With the ability to communicate via your wrist, smartwatches can assist you in tracking your fitness objectives, motivate you to move more throughout your day, and help you commemorate your accomplishments as you go. However, not all of them are made equal, so you should carefully consider your choices if you're spending a lot of money on this specialized device. We spoke with fitness professionals to find out the best brands and features to look for in a smartwatch.
How To Pick A Wristwatch
In addition to tracking your steps and exercises, a smartwatch can be used to text, call, and access third-party apps right from your wrist by connecting to your smartphone. Fitness trackers and smartwatches are comparable, but because smartwatches can sync with your phone, they have more features. When choosing the device that's best for you, if you're interested in giving one a try, consider the following factors.
Compatibility: In order to successfully sync the two devices, you'll want to confirm that your watch and smartphone are compatible.
Design: While not the most important factor, appearances do matter when choosing a smartwatch. For example, if your wrists are smaller, you might be more likely to wear one that isn't overly large, according to Savage. Beyond that, it truly comes to your personal taste, and you can find a watch that suits you by considering things like color and adaptable watch bands.
Reliability: You require a device that offers precise measurements because watch data can help inform training decisions. For example, heart rate metrics may tell you to slow down during a run, or your present step count may tell you to fit in another stroll after work.
The Top Smart Watches
The top smartwatches with features like water resistance, GPS tracking, and battery life are listed here, based on recommendations from experts, SELF Certified reviews, and satisfied customers.
1) Apple Watch
According to DeRienzo, the "user-friendly" smartwatch that "does it all" is the Apple Watch. You can track metrics for various workouts, listen to your favorite playlists, text, and call, and monitor your general health metrics. The owner and creator of CORE Cycle.Fitness.Lagree in Providence, Rhode Island, Denise Chakoian, CPT, uses her Apple Watch for Pilates, functional exercise, strength training, and high-intensity interval training.
2) FitBit Versa 4
According to DeRienzo, "FitBit is going to be your best call" if you're searching for a basic smartwatch. FitBit watches are frequently less expensive than watches from other companies like Apple and Garmin, but they still have all the crucial features that an inexperienced athlete could require, like step count and heart rate data, in addition to call, text, and app notifications. In addition to checking those boxes, the FitBit Versa 4 provides some slightly more sophisticated information, such as skin temperature, blood oxygen levels, and the length of each sleep stage. In addition, the Versa 4's excellent battery life and cozy, lightweight design are highlighted in SELF's review.