How to Choose the Right Fitness Tracker

Fitbit, Garmin, Nike, or Jawbone? We'll help you choose.

Fitness trackers have become a new craze as the health-conscious work toward fulfilling their fitness goals. With a market full of options, it’s difficult to choose the right tracker to help you to meet your goals. Being aware of your past results allows you to prepare for the future, and fitness trackers have a wide array of features to get your body to its top peak.

Essentials

Every fitness tracker should have certain standard features. The first decision to make is whether you want a bracelet, watch or clip-on device. Most fitness trackers are worn throughout the day to continually track your body and its movements. Bracelets and watches are great as accessories. Many trackers are designed with fashion in mind and come in different styles and colors that personalize them for you. Clip-ons are more discreet and can be placed anywhere on your clothing. If you already own a favorite watch or a bracelet that you wear daily, maybe a clip-on is the right choice for you.

Wireless syncing should be a basic for any tracker. For convenience, the tracker should automatically sync to your laptop, computer, or app. This updates your progress for quick reference which saves you time post-workout.

All devices are compatible with different systems. The more compatibility your device offers, the more versatile it will be. Consider whether your device comes with a mobile app option, so that you can always remain updated on your progress.

Extras

If you have issues sleeping, sleep tracking is a huge benefit. The ability to measure your sleeping patterns when you roll over and wake up, and, in some cases, to measure your body temperature and when you enter REM sleep, are all important in charting sleep progress. The more aware you are of your poor sleeping habits, the understanding you’ll have regarding what is causing disturbances, which will help you to figure out how to improve your sleep.

Tracking your heart with a heart rate monitor is another fun feature. This helps you to find the correct target zones you need to hit to reach your optimal fitness goals. Heart rate monitors also help measure your effort and motivate you to push yourself further if your heart isn’t working as hard as it can. This guarantees you a rewarding workout.

GPS is a feature best used for runners or cyclists. Check your distance, average speed, and with the usage of apps you can easily track and compare you progress on a daily basis.

Some fitness trackers have a feature that measure your inactivity. Our lifestyles keep us seated throughout most of the day. With reminders built in, fitness trackers can tell us when we need to get up and start moving. 

If you’re a swimmer, aim to get a tracker which is water resistant and also functional in water.  Some devices are resistant, but don’t work while submerged in water. Having one device to aid you both in and out of the water saves money, is rewarding, and motivates you to diversify your workouts.

At SkinnyMs, we utilize the Garmin Vivofit Fitness Band  and the Fitbit Flex Wireless Activity + Sleep Wristband for our fitness needs. Both come in various colors for personalization, but most importantly they have all of the essential features you’ll need to make every workout your best.

Do your research thoroughly before you make the investment. Read reviews, check features and once you’re ready buy the right tracker for you and your goals!

Looking for great workouts? Try some of our top rated ones:
30 Day Beginner’s Running Challenge
30 Day Summer Abs Challenge
7 Day Summer Legs Challenge

Be sure to like our Facebook page and follow us on Pinterest to be the first to try out new workouts and view our latest fitness resources.

This post may include affiliate links.

SkinnyMs.

The SkinnyMs. team believes that all people, regardless of age, size, and fitness level, have the power to transform their lives — they just need the resources to do so. The SkinnyMs. method promotes healthy living through a combination of clean eating and regular exercise. We offer everything you need to be successful.

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