Tracking fitness trackers

First there was the stopwatch. Then there was the GPS, with a stopwatch. Now, runners are using a new tool to track their distance, activity, heart rate, and even sleep quality.

Fitness trackers do it all, and they can be stylish little accessories. Nowadays, fitness trackers fit right into the lifestyles of pretty much everyone--especially us runners. So, with all of the fitness trackers out there, how do you tell the difference between them?

So, with so many fitness trackers out there, how do you tell the difference between them?

Garmin Vivofit (available at Fleet Feet Chico)

Chances are you already know that Garmin is synonymous with GPS running watches. So it’s no surprise that Garmin is a leader in the fitness tracker trend. Some of the features include:

• Sleek, ultra-lightweight band
• Pedometer
• Bluetooth
• Waterproof
• Calorie counter
• Sleep tracker

Garmin Vivosmart (available at Fleet Feet Chico)

Every feature in the above Vivofit can be found in the Vivosmart. The difference is that you can connect the Vivosmart with your smartphone. It syncs with your music and alerts you when you receive a phone call or text. So, no more excuses like, “I missed your call/text, I was running.”

• Sleek, ultra-lightweight band
• Heart rate monitor
• Pedometer
• Bluetooth
• Waterproof
• Calorie counter
• Sleep tracker

Fitbit

Fitbit also offers quite a few different looks and levels of fitness tracking, including the Fitbit Charge, Fitbit ChargeHR and the Fitbit Surge. Typically a little wider than the Garmin products, these nonetheless pack a lot of features. For instance, the high-end Fitbit Surge offers:

• Heart rate monitor
• Pedometer
• Bluetooth
• Waterproof
• Calorie counter
• Sleep tracker

Nike FuelBand

Nike will be Nike. This is a slick, good-looking product that’s at the top of the list. And, of course, it makes full use of the FuelBand mobile app and syncs data from your band to your Nike+ account, providing feedback and motivation. Which, coming from a piece of electronics, sounds a little eerie.

• Pedometer
• Bluetooth
• Calorie counter
• Sleep tracker
• Some are waterproof

Microsoft Band

Who knew Microsoft had a band? No, it’s not another grunge group grumbling and mumbling its way out of Seattle, but it’s actually a fitness tracker. Dubbed as the first device powered by Microsoft Health, it resembles a tiny Surface tablet on your wrist.

• Heart rate monitor
• Pedometer
• Bluetooth
• Calorie counter
• Sleep tracker

Samsung Galaxy Gear Fit

The touchscreen is long and only slightly curved, so it looks like some flexibility would be lost. It offers instant email, text and incoming call notifications. (Note: When researching this product, I noticed a lot of them were selling on eBay, just sayin’…)

• Heart rate monitor
• Pedometer
• Bluetooth
• Waterproof
• Calorie counter
• Sleep tracker

There are even more fitness trackers out there, but these are the ones that are better known. If you have any questions about which fitness tracker might be right for you, we can answer your questions.