Smart watches are a hot topic in the fitness community. Love them or hate them; they’re not disappearing anytime soon.
Today smart watches can help you with all elements of life, not just fitness. Whether you want to record your run or call a friend, anything is possible with a fitness watch on your wrist. But how does a smart watch work? And will a fitness tracker watch improve your overall fitness and health?
I’m a personal lover of smart watches! As a runner, nothing is more satisfying than seeing your progress and stats via a smart watch. However, when it came to buying my watch, I researched my options thoroughly. These handy watches can come at a cost, so ensure you’re buying the option that suits your needs!
Are you considering a smart watch? We’ve compiled the most popular models to help you decide which suits you best. Explore our favourite options here.
WHAT IS A FITNESS TRACKER?
Wondering what the difference between a fitness tracker and a smart watch is?
Essentially, a fitness tracker offers activity monitors and sports modes to supplement your workouts. These wearables are developed for fitness and fitness alone. Fitness trackers are worn on your wrist while working out, or throughout the day for comprehensive activity monitoring. Most trackers can connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth or apps, ensuring you can view your progress as you get moving.
Alternatively, a smart watch provides fitness tracking plus extra smart features - such as on-wrist calls, messaging, and additional use of third-party fitness apps. Smart watches are more similar to smartphones, as they provide all kinds of apps and trackers, alongside sports options.
If you are only worried about using a device during workouts, a fitness tracker watch might be for you. However, if you want a watch that benefits your day-to-day life and workout regime, opt for a smart watch instead!
HOW DO FITNESS TRACKERS WORK?
Fitness trackers are designed with various health metrics and fitness modes to help you calculate your fitness or record workouts.
Most fitness trackers provide heart rate sensors, step counters, and blood oxygen monitors to allow you deeper insights into your progress. A fitness tracker watch will give you positive information about your fitness journey if you’re trying to reach a goal.
Many watches also offer sports modes and on-wrist coaching, allowing you to follow trainer-certified workouts via your wrist. This is ideal if you’re starting a new sport or trying to switch up your standard fitness routine.
These watches also allow you to combine GPS with workouts. If you’re a runner, a cyclist, or a hiker, GPS allows you to track your route, and some smart watches can propose routes too. Swimmers also benefit from fitness watches, as it’s standard for models to be waterproof to 5ATM.
If these fitness features haven’t impressed you, the additional wellness ones might! It’s also standard for a smart watch to provide sleep tracking, mindfulness, and menstrual cycle tracking to complement your fitness routines.
WHICH FITNESS TRACKER IS BEST FOR ME?
Like running shoes, we’re all looking for a smart watch to suit our personal lifestyles.
When deciding on the fitness tracker for you, consider which features will benefit your schedule best. Do you want an all-encompassing smart watch, or would you be satisfied with a fitness tracker watch?
Some fitness tracker watches are optimized for running or cycling, whereas others provide a host of well-rounded fitness modes. All watches provide general activity data, but features such as ECG monitors and SpO2 aren’t available on all models.
Additionally, you can opt for a ladies smart watch. These more feminine watches provide an attractive design, innovative fitness tracking, and women’s health features.
THE BEST FITNESS TRACKERS FOR 2022
Ready to find the best smart watch for you? Here are the top fitness tracker picks for 2022. Get ready to get active.
1. GARMIN VENU 2S
Garmin is a famous fitness brand, and its wearables are sports-optimized through and through. The Garmin Venu 2S is a popular ladies smart watch, as it comes with a sophisticated design and women’s health tracking features. With over 25 pre-loaded sports apps and heart health trackers, this smart watch is here to help you improve.
RRP: £349.99
2. APPLE WATCH SERIES 7
Perhaps the most well-known smart watch on the list, the Apple Watch Series 7 is an excellent option for anyone who wants fitness tracking and helpful smart features. With a range of sports modes, EGC scanners, SpO2, and GPS tracking, the Apple Watch delivers the whole fitness package. Plus, this watch provides sleep tracking, mindfulness, and on-wrist text messaging for iOS users.
RRP: £369
3. SAMSUNG GALAXY WATCH 4
If you’re looking for a day-to-day smart watch with more features than a humble fitness tracker, consider the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4. Samsung’s flagship watch offers innovative features, such as body composition monitors, which motivate users to meet their goals. The Galaxy Watch also provides group challenges, encouraging users to band together to get active.
RRP: £249
4. FITBIT VERSA 3
When it comes to fitness, Fitbit is a brand you can’t ignore. The Versa 3 model is ideal for anyone who wants to embrace Fitbit’s sophisticated fitness tools with added smart watch features. Alongside fitness modes and SpO2 monitors, this wearable comes with messaging, music, and third-party apps to provide a premium watch experience.
RRP: £149
5. FITBIT CHARGE 5
Another Fitbit fitness tracker watch, the Charge 5, is more fitness-focused than the Versa 3. The Charge 5 offers built-in GPS, skin temperature monitors, SpO2 sensors, and an affordable price. If you’re looking for a watch to complement your activity and you’re not so bothered about additional smart watch options, this could be the ladies smart watch for you.
RRP: £119
THE TAKEAWAY!
Choosing a smart watch is like buying a good pair of jeans; it’s not always wise to buy the first you see! Make sure you consider which features will benefit your lifestyle before diving in. Smart watches are a helpful addition to any workout routine, so make sure you try a fitness tracker watch soon. If you’ve been looking for some extra motivation, a wearable device might be the answer you’ve been looking for.
