Fitness tracking has come a long way since the days of clip-on pedometers. Although they were the best options we had back in the day, their results were often inaccurate—not to mention very limited.
Fortunately, technology has advanced quite a bit, and fitness trackers can now provide information on a much more diverse set of wellness metrics. Steps can still be counted, but many trackers now also monitor stats like heart rate, exercise duration, oxygen levels, and heart rhythm. Some have GPS to track location while running, hiking, and biking, while others track sleep and recovery. Many fitness devices are also capable of tracking menstrual cycles and other health data.
The data they collect aims to improve your life, habits, and health, usually in conjunction with exercise. For a refresher, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. Fitness trackers, with their ability to measure effort based on your heart rate, make logging your workouts a snap.
says Lance C. LaMotte, MD, FACC, interventional cardiologist and owner of TITLE Boxing Club Baton Rouge.
No matter what your fitness goals are, a comprehensive fitness metrics report can help you achieve them, and can act as overall health boosters.
The best fitness trackers
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What to consider
The right fitness tracker for you depends on your goals, aesthetic preferences, and budget. Keep the following in mind and you’ll be on your way to finding the right device for you.
Tracking targets
Some fitness apps offer more in terms of calorie burn assessments and cross-app workouts, while others delve into sleep, heart rate and stress analysis. Others have excellent tracking features for health and wellness metrics. Think about your goals before buying.
Size and design
Many fitness trackers look like fitness trackers. However, others are more like traditional watches or jewelry. We’ve also included several wide and slim options.
Special Features
Some of the fitness trackers we picked allow you to text and make calls, others send heart reports to doctors, and others can analyze sleep patterns.
How did we choose
To select these devices, I relied on my own experience of wearing fitness trackers, and made use of the previous popular mechanics Test fitness trackers and smart watches. I’ve also looked at professional reviews from trusted experts, and comments from consumer reviews. After reviewing, researching and using the best options, I chose the best models based on how well their features met the expectations of the intended user, their price, ease of use, and overall performance.
