Best Fitness Tracking Devices

Did you know that about 70% of U.S. adults don’t get the recommended amount of overall physical activity? “For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week, or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity,” according to The Mayo Clinic. If one of your goals is to improve your health and increase activity, you can hit the ground running and keep yourself accountable using various fitness tracking devices. The issue may be which one is best for you. Depending upon your preferred workout, your schedule, and your budget, there are numerous devices available today to help you track your progress and meet your goals. We’ve researched the top 5 fitness tracking devices according to the experts to narrow down your search. 

1. The Fitbit Charge 4 is the latest health and fitness wristband tracker by Fitbit priced at $149.95. Not only is it waterproof for swimmers, it also has a 7-day battery life. The Fitbit Charge 4 syncs wirelessly with your other devices and offers Smartphone notifications. Some of its helpful functions include:

• Built-in GPS function for pace and distance
• 24/7 heart rate monitoring, both cardio and resting
• Sleep tracking
• Guided breathing sessions
• Floors climbed 
• Reminders to move
• All-day calorie burn totals

2. The Garmin Vivosmart 4 is similar to the Fitbit brand although it does not provide an installed GPS tracking function. It is smaller in size and less expensive than the Fitbit, ranging from $99 to $129. It is a waterproof, slim wristband device that has a 7-day battery life and is compatible with Android/iOS devices. Some of it’s helpful functions include:

• Advanced sleep monitoring with REM sleep
• Blood oxygen saturation level tracking
• 24/7 heart rate monitoring, both cardio and resting
• All-day stress tracking
• Relaxation breathing timer
• Connects to your Smartphone’s GPS for accurate tracking outdoors
• Vibration alerts for calls and texts

3. The Apple Watch Series 6 is touted as the best smartwatch one can buy. Although it is expensive starting at $499.99, it has unrivaled user experience with apps, health, and lifestyle functions – it’s much more than just a watch. With a variety of options for colors, sizes, and bands, you can customize your watch/tracking device for home, office, and gym. Some of it’s superlative functions include:

• Always-on altimeter for real-time elevation tracking
• Handwashing timer and sleep tracking
• Fast, new processor
• Third party app selection
• Blood oxygen saturation on demand
• Breathing and relaxation timer
• Stand alerts
• Tracks indoor/outdoor runs, plus elliptical, swimming, dancing, strength training and more
• Built in GPS
• Wireless connectivity and syncing to receive calls, texts, emails from nearby Iphone
• Bluetooth capability

4. The Huawei Band 3 Pro is a cost-effective activity tracker.  Although less expensive than some of the other devices, it does have excellent features considering how much it costs, starting at $60. It has a slim, sleek design and easy-to-read face. The band colors can be customized to your liking. Some of its key functions include:

• 24-hour heart rate monitor
• Water-resistant design
• Built in GPS
• Good battery life
• Time, date, steps, distance and calories on display screen
• Vibrate alert for standing
• On-screen animation
• Sleep tracking
• “Find my Phone” feature

5. The Fitbit Inspire HR is the top affordable sport tracking device according to www.techradar.com with prices starting as low as $79.99. This device is attractive and easy to use. Although it doesn’t have a GPS installed, it does come with some important functions you’ll use while working out, including:

• Swim proof design with swim tracking
• Tracks steps, distance, minutes, and calories burned
• Sleep tracking
• Automatic exercise recognition
• 24/7 heart rate tracking
• Sleep stages
• Guided breathing
• Notifications from your iPhone for texts, calls, emails and more
• Customizable Fitbit bands, lightweight, durable

As you can see, many of these tracking devices have common functions. However, some differences may be the deciding factor for you. If a built-in GPS tracker is important to you or the size and weight of the device makes a difference, be sure to choose what will meet your needs. Your budget may limit your options as well. So check the price, functions, size, and reviews before purchasing a fitness tracking device. Then, let us know what you choose. We’d love to hear your feedback and receive your input on what device works best for you to meet your fitness goals. Please connect with us on Instagram @MapsCookingKids or on Twitter @MapsCookingKids. Until next time, Agape, be kind, and happy parenting