How do you choose a fitness tracker?

This is one of the first questions beginners ask when they decide they want to buy one.

There are many fitness trackers in the market today. They’re not all created equal. Your quest is to find the one that fits your goals and lifestyle.

Here are important points to think about so you can choose a fitness tracker that’s perfect for you.

1 – How Do You Want to Wear It?

You can wear fitness trackers in several ways. The most popular is wearing them as a wristband or fitness band.

Fitness bands are a top choice because of the ease and convenience they offer.

Other options include wearing them on the waist. They could be a bit uncomfortable to wear compared to wristband fitness trackers. But they can track your steps more accurately.

There are also some fitness trackers that you can clip to your clothing. Or you can wear them as a necklace pendant.

2 – What Screen Display Do You Prefer?

Some fitness trackers let you see all the data on the screen. They have big screens that often look like a smartwatch.

Others just record the data and you can view the info on your smartphone. This is a good choice if you want something light and not call too much attention.

3 – Is It Waterproof?

If you plan to wear it even when you’re taking a shower, you should look into waterproof fitness trackers.

Having a waterproof fitness tracker can also give you peace of mind when you’re out and there’s a sudden downpour.

4 – How Does It Charge?

How long does the battery last? How often do you need to charge it? Is it charged through a USB port or electric socket?

These are some things you’ll want to find out when it comes to a fitness tracker’s charger.

5 – Does It Have a GPS?

If you like to jog or run in unknown places, this is an important feature to have on your fitness tracker.

But this is an extra feature that you can forgo if you tend to exercise in the same place.

6 – What Can It Track? 

Fitness Trackers are able to track and monitor a lot of data such as the number of steps, distance traveled, calories burned, food intake, heart rate, and even sleeping habits.

7 – Which of These Data Are Important to Me?

Fitness trackers can measure more than your steps. Some of them come with advanced technology that can measure so much more.

Before you choose a fitness tracker, think about the metrics below. Which ones are most important to you?

Find out if the tracker you’re eyeing has the capability to monitor them.

Specific Activities

It’s a given for fitness trackers to count your steps and distance traveled. But some fitness trackers can monitor specific activities such as swimming, biking, elliptical, or even golf.

Sleep Quality

A lot of fitness trackers come with sleep tracking technology.

It may not be accurate but it can give you an idea of how much sleep you’ve had over a certain period.

It also gives you an idea of your sleeping habits.

Heart Rate

It may not be as accurate as heart rate monitors but it’s good to always have an idea of your heart rate.

It could give you the warning you need before a heart attack.

Fertility

Yes, there are fitness trackers that can measure your skin temperature, heat loss, and breathing rate. For women who want to conceive, this information is helpful.