How to choose the right type of wearable tech for your fitness goals

In an age where people post gym sets on social media and drones capture mountain bike races, it’s clear that a fitness-oriented lifestyle is tied to equipment. But when it comes to using wearables to track and motivate you toward your fitness goals, you may not know which device is right for you.

From walkers who want to “hit 10,000 steps” to endurance athletes who are “ready to run a marathon,” everyone has different goals. Whether you’re a yoga enthusiast, hiker, swimmer, or weekend warrior on a bike, let us zero in on the wearable tech that fits your lifestyle.

Types of tech wearable for fitness

No matter what your goals are, there’s wearable technology tailored for you. And in addition to calories burned, wearables can generally track your activity accurately.

Fitness trackers

Fitness trackers are like the Swiss Army knives of wearable technology. They keep track of your steps, monitor your sleep and even shake you when you stand on your back for long periods of time. Many modern fitness trackers also measure your heart rate and record other unique statistics based on your activity.

For the best mix and match of features, check out one of the most popular fitness trackers. For example, the Fitbit Charge 5 comes with an ECG app to monitor heart health and sensors that allow you to view your daily stress management score. Other affordable options include the Garmin Vivosmart 4 and the Xiaomi Mi Band 6.

Smart watches

Smartwatches take what fitness trackers do and go the extra mile. In addition to basic step and sleep tracking, you can make and receive calls, send texts, access apps, and play your favorite workout tunes.

Some smartwatches even come with contactless payment options so you can take that well-deserved post-workout smoothie without breaking the bank.

Some popular options include the Apple Watch Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, and Garmin vivoactive 4. Be warned, these are much more expensive than fitness trackers.

Heart rate monitors

Nothing says “I’m feeling down about my workout” like strapping a heart rate monitor to your chest. While fitness trackers and smartwatches often include heart rate monitoring, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Cardiology found that standalone heart rate monitors provide more accurate readings, making them popular with athletes looking for accurate information to improve their training.

Options include the Polar H10, Wahoo Ticker X, or the Garmin HRM-Pro Plus.

GPS tracking devices

For those who prefer to take their workouts outdoors, GPS tracking devices are a boon. Not only do they keep you from getting lost when you’re off the beaten path, but they also provide detailed information about your speed, distance, elevation change, and route.

Some high-end options for you trail-pounding, adventure-seeking folks include the Garmin Forerunner 945, Suunto 9 Baro, and Polar Vantage M2.

Choosing the right wearable tech for your goals

The world of wearable technology can be a little tricky to navigate. So first things first, you need to assess your fitness goals and priorities.

Looking to improve your marathon time? Or maybe you’re focused on completing a 7-day beach hike? Once you have a clear picture, you can match your goals with the appropriate equipment.

Remember that choosing a wearable device is not just about functionality. Your budget and personal preferences are also important. If a device doesn’t fit comfortably (or continually snags on the sleeve), or if you’re going to have to break the bank to buy it, it’s probably not the right match.

Maybe you’re the minimalist type who prefers a simple and sleek design that doesn’t detract from your office wear. Alternatively, maybe you’re a gadget guru who wants all the bells and whistles of a high-end smartwatch, and you don’t care who sees it.

Integrating wearable tech with your workout routine

To help you choose the perfect piece of gear, consider a few factors where the type of athlete you are can affect which gear will work for you.

Heart rate monitor for the endurance athlete

You’re a mile man, someone who sees 26 miles as just another run in the park, and “carb loading” is your favorite pastime. Or maybe you’re the kind of pedal pusher whose bike tires have more miles on them than your car’s odometer.

If this is known, a Heart rate monitor It can be a very good choice.

Runners and cyclists may want a chest strap heart rate monitor because it provides accurate and consistent heart rate information that is critical to effectively managing training zones during those intense runs and rides.

A smart watch for the yoga enthusiast

Your yoga mat is your oasis. If you invest in smart gadgets to improve your practice, then a Smart watch It can be a perfect companion. It will help you manage your stress levels to maintain the calm state of mind you work so hard to build.

After your session, while basking in the post-yoga shavasana glow, you can use the smartwatch app from your wrist to keep up with your favorite guided meditation.

A fitness tracker for the strength coach

Whether you’re curling dumbbells or mastering the squat rack, you’ll benefit from bringing up the grip. Fitness tracker. With one, you can track your heart rate and exercise duration just like a dedicated personal trainer. Sync your stats with one of the best exercise tracking apps to plan your next workout after your workout.

Sure, you can do many of the same things with a smartwatch, but a fitness tracker has a smaller advantage and a much lower price tag. Considering the importance of sleep when building muscle, a small tracker may be easier to wear in bed.

A GPS device for the backcountry athlete

Whether you’re hiking, trail running, or mountain biking like me, the wilderness is your playground. Where is it here? GPS tracking device It shines.

Because these devices can effectively track your route, speed, and elevation changes, often with multiple GPS technologies, GPS devices ensure you get back home at the end of the day. These devices have safety features that can contact emergency responders if they are lost or damaged.

If that’s not enough, many GPS trackers, such as those from Garmin, also offer body battery metrics to help you gauge your energy levels so you can better plan your activities and know when it’s time to rest.

Supercharge your workout with wearable tech

Ultimately, whether you’re a marathon runner, Zen-seeking yogi, strength coach, or backcountry adventurer, the perfect piece of wearable technology awaits to enhance your fitness journey.

These devices aren’t just about flashing lights and fancy features – they’re your digital companions in your health, helping you track, analyze and improve your performance, whether it’s a step, a stretch, a repetition or a mile. So, strap on that heart rate monitor, sync that smartwatch, or turn on that GPS device, and embrace the future of exercise.