From fitness trackers that track your sleep to smartwatches specifically aimed at runners or cyclists, the wearables go much further than just telling the time. Some measure your blood oxygen levels, prescribe recovery times and create exercise plans and help you track activities and lose weight† Some can even detect if you’ve fallen and automatically notify your emergency contacts. According to research from Deloitte’s Digital Consumer Trends Report, a record 19.2 million health-tracking devices were purchased by UK consumers in the year to July 2021, more than double the number the previous year. But choosing the right one can be a challenge.
What is a fitness tracker?
Fitness trackers are meant to be worn all day, every day and are designed to track everything from climbing stairs to sports at home to run a multi-stage ultramarathon. Some also allow you to view and respond to emails, text messages, and social messages. Some track your sleep, including how long you spend in light, deep, and REM sleep.
“There are many options on the market right now in different price ranges,” said Nick Anderson of coaching experts Running with Us. “Many are now attuned to different forms of exercise. There is something for everyone.”
How do fitness trackers work?
Most measure movement through three-axis accelerometer sensors – which measure the acceleration, frequency, duration, intensity and patterns of your movement. Other wearables use an optical heart rate monitor: tiny LEDs illuminate your capillaries and the changing light refraction can be used to calculate your heart rate.
“Fitness trackers can also measure the distance you run or cycle via GPS, which is built into the watch,” Anderson adds. “The system works by measuring the time it takes to receive signals from satellites. It regularly pings your location and then measures the distance between each ping. Trackers with GPS can also be used for navigation and even work in the sea. “If a fitness watch offers the option of swimming outdoors, the GPS signal is likely being amplified to allow for accurate tracking of the device.”
Which fitness tracker is best for me?
Ask yourself: Do you want something with GPS, to keep track of running and cycling? Are you fashion conscious? (Women’s fitness watches are now available in a huge range of colors and materials.) Do you really need all the features of the flagship model? This will help narrow the search.
“A device with GPS will be more expensive because of the technology needed to provide accurate information. They provide much more data and valuable statistics. It’s worth the splurge if you take your results and improvement seriously,” advises Anderson.
Some trackers also measure your sleep (both quality and quantity), stress levels, heart rhythm disturbances, blood oxygen levels, and even your menstrual health, but it’s important to remember that these are just a guideline. “It’s the trends that become useful,” he says. “Without a full EKG, you won’t get 100 percent accuracy in this area, but the trends can be helpful in looking for marginal gains and improvements in your performance.”
Other features to watch out for? “Some fitness trackers come with smart notifications for your phone apps and can control the music on your headphones,” he adds. Top-of-the-range watches almost all include tap payments, Bluetooth microphone to take calls, water resistance up to 50 meters and longer battery life.
Fitness trackers and Amazon Prime Day
Amazon Prime Day, which falls on July 12 and 13 this year, offers huge discounts to Amazon Prime members for just two days. The best fitness trackers are often included – including our favorite lightweight fitness tracker, the Fitbit Charge 5, below. Read our daily guide to the best Amazon Prime Day deals to see what else is on offer.