Jennifer is an expert in health and medicine and has a background in sustainable agriculture. She currently lives in Pennsylvania with her partner (and rabbit) and is a keen photographer, hiker and poet.
Whether you’re a fitness freak or a workout rookie, fitness trackers can help you get in shape and keep track of your progress. They come in sleek and stylish designs, from touch-screen smartwatches to discrete and sporty bands. And they do everything from counting steps to monitoring your sleep! Below, we take a look at the best athletic bands on the market.
Simple and low-profile: The FitBit Flex 2
FitBit sets the standard for fitness trackers, and the affordable Flex 2 is a great example of why. The nondescript but stylish little wristband can help you with just about everything, from tracking your sleep patterns (seriously) to reminding you to move on an hourly basis and keeping track of your daily activity. Plus, it’s totally waterproof—although the pool lap-tracking accuracy leaves a lot to be desired.
For such a tiny, affordable device, the Flex 2 is pleasantly packed with higher-end features.
High-tech, low profile: The Samsung Gear Fit2
A tech list isn’t complete without a Samsung mention, and the Gear Fit 2 has earned a secure spot with some impressive tech advances. It monitors all the staples, like sleep quality, steps, calories, and heart rate with great accuracy.
It’s a significant price bump from the FitBit Flex 2, but it comes with a built-in screen. What does that mean? Let’s face it: the tech leader’s latest wearable is basically a phone focused on fitness. While you’re running, walking, or doing chores, you can also rock out to your Spotify playlist and keep an eye on your stats on-screen—all while mapping your route via GPS. It’s the perfect investment for folks with a fitness-focused lifestyle.
Amazon best fitness or activity trackers
High-end, high-tech: Apple Watch Nike+
If you crave Apple everything, your fitness tracker no longer has to be an exception. The Apple Watch is pricey but unique in its social, lifestyle-focused features. Sure, it’s totally waterproof (and swim-friendly) with a built-in GPS for running aficionados and a universally comfy band.
But it can also receive cellular notifications (no more toting your phone and breaking your exercise Zen). Then there’s the fact that it can connect to compatible gym equipment for increased accuracy and take calls in the middle of an intense workout. It’s a little scary how similar the latest Apple Watch is to an actual, well, phone—but in a good way.
