If you walk around your neighborhood for exercise, you probably don’t need a durable tracker that can survive hours in the pool. However, if your weekends are spent climbing mountains, swimming in the ocean, or participating in triathlons, you need an extra-durable fitness tracker. If there’s any chance that your tracker could become immersed in water, don’t settle for a tracker that’s only water-resistant; you need a tracker that is waterproof.
2. Smartphone or Computer Integration
Although some fitness trackers include a screen for displaying information, the small screen may make it difficult to get the full picture of your statistics. You can get a more in-depth look at your information by using a tracker that includes smartphone or computer integration. Some extra features may come with smartphone integration, including receiving notifications about your statistics. You’ll need to select a tracker that works with your phone’s or computer’s operating system.
3. Comfort and Design
To take advantage of all of the features of your fitness tracker, you’ll probably want to wear it at all times, even when you’re not exercising. This allows the tracker to monitor a number of statistics, including how many steps you take and your sleep habits. A fitness tracker that fits awkwardly will probably not get used often. Some trackers can only be worn on your wrist; others may allow you to change how you wear them. You may be able to clip the tracker to your shirt or wear it around your neck.
4. Accuracy
Fitness trackers use a number of different mechanics to track your activity levels. Most fitness trackers rely on an accelerometer to detect your movement. Trackers may also use gyroscopes and altimeters to further develop a picture of your activity levels. However, you may get different results doing the same exercise while wearing different fitness trackers. If accuracy is a priority to you, a tracker with a built-in GPS can add another level of precision.
5. Tracking Modes
Some fitness trackers can monitor more than just your activity levels. Heart rate monitors and sleep trackers are common optional tracking modes. A heart rate monitor is a good feature for those who want to ensure that they are maximizing their workout by maintaining a particular heart rate. If you’re troubled by poor sleep or just interested in learning more about your sleeping habits, a sleep tracker can give you interesting statistics about how long and how deeply you sleep on an average night.
Fitness trackers offer you a new way to track your health goals. As you research potential trackers, consider your needs carefully so that you end up with a tracker you will enjoy using for years.
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