Which wearable tracker's right for you?
You know it’s time to make the health changes you deserve. All you need to get started is the right set of tools. If you’re thinking about making a fitness tracker one of those weight loss tools, then check out the Best Fitness Trackers of 2016.
In addition to a clean eating lifestyle, a fitness tracker is one of the tools that can jumpstart your weight loss or fitness journey. A good fitness tracker is so much more than a fancy pedometer. It’s a device that delivers a better picture of your overall activity level. Many models also monitor sleep quality, an important factor in weight loss. (Learn more about How Sleep Affects Weight Loss.) And don’t forget: healthy weight loss begins in the kitchen. Check out 14 Crockpot Dinners with Low Points or this 14-Day Low-Calorie Weight Loss Menu.
Without further ado, here are some of the best fitness trackers for monitoring your health, wellness, and weight loss goals.
Considered one of the best fitness trackers by many, the Fitbit Charge HR offers a range of features that monitor health and wellness. It provides continuous heart rate monitoring, more accurate calorie burn estimates than other models, step counting, and sleep tracking. The app for the Charge HR is simple to read and easy to use. Fitbit offers this model in a range of colors, all with an understated design that doesn’t scream “fitness tracker.”
Drawbacks:
- Not waterproof
- Only simple sleep tracking options
- Less-than-desirable run tracking
This model is one of the best fitness trackers for runners. It offers features like GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, sleep monitoring, and accurate run tracking. The Surge also includes Bike Mode, which incorporates charts, graphs, and route mapping.
Drawbacks
- Fewer features when using smartphone notifications
- Less-than-attractive design
- Some users have debated the unit’s GPS accuracy
- Pricey compared to other fitness tracker brands
If you want a device that handles the basics, this is one of the best. The UP2 provides solid basics like step counting, sleep tracking, and other activity essentials. Many users say this tracker is a winner when it comes to comfort. The app is relatively fuss-free and simple to use.
Drawbacks
- Not waterproof
- No heart rate monitoring
- Specific charging cable (you can’t use other cables to charge it)
This fitness tracker snags good reviews for sleep quality tracking. It monitors respiration rate, body temperature, and skin response to provide stats about heavy/light sleeping and REM sleep. This Jawbone model also provides basic fitness info, such as step counts and heart rate. The stylish design makes it look more like an accessory and less like a fitness tracker.
Drawbacks
- Splash-proof rather than waterproof
- No on-device display (you view stats via the app)
- Pricey for the level of monitoring it offers
If your exercise tastes run the gamut, this Garmin model might be the perfect fit. It provides step counting, cycling, swimming, and track running stats, and more. The Garmin app offers plenty of features, including the ability to motivate yourself by earning badges. Users also like the app because it’s easy to read.
Drawbacks
- Less-than-attractive design
- Some users say the sleep tracking isn’t as good as other fitness trackers
- Reportedly unreliable Bluetooth syncing
6. Apple Watch with Misfit App
The combination of the Apple Watch and the Misfit App allows you to create a workout based on a length of time you set. It essentially works like an automated coach that guides users through body-weight exercises and high-intensity circuit training.
Drawback
- Requires an iPhone 5 or later to use
- Users say it’s slow to communicate with the paired iPhone
- Battery power for the Apple Watch is notoriously brief
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