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The world of wearables can be pretty intimidating.
Original photos by SELF staffers / Courtesy of the brands / Laneen Wells
Sleep score!Recovery!).
We also tested some for ourselves to see if theyreallylive up to the hype.
Does it need more juice every night, or just once in a while?
And how long does it take to fully charge?
Price
Yes, activity trackers can be very expensive.
And more advanced features typically mean a bigger investment.
But there are also a number of budget-friendly options that cost less thana pair of running shoes.
For instance, if youre a swimmer, you might want a watch that can count every stroke.
So look for something light and sleek that it’s possible for you to set and forget.
Accuracy
While no tracker is perfect, yours should provide info thats precise enough to give you useful insights.
Frequently asked questions about fitness trackers
What metrics can a fitness tracker track?
What are the different types of fitness trackers?
Fitness trackers can range from simple pedometers to mini-computers on your wrist.
The most basic ones will mainly record your step count and maybe your heart rate.
Some put smartwatch features first, activity tracking second, Bomgren says.
Do doctors recommend fitness trackers?
(Just remember that fitness trackers arent a replacement for regular check-ups with your cardiologist or another provider.)
But youll also get touchless pay and turn-by-turn directions from Google Maps when youre on the go.
Plus, the 955 Solars solar charging feature means its battery life is among the best around.
It also offers cadence alerts and race time predictions based on your training.
The watch even works as a dive computer up to 40 meters under water.
you could even record music or see your Nest Cam feed right from your wrist.
That result helps Fagin decide how vigorously to exercise each dayorwhen to rest instead.
Not a fan of always having something on your wrist?
That’s a less obtrusive thing to wear, Dr. Gualtieri says.
Love: when it tells me Ive hit my activity goal for the day.
Hate: when it lowers my sleep score for going to bed too late.
But really, I’m impressed by how much it’s picked up on.
Wed say thats pretty smart.
It has 120 different sport modes and auto-detects certain activities like walking, running, or rowing.
Plus, you’ve got the option to wear it for an impressive 18 days between charges.
But you’re able to go deeper in the app, which offers plenty of data for free.
