Picking a fitness tracker can be an overwhelming experience. With all of the options on the market, it’s hard to know which one is right for you. Do you want a tracker that tracks your steps, or one that also monitors your heart rate? Perhaps you’re looking for a tracker with GPS so you can map your runs. Or maybe you’re simply looking for an affordable option.
No matter what your needs are, there’s a fitness tracker out there that’s perfect for you. In this article, we’ll help you figure out which features are important to you and how to choose the right fitness tracker for your needs.
Table of Contents
1. Ask Why You Need a Fitness Tracker
The first step in choosing a fitness tracker is to ask yourself why you need one. What are your fitness goals? Do you want to lose weight, or are you training for a marathon? Perhaps you simply want to be more active and get off the couch.
Your answer to this question will help you narrow down your choices. If you’re looking to lose weight, for example, you’ll want a tracker that monitors your heart rate and calories burned. If you’re training for a marathon, you’ll want a tracker with GPS so you can map your runs.
2. Consider Your Style of Fitness
One of the first things you’ll want to consider when picking a fitness tracker is what style of fitness you do. Are you a runner? A swimmer? A cyclist? There are fitness trackers out there that specialize in tracking different types of activities.
If you’re mostly a runner, you might want to look for a tracker with GPS. This will allow you to map your runs and see your pace and distance. You might also want to look for a tracker with a heart rate monitor so you can keep an eye on your heart rate as you run.
If you’re mostly a swimmer, you’ll want to look for a waterproof tracker. Most fitness trackers are not waterproof, so this is an important feature to look for if you’re a swimmer. You might also want to look for a tracker that tracks your laps and distance so you can see your progress over time.
If you’re mostly a cyclist, you’ll want to look for a tracker with GPS so you can track your rides and see your routes. You might also want to look for a tracker that tracks your heart rate so you can monitor your intensity as you ride.
3. Consider Your Budget
Another important consideration when picking a fitness tracker is your budget. Fitness trackers can range in price from around $50 to $500 or more. It’s important to consider how much you’re willing to spend on a tracker before you start looking at options.
If you’re looking for a basic tracker that tracks your steps and distance, you can probably find one for around $50. If you’re looking for a tracker with more advanced features like GPS and heart rate monitoring, you’ll probably have to spend closer to $200. And if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line tracker with all the bells and whistles, you might have to spend $500 or more.
4. Consider Your Needs
Once you’ve considered your style of fitness and your budget, it’s time to start thinking about your specific needs. What do you want your fitness tracker to do? Do you want it to track your steps, or do you want it to monitor your heart rate? Do you need GPS so you can map your runs? Do you need a waterproof tracker for swimming?
Think about what features are important to you and make a list of them. This will help you narrow down your options and find the tracker that’s right for you.
5. Do Your Research
Now that you know what style of fitness you do, what your budget is, and what features you’re looking for, it’s time to start doing some research. Read reviews of different fitness trackers online and see which ones people like and don’t like. Try to find a tracker that has good reviews and that meets all of your needs.
Once you’ve found a few options, it’s time to start comparing them. Look at the features of each tracker and compare them side-by-side. See which one has the features you want and is within your budget.
6. Think About Function vs. Fashion
When you’re picking out a fitness tracker, it’s important to think about function over fashion. Yes, it’s important that your tracker looks good, but it’s more important that it does what you need it to do.
Don’t get too caught up in the style of the tracker and make sure you pick one that has the features you need. After all, a tracker is only going to help you get in shape if it has the right features to help you meet your fitness goals.
Activity monitoring Sleep monitoring Heart-rate monitor (HRM) functions Water resistance Phone notifications Music functions
7. Look at Charging Options
Some trackers need to be charged every few days, while others only need to be charged once a week. If you’re someone who hates having to charge your devices regularly, you might want to look for a tracker with longer battery life.
8. Get Feedback From Friends
If you’re still not sure which fitness tracker to pick, ask your friends for their advice. See if they have any recommendations based on their own experiences. And if they have a tracker that they love, ask to try it out for yourself.
This is a great way to get first-hand experience with a tracker before you buy it. And it can also help you narrow down your options and make a decision about which tracker is right for you.
9. Ask an Expert
If you’re still having trouble picking a fitness tracker, don’t hesitate to ask an expert for help. Talk to a salesperson at your local sporting goods store or ask a personal trainer for their opinion. They can help you figure out which tracker is right for your needs and give you some advice on how to use it.
10. Try It Before You Buy It
Finally, once you’ve done your research and narrowed down your options, it’s important to try out a fitness tracker before you buy it. If possible, go to a store and put on different trackers to see how they feel. Pay attention to how comfortable they are and how easy they are to use.
You should also test out the tracker’s features to make sure they work the way you want them to. And if you’re buying a tracker with GPS, be sure to take it for a test run to see how well it works.
