We all know that we need exercise and that when we workout, it feels great. However, the challenge of being disciplined in working out can be the obstacle that derails your workout success. A fitness tracker is a helpful tool that can keep you focused on your fitness goals and add some fun. Fitness trackers act as your personal trainer, helping you with goal setting, achieving your fitness goals and reinforcing your workout regimen. The tracker also lets you know when you do not reach your goals.
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Fitness trackers measure the number of steps you take, calories you consume daily, how much you sleep, heart rate and sometimes your perspiration levels.
Some fitness trackers take it a step further. They use GPS to track your location, and can sync with external smart bathroom scales, external heart monitors, and devices which may provide more precise readings.
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Smartwatch-like fitness trackers may alert you to text messages, incoming calls, instant messages (IM) and e-mail. But, by far, one of the best attributes of a fitness tracker is that it holds you accountable to your workout goals. I have worn a fitness tracker for several years and I like the fact that it tells me to get moving when I’m too sedentary, congratulates me when I reach my goals and holds me accountable when I don’t attain my fitness objectives.
With so many fitness trackers on the market, it can be tough to figure out what works best for your budget, fits into your lifestyle and gives you reinforcement to stick to your fitness plan.
Here are 3 fitness tracker brands that can help you stay on track - no pun intended - based on consumer reviews and popularity.
1. FitBit
FitBit categorizes its trackers into three areas: everyday active, fitness and performance. For the everyday products, the Fitbit measures the basics including duration of sleep, steps, weight and activity.
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For the active category, the fitness tracker has some additional capabilities. Pulse, heart rate, GPS and on screen workouts are part of the mix. If you are doing multi-activities or want to see workout summaries in real time on the Fitbit Blaze, you can get this information, too. Oh and you can play music on it as well from your phone. If you are looking for something that measures performance for events such as a marathon or triathlon training, the Fitbit Surge may be the best choice for you.
There is also a Fitbit app you can add to your computer or phone where the Fitbit wirelessly syncs up all of your activity data. You can set specific goals and the Fitbit will provide you with weekly reports telling you how you measure up. FitBit trackers are water resistant and have an excellent reputation for quality and accuracy in tracking results. Learn more at www.fitbit.com.
2. Garmin
If you have had a GPS or navigational tool, you may have heard of Garmin. Garmin is known for the quality of their navigation products. They have expanded their brand for many years now to include fitness trackers. Some of my peers who use this device to train for high-level fitness events such as golfing, tactical training and hiking expeditions have raved about how useful their Garmin fitness tracker is.
Because of Garmin’s high-end technology around their GPS products, they have integrated some of this intelligence into their fitness trackers. Garmin has over 25 fitness trackers, and your selection will be dependent on what you need and what activity you engage in on a day-to-day basis.
Garmin's fitness trackers track normal activities, but some devices are unique to boating/sailing, flying, swimming and other activities. Some of Garmin’s devices can be used in the water if you are looking to measure your exercise in water-related activities. If you are looking to have an activity tracker that measures the basics and tracks specific activities, Garmin may be your fitness tracker of choice. Learn more at www.garmin.com.
3. Basis
Consumers ranked this fitness tracker in their top 3 of choices in Consumer Reports. It tracks the usual activities like other fitness trackers, but has some additional bonuses.
Basis automatically tracks your sleep duration and takes it several steps further. This tracker informs you of REM and deep sleep, which is imperative to your memory and mental focus. It lets you know if your body is getting enough repair time. And that tossing and turning you do during the night? Basis tells you how much of that affects your sleep. It measures your sleep score in its entirety and you can see your sleep patterns over a longer period. You can also incorporate 12 habits or more for activity.
Most of the fitness trackers will give you the number of calories you burn. But, each person burns calories differently which is why getting an accurate reading on your fitness tracker is imperative. Basis has an algorithm built in and developed technology that accurately tells you how you burn calories, making this number more accurate and personalized. When you set weekly goals, they can be automatically adjusted based on how you are performing.
Basis is a good option if you want the balance between being able to perform various workouts, measure their effectiveness, and manage your sleep it totality. Learn more at www.mybasis.com.
