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.

COMING SOON: Garmin Forerunner 10



Forerunner 10

Well it isn't quite as anticipated as the iPhone 5 but we are excited to be bringing in this brand new device by Garmin.  It's so easy to use, you can start your run with just the click of one button.  As you run, you see how far/how fast you're going. 

With this simple device you can: race your virtual pacer, upload your runs and see your route mapped out, see your runs charted by detail like pace and elevation, and it keeps you motivated by letting you know when you've done your longest or your fastest run! 

We'll be getting our first shipment in of all 3 colors the last week of September!  Let us know if we can reserve one for you!  345-1000



Soleus GPS 1.0





We love the simplicity of the GPS 1.0!  For those of you looking for an entry level GPS watch, look no further.  This Soleus is easy to use and easy on the pocketbook, priced at $99!

Yurbuds

26.2 miles have nothing on the Yurbuds Ironman Series Earphones. The brainchild of a marathoner and triathlete, the custom-fit yurbuds use ear-lock technology to stay in your ears no matter how far the race.  Designed by a team of athletes, audiologists and engineers, Yurbuds are constructed for maximum comfort and staying power. Ultra-soft medical grade silicone adds extra cushion and the specially shaped buds avoid pressure points. Sound funnel channels enhance sound quality and acoustics. Yurbuds are also sweat and water-proof. Going the distance now feels a little closer. 

Also available is the Yurbuds armband.  Made from a soft and flexible neoprene fabric that allows a comfortable fit and won't slip during intense exercise, even on smaller arms. Designed for iPod Touch and iPhones but fit most smartphones.

Hello World! Our New Gear + Apparel Blog!

Hello ladies and gents! Kelsey here on the new Fleet Feet Gear and Apparel Blog. Here you'll find updates on store merch and the latest and greatest in fitness apparel technology as well as, nutrition and hydration.