Fitness trackers are everywhere. If you\u2019re thinking about buying one, you might be pondering two key questions: \u201cCan they actually help?\u201d and \u201cIs there one that\u2019s right for me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, they can help. Fitness trackers can tell you how many calories you\u2019re burning, how many steps you\u2019re taking, how far you\u2019re running, how you\u2019re sleeping at night and a lot more. Just know that the numbers they provide, which can vary in accuracy, are no substitute for an overall health assessment that you\u2019d get from a doctor. And from a workout perspective, if you\u2019ve worked with a Gold\u2019s Gym coach or trainer and have a plan for reaching your health and fitness goals<\/strong><\/a><\/b>, you already know what you need to succeed \u2014 so a tracker would be a bonus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Still, trackers are an excellent motivational tool. They can spur you on to meet a goal, show you the progress you\u2019re making in real time and make competition with friends fun. (Come on \u2014 you can beat your co-workers, right?) Trackers just can\u2019t do the work for you. Just as with any piece of exercise equipment, you need to commit. So to get the most out of a tracker, dedicate yourself to using the numbers to change your habits, whether it\u2019s adding that walk after dinner or cutting out that bag of chips at lunch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to picking the fitness tracker that\u2019s right for you, the different options\u2014look, price, battery life, ease of use\u2014can make the process overwhelming. Consider this post only a starting point. Before you buy anything, read comprehensive reviews that involved some serious tire-kicking. There will be pros and cons to everything. Wirecutter<\/strong><\/a><\/b>, Wareable<\/strong><\/a><\/b>, Digital Trends <\/strong><\/a><\/b>and TechRadar <\/strong><\/a><\/b>are among the resources that can arm you with the information you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are a couple of trackers that have received consistently high overall marks. All the trackers mentioned in this post are compatible with the Gold\u2019s Gym member app<\/b><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fitbit Charge 3. <\/strong>Along with having the standard features (measuring steps, monitoring heart rate, counting calorie burn, tracking sleep), this tracker has been noted for its relative accuracy and ease of use. It also has female health tracking features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Garmin Vivosport 4. <\/strong>It has a slim wristband, advanced sleep monitoring and a \u201cbody battery\u201d that estimates how much energy you have left.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re looking for trackers that fit your specific workout preference, check these out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consider: <\/strong>Look for tracker features like distance, pace, lap time, total running time, GPS and a heart rate monitor. For heart rate monitors, remember that it helps to understand what the heart rate numbers mean<\/strong><\/a><\/b>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Notable trackers: <\/strong>Garmin Vivosport, Garmin Forerunner 645, Polar M430<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consider: <\/strong>Some trackers offer features such as stroke detection and can measure lap and distance. Look for trackers with a bright enough screen so you\u2019ll be able to see in the water. You may see a feature about water resistance describing ATM. That\u2019s a measurement of atmospheric pressure. For example, 5 ATM means the tracker is resistant up to five atmospheres (the standard pressure at sea level is 1 ATM) and should operate in the water under typical swimming conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Notable trackers: <\/strong>Fitbit Ionic, Fitbit Versa, TomTom Spark 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consider: <\/strong>You\u2019ll want GPS, but keep in mind that the technology can vary in sophistication. Smart watch options will enable you to stream music while pedaling. And when considering battery life, be aware that the duration can be affected by other features you\u2019re using.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Notable trackers: <\/strong>Garmin Forerunner 935, Garmin Vivoactive 3, TomTom Multi-Sport GPS Watch<\/p>\n\n\n\n See more health and fitness tips on our blog:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n What to Know About Workout Supplements<\/strong><\/a><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n 3 Small Eating Changes Lead to Big Nutrition Wins<\/strong><\/a><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\nModels to consider<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you love: R<\/strong>unning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you love: Swimming<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you love: Cycling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n