Fitness Trackers are nowadays not only used to guide workout programs but also provide information on the medical condition of the user such as heart rhythms, calories burnt up, posture and pulse rates. Some fitness trackers come with other functions such as calendar, weather alerts, and GPS information. These devices include a bracelet installed with a sensor to follow activities it is programmed for.
With a wide variety of fitness trackers brands and prices, choosing a fitness tracker can be a difficult task. Here are some tips to help you narrow down to the best inexpensive fitness tracker to match your goals.
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1. Parameters you need to track
Your primary activities of the day should dictate the fitness tracker you choose. Parameter to be tracked may range from cycling, swimming, mountain climbing, treadmill to even sleeping. Some sensors go a notch higher by offering real-time coaching rather than just alerts. One should, however, know that the more the features the fitness tracker offers, the more you are going to pay for it.
2. Display
The display should be appealing as it is the first view you get when using the fitness tracker. The display may be colored or in black or white, depending on the design. A more sophisticated display leads to more power drain hence less usage time. Some fitness trackers have the display connected to a smartphone to avoid distraction for example when in a treadmill workout.
3. Waterproofness
This is a mandatory feature for swimmers. It is also essential for walkers, joggers, and runners to avoid ruining of the device when it comes into contact with water.
4. Battery life
One should choose a tracker that last for long without charging. Data gaps may occur when the fitness tracker is charging. A good fitness tracker should at least go for a day without charging to avoid this. However, this depends on the complexity of the functions it performs and the type of display.
5. Cost
This primarily depends on the features of the fitness tracker. One should however choose the best inexpensive fitness tracker that includes all the features that one needs.
6. Customization of workouts
The fitness tracker you choose should provide the ability to set goals and regular targets to ensure regular exercising and to eliminate boredom when exercising. The device should also allow the user to enter personal information such as age, sex, and weight for efficient tracking.
7. User experience
A good fitness tracker should offer the best user experience in terms of ease in setting up and charging, automatic tracking and reliable data storage. The data stored by the device should be easily accessible. The smartphone app that comes with many fitness trackers should also be simple to use and synchronized to all the activities of the tracker.
8. Smart notification
You should go for a tracker that provides notifications such as congratulatory messages on achievement of daily targets, emails, and social media reminders. This will make you motivated and feel good when using the device.
Although the choice of a fitness tracker mainly depends on user preference and budget, one should consider the above essential tips when choosing a fitness tracker for the best experience.