Four types of users of a fitness tracker: how to choose a device "to your liking"

    Fitness trackers have come to our market for a relatively long time, but many compatriots still do not understand the real purpose of the devices, nor the difference between the capabilities of various devices. As a result, we have negative reviews, the experience of unsuccessful purchases and disappointment in the very idea of ​​a portable fitness assistant. The tips below will help you choose the right device for you.



    If you read this material, you are unlikely to wonder if you need a tracker at all. Either you have already become the (un) happy owner of the device, or you are just looking at the market and looking for advice. So, as with any other purchase, first of all ask yourself the question: “What exactly do I need from a fitness tracker?”.
    My personal observations show that users of fitness devices can be divided into four conditional groups (depending on what interests them): mods, beer tummies, geeks, amateur athletes. Consider them in more detail, at the same time we will advise specific models.

    Modnik



    The appearance of the device is important for this group; they treat it as another accessory, an element of its own image. Such people do not care about the functions of the tracker, the life of its battery, the ability to maintain a "training diary". Often, interaction with a bracelet or watch is limited to their binding to a smartphone and periodic battery charging, and the possibilities are used to a minimum.
    If you belong to this group, it is unlikely that the price of the device is of great importance. The ideal option for you would be a Jawbone tracker , Sony SmartBand with a beautiful curved display, or a more sporty FitBit Flex . The last Withings Pulse O2 looks spectacular on the wrist .

    "Beer tummy"



    How to determine that you belong to this user group? It’s very simple: if during your life you tried several times to go in for sports (jogging in the morning, gym, swimming pool after work) and throw it, then welcome to our club.
    Usually, such people believe that some external independent factor should push them to the beginning of work on themselves (in sports terms). In the case of buying a tracker, it is he (alas, only in the view of the group) who acts as a similar “push”. In order not to be disappointed in myself again, not to regret the money thrown into a dusty device on the shelf, I can advise you to start with simple options: wristband pedometers, Xiaomi Mi Band , Fitbug Orb , more expensive and functional SmartBand Roxy .Please note that the latter is only compatible with Android devices. It makes sense to try iHealth AM3 .
    To “beer bellies” it is important that their activity is visible to someone else, ideally if there is a competitive element. Very good in this regard, the service from the market pioneers, Jawbone. Qualitatively executed application Misfit . Well, Android with its Wear did not disappoint, the integration possibilities are huge, though the implementation rests on the manufacturer.
    So do not be lazy to register in the services of device manufacturers and share your little achievements with friends on social networks. Ideally, if you ask someone close to you to help you make training plans and analyze the results: it’s more fun together, and there’s a chance that the purchase will not turn into a useless toy.

    Geek



    This user is not worried about how the device looks, its social capabilities and “beautiful features”. In the hardware store, his eyes burn like a child’s Christmas tree. Most likely, the fitness tracker will become for him a toy that he can use with equal probability until he breaks, and can resell to his friend after several tests.
    If the bracelets are of purely technical interest to you, be sure to pay attention to their technical compatibility with the operating system of your smartphone. First of all, you will be interested in the wide capabilities of the devices: does the pulse measure, does it calculate calories and sleep phases, and if it does, how? How long does the battery live if you lie on the bed all day? And if you put a cat on a paw bracelet?
    In general, it is difficult to advise something to a person who is used to choosing devices on their own, but if you plan to really benefit from all this for your health, take a look at the convenient Jawbone Up Move clip that can be hung on a backpack or belt. You may also be interested in the wide Fitbit Charge or its moisture-proof brother, Fitbit Surge . Well, for control of posture I will advise LUMOback .

    Amateur Athlete



    Have you long been accustomed to starting the morning with a little workout, regularly running and watching your diet? A self-monitoring diary, heart rate measurements and calorie counting have become your daily routine? Be sure to choose a fitness tracker for yourself: it will greatly simplify control and save a significant amount of time.
    Perhaps the main advice for this group of users is to spare no money. It’s better to pay a little extra for an extra function than to repent later that your tracker does not give detailed statistics on calories burned. I will not give advice to people who play sports regularly: you yourself know what specific functions you need. I’ll just list what may interest you depending on the activity.
    • The basic level is an approximate counter of steps / distance, sleep phase. Definitely already mentioned Xiaomi Mi Band and Fitbit Flex
    • Advanced level. Add total activity, calories. We get the domestic ONETRAK Life , the market leader - Jawbone Up2 or convenient Mio Fuse
    • High level - GPS, rugged case, many parameters. Take a look at the most advanced (respectively, and most expensive) Polar M400 and Polar V800 . With Polar on hand you can at least under water, at least in the mountains, at least on a bicycle.

    I hope that no matter which group you belong to, the fitness tracker will be a useful acquisition that will really benefit your health. Enjoy the shopping!

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