Fitness trackers are used to monitoring various things, from steps taken to sleep quality and workout performance. However, their efficiency depends on the person that owns them.
Individuals who are new to fitness may want something more motivational, and the performers may want something more sophisticated.
For example, Moto 360 from Motorola and Band 2 from Microsoft have very low battery life, which makes them unsuitable for marathons or long workouts, and even a person new to fitness may find it unpleasant to recharge them so often.
While all the devices are marketed as water resistant, only the one produced by Garmin is specially designed for swimming.
The Market Leader
The market leader is Fitbit, as it’s easy to use and offers a full range of prices and technical specifications. Fitbit Alta only tracks steps, Fitbit Blaze can include heart-rate, and FitBit Surge adds to all that a GPS for outdoor training.
However, for running and cycling the tracker uses the phone’s GPS, so the phone should be carried around also.
All three models have sleep monitoring option, involving an app that displays the quality and duration of sleep. Another feature can signal bedtime.
Fitbit also has amazing battery life, and it can be used to create a community. The app can be used to compete against friends, and it’s highly motivational.
Two Dynamic Fitness Trackers
Gear Fit2 from Samsung has the same advanced features for a smaller price. The fitness tracker can also monitor lunges, squats, and strength exercises, which makes it rare among its competitors.
Just like Fitbit Blaze and Surge, it can display notifications of missed calls and messages. They are still under the performance of a smartwatch.
One default of the tracker is that it is not securely connected to the wrist, and dropping it during a workout can easily destroy it.
The Vivoactive model from Garmin can be used for very specialized training. It has the full array of features that are offered by the other fitness trackers, while displaying options for a variety of sports, such as golfing and running.
While Vivoactive only works when swimming in pools, the more expensive Forerunner 735XT can be used in open waters.
Fitness and More
The Apple Watch is fully functional only with the iPhone, as it also uses the GPS on the device. The watch can also be calibrated, which means that it can be used in workouts without the need to carry the iPhone around.
The more interesting feature of the Apple Watch consists of goal setting and reminders, which have a friendly and motivational display. The watches need a full recharge every night.
Apple also plans to introduce a new app for deep-breathing exercise, which may be welcomed by the people who are not so much into sports but more interested in well-being.
Image Source: Flickr
