In an era where people post gym sets to social media and drones can capture mountain bike runs, it’s evident that the fitness-oriented lifestyle has become intertwined with gadgetry. But when it comes to using wearables to monitor and motivate you toward your fitness goals, you might not know what device would best suit your needs.
From the “just trying to hit 10,000 steps” walkers to the “ready to run a marathon” endurance athletes, everyone has different goals. Whether you’re a yoga enthusiast, a trailblazer, a swimmer, or a weekend warrior on a bike, let’s zero in on the right type of wearable tech that will fit your lifestyle.
The Types of Wearable Tech for Fitness
Regardless of your goals, there’s a piece of wearable tech out there tailored to you. And aside from calories burned, wearables can generally track your activity accurately.
Fitness Trackers
Fitness trackers are like the Swiss Army knives of wearable tech. They keep tabs on your steps, track your sleep, and even nag you when you’ve been parked on your rear for too long. Many modern fitness trackers also measure your heart rate and record other specialized stats based on the activity you’re doing.
For a great blend of features and affordability, check out one of the more popular fitness trackers. For example, the Fitbit Charge 5 comes with an ECG app to monitor heart health and sensors that allow you to view your daily Stress Management Score. Other affordable options include the Garmin Vivosmart 4 and the Xiaomi Mi Band 6.
Smartwatches
Smartwatches take what fitness trackers do and go the extra mile. Apart from the basic step and sleep tracking, they can receive and make calls, send texts, provide access to apps, and play your favorite workout tunes.
Some smartwatches even come with contactless payment options so that you can grab that well-deserved smoothie post-workout without fumbling for your wallet.
Some popular options include the Apple Watch Ultra, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, and the Garmin vivoactive 4. Be warned, these come at a much higher cost than fitness trackers.
Heart Rate Monitors
Nothing says “I’m serious about my workout” quite like strapping a heart rate monitor to your chest. While fitness trackers and smartwatches often include heart rate monitoring, research published by the Journal of the American Medical Association Cardiology shows standalone heart rate monitors provide much more accurate readings, making them a favorite for athletes who need precise data to optimize their training.
Options include the Polar H10, the Wahoo TICKR X, or the Garmin HRM-Pro Plus.
GPS Tracking Devices
For those who prefer to take their exercise outdoors, GPS tracking devices are a boon. Not only do they keep you from getting lost when you venture off the beaten path, but they also provide detailed data about your speed, distance, elevation changes, and route.
Some top-notch options for you trail-pounding, adventure-seeking folks are the Garmin Forerunner 945, the Suunto 9 Baro, and the Polar Vantage M2.
Choosing the Right Wearable Tech for Your Goals
The world of wearable tech can be a little daunting to navigate. So, first things first, you need to assess your fitness goals and priorities.
Are you aiming to improve your marathon time? Or maybe you’re focused on completing a 7-day hike along the coast? Once you’ve got a clear picture, you can match your goals with the appropriate device.
Keep in mind that choosing a wearable device isn’t just about functionality. Your budget and personal preferences matter, too. If a device doesn’t fit comfortably (or if it will continually get snagged on your sleeves), or you have to break the bank to afford it, it might not be the right match.
Maybe you’re the minimalist type who prefers a simple and sleek design that doesn’t detract from your office wardrobe. Alternatively, perhaps you’re a gadget guru who wants all the bells and whistles of a high-end smartwatch, and you don’t care who sees it.
Integrating Wearable Tech Into Your Fitness Routine
To help you choose the perfect wearable, consider a few scenarios where the type of athlete you are might influence which device type will work for you.
A Heart Rate Monitor for the Endurance Athlete
You are a mileage muncher, the person who sees 26 miles as just another jog in the park, and “carb-loading” is your favorite hobby. Or maybe you’re a pedal pusher, the kind of person whose bike tires have rolled more miles than your car’s odometer.
If this sounds familiar, a heart rate monitor might be a great choice.
Runners and cyclists might want a chest strap heart rate monitor because it offers precise and continuous heart rate data, crucial for effectively managing training zones during those intense runs and rides.
A Smartwatch for the Yoga Enthusiast
Your yoga mat is your oasis. If you’ve invested in smart gadgets to upgrade your practice, then a smartwatch might be the perfect companion. It will help you monitor your stress levels to ensure you maintain that serene mind state you work so hard to build.
After your session, while wallowing in the post-yoga shavasana glow, you can use a smartwatch app from your wrist to follow along with your favorite guided meditation.
A Fitness Tracker for the Strength Trainer
Whether you’re curling dumbbells or conquering the squat rack, you’d benefit from bringing along a fitness tracker. With one, you’ll be able to track your heart rate and workout duration like a dedicated personal trainer. After your workout, you sync your stats with one of the best workout-tracking apps to plan your next battle with gravity.
Of course, you could do many of the same things with a smartwatch, but the benefit of a fitness tracker is the smaller form factor and much smaller price tag. Given the importance of sleep when building muscle, a smaller tracker might also be easier to wear in bed.
A GPS Device for the Backcountry Athlete
Whether you’re hiking, trail running, or mountain biking like me, the wilderness is your playground. Here’s where the GPS tracking device shines.
Because these devices can effectively track your route, speed, and elevation changes, often with multiple pieces of GPS technology, GPS devices will ensure you make it back home at the end of the day. These devices also come equipped with safety features that can connect to emergency responders in the event you get lost or become injured.
If that’s not enough, many GPS trackers, such as those from Garmin, also offer body battery metrics to help you quantify your energy levels so that you can better plan your activities and know when it’s time to take a break.
Supercharge Your Fitness With Wearable Tech
In the end, whether you’re a marathon runner, a zen-seeking yogi, a strength trainer, or a backcountry adventurer, there’s a perfect piece of wearable tech waiting to enhance your fitness journey.
These devices aren’t just about flashing lights and fancy features – they’re your digital partners in health, helping you track, analyze, and optimize your performance, one step, stretch, rep, or mile at a time. So, strap on that heart rate monitor, sync up that smartwatch, or power up that GPS device, and embrace the future of fitness.
