Fitness trackers are big business. The market in fitness trackers really took off in 2012. That was the year that the fad really caught on, and it hasn’t really diminished since. New players are entering the market each year, and they are all in a desperate race to bring out the newest, coolest, and most stylish device possible. In this article, we reveal the 5 best fitness trackers of 2020.
What is a Fitness Tracker?
The fitness tracker is an outgrowth of the pedometer, a simple hand-held device that has been around for over 50 years. The pedometer counted your steps so that you could record your daily totals. Then, in the early 1980’s, professional athletes began using wristwatch sized bicycle computers that were able to monitor the distance, duration, and speed of a cycling session. In the ’90s these watches became more mainstream as commercial gym equipment paired with wrist worn health trackers that worked in conjunction with treadmills, rowers and steppers.
By the beginning of the 21st century, the simple pedometer had evolved to include both an altimeter and an accelerometer that enabled it to record such things as distance, speed, and duration of the exercise. The top-grade models were also able to monitor sleep quality, heart rate, and calorie burn.
Many fitness health trackers work in conjunction with online apps, which enable you to fully analyse your training parameters. Studies have shown that using a fitness tracker can improve motivation to exercise and positively influence physical activity behaviors.
5 Best Fitness Trackers of 2020
Apple Watch Series 5 Review
The Apple Watch goes through a new incarnation every year. The Series 5 is the latest. The key changes over Series 4 include a compass app and an international calling feature. It also features a new, more powerful processor. The accuracy of the fitness tracking features and heart rate monitoring is among the most accurate that you will find. This watch has an always-on display, smooth functionality, and a user-friendly interface. The addition of cycle tracking and noise app are other great inclusions.
Coros Apex Review
The Coros Apex is a multisport GPS watch that has the ability to track your distance, heart rate, elevation, pace, stride, time, heart rate zone, and training effect. It is paired with a high-end app that displays your training diagnostics in a very attractive and easy to digest way. The titanium alloy bezel of this watch is very durable and comes in a classic circular watch design. The band is made from silicone and fits comfortably on the wrist. There are an impressive number of sensors on this device, including an accelerometer, compass, gyroscope, continuous optical heart rate monitor, and a barometric altimeter.
Garmin Vivosmart 4 Review
The Garmin Vivosmart 4 stands out for its impressive battery life, its high level of user-friendly functionality, and its attractive interface. This slimline watch provides you with swim-tracking ability. A unique feature is the Pulse Ox sensor, which is able to track your blood oxygen saturation. It also features an optical heart rate sensor, a stress tracker, and guided breathing tracker. One more feature we love is the Body Battery energy monitor, which guides you as to when its time to take a rest from training.
Samsung Galaxy Fit Review
The Samsung Galaxy Fit is the most affordable high-quality fitness tracker on the current market. It features a large rectangular display with a simple interface and long battery life. You get accurate tracking of your step count, distance, heart rate, and sleep. You also get smartphone notifications and a lightweight, slimline design.
The Samsung Galaxy Fit MCU Cortex M33F is powered by a processor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a heart rate monitor. For under a hundred dollars, this entry-level fitness track is the epitome of value for money. We should note that you will need two apps to get full functionality from this fitness tracker – the Galaxy Fit app and the Samsung Health app.
Whoop Strap Review
The Whoop Strap 3.0 is an impressively detailed general fitness app that features premium HRV tracking as well as in-depth sleep analysis. Almost every Whoop Strap review will associate this fitness tracker with the pro sports market. So, it’s no surprise that this is one of the most in-depth trackers for the layman that you’ll come across. There is no face on the tracker, so all of your data comes through the integrated app.
This tracker provides you with 24/7 recovery tracking and is customizable for personalized use. The Whoop Strap 3.0 is sold on a subscription basis, which makes it pretty expensive in the long run. This tracker is ideal if you are seriously into tracking every aspect of your training but will be overkill for some users.
7 Things to Look for in a Fitness Tracker
- Distance tracking that keeps a record of your steps
- Activity sleep monitoring which provides a deep analysis of both the quantity and quality of your sleep
- Calorie tracking which calculates your calorie burn during exercise
- Heart rate tracking which lets you see how your pulse is reacting to your workout
- Wireless connectivity so you can transfer your training diagnostics to your computer
- Water-resistance so you can record your aqua workout training data
- Sweat resistance to prevent your exercise intensity from compromising your device’s integrity.
Summary
A high-quality fitness tracker will provide you with that extra push to get out of bed, get up off the couch, lace up your running shoes, and get active. It will also provide you with diagnostic feedback you need to fine-tune your training, nutrition, and sleep habits in order to reach your health and fitness goals faster.