Whether you are looking to get fit, improve your health, or just want a stylish accessory, a fitness tracker you wear can be an excellent choice. These devices can help you achieve your goals by tracking things like steps, sleep and heart rate, and giving you helpful data to tweak your habits.
If you are new to fitness trackers, it is important to consider the features that are most important for you. This will determine what type of device you should invest in.
Waterproofing – It is best to get a tracker that is waterproof, especially if you are planning to do exercise outside or in the pool. If you plan to swim, look for a tracker that is IPX8-rated (which means it can withstand immersion up to three meters).
Comfortable – You want your fitness tracker to be comfortable to wear and easy to use. You don’t want it to feel bulky or awkward, so try to choose a model that’s slim, fits your wrist comfortably and has good battery life.
Screen – You will want to see the information that your tracker displays, so make sure you choose a device with a bright and high-resolution display. This will allow you to easily read the numbers and symbols when you’re working out, or when you are trying to monitor your progress during a workout.
Personalized Goals – If you are trying to lose weight, you will want a tracker that can give you individual goals. Some of these goals will be based on calorie goals, while others will be based on activity levels. This will help you keep your eye on the prize and keep you motivated to stick to a healthy regimen.
Heart Rate – Most trackers relay heart rate data, which helps you understand your cardiovascular fitness. This data is based on your heart rate during and after physical activity and can reveal how well you are doing against your age and gender.
ECG – A fitness tracker with an electrocardiogram sensor can detect abnormal heart rhythms, which is helpful for a variety of reasons. This can be particularly useful for people with a heart condition or who have a history of chest pain.
Other sensors – Your fitness tracker may come with other sensors, including one for measuring your SpO2, which is a measure of the oxygen level in your blood. This is a very useful metric to know about, and can be particularly helpful if you are trying to improve your oxygen levels after a stressful day.
Personal Style – You will want a fitness tracker that is attractive and matches your personality. This will prevent you from feeling embarrassed about your device when wearing it to work or social events.
You’ll also want a tracker that looks distinct from other watches. This will help you avoid being asked questions about your device by colleagues, which can be very embarrassing.
It is also important to consider your budget when buying a tracker, as these are not cheap accessories. If you are aiming to save money, consider picking up a cheaper model that does not have as many features. Alternatively, you can spend more to get a more advanced model that includes all the essentials and a few extras.