Hello friends,
A year ago, my brother gifted me a Noise Fit Twist Go Smartwatch. After keeping it aside for a while, I started using it for one simple thing: checking how many steps I walked in a day.
Though my smartwatch offers many other features, I mainly use it for one purpose. Honestly, having my step count right there on my wrist does make me more aware of how much I move during the day. Some days the number looks good; on others, it reminds me that I probably need to get up and move a little more.
That got me thinking about fitness trackers in general. What exactly is a fitness tracker? What can it track? What are the different types, and what are the good options available in the market?
If you are also thinking about getting a fitness tracker, let's take a simple look at what these devices can actually do and who they may be useful for.
What Is a Fitness Tracker?
A fitness tracker is a wearable device that helps you keep track of different aspects of your daily physical activity. Most fitness trackers are worn on the wrist, although some can be clipped to your clothes. You can also use smartphone apps to track certain activities.
What Can a Fitness Tracker Track?
The features vary from one fitness tracker to another. A basic device may simply count your steps, while a more advanced smartwatch can provide much more information about your daily activity and workouts.
Here are some of the common things fitness trackers can monitor:
1. Steps and Distance
The tracker counts your steps and can also estimate the distance you have walked or run.
2. Calories
Many fitness trackers provide an estimate of the calories you burn during the day or while exercising.
3. Heart Rate
Many fitness trackers can monitor your heart rate, both during activity and, depending on the device, while you are resting.
4. Sleep
Some trackers monitor your sleep and provide information about how long you slept. More advanced devices may also provide details about different stages of sleep.
5. Exercise and Workouts
Fitness trackers can record different types of workouts, such as walking, running, cycling and swimming.
Whether you prefer going to the gym or exercising at home, tracking your workouts can help you stay aware of how active you are. If you prefer working out at home, you may also like my article on 7 Best Exercises for Weight Loss at Home - Without Gym Equipment.
6. Other Features
Some advanced fitness trackers offer additional features such as blood oxygen monitoring, stress tracking, breathing rate, GPS and other wellness measurements. The features available depend on the model.
The idea is quite simple: instead of guessing how active you have been during the day, the device gives you some numbers to look at. For someone like me, even seeing the step count can be enough to make me think, “Okay, I need to move a little more today.”
Types of Fitness Trackers
Fitness trackers come in different forms and offer different features. You don't necessarily need the most advanced device; the right choice depends on what you want to track.
1. Fitness Bands
Fitness bands are lightweight devices worn around the wrist. They are usually designed mainly for fitness tracking and can record basic activities such as steps, distance, calories and sleep. Some models also offer heart-rate monitoring and workout tracking.
They are a good option if you want basic fitness tracking without too many extra features.
2. Fitness Smartwatches
Fitness smartwatches are also worn on the wrist. They combine fitness and health tracking with smartwatch features. Depending on the model, they may track steps, workouts, heart rate, sleep, blood oxygen and other measurements.
They may also offer features such as notifications, music controls, calls and apps, making them useful beyond fitness tracking.
3. Smartphone Fitness Apps
You don't always need a wearable device to track your activity. Several smartphone apps, such as Google Fit, Samsung Health and Apple Health, can use your phone's sensors to count steps, estimate distance and record other activity.
However, you need to carry your phone with you for the tracking to work properly.
These are the main options. The features and accuracy can vary from one device or app to another, so it's worth thinking about what you actually need before choosing one.
Are Fitness Trackers Actually Worth It?
The short answer is: Yes, but it depends on what you expect from them. If you are looking for a device that will magically make you fit, probably not. But if seeing your daily steps, workouts or activity levels motivates you to move more, it can be surprisingly useful.
For me, even something as simple as checking my step count has made me more aware of how active I am during the day. This can be particularly useful if you spend long hours sitting during the day without realizing how little you move.
So, a fitness tracker may be worth it if you:
- want motivation to move more
- like keeping track of your walks or workouts
- want to monitor trends in your activity or sleep
- prefer having this information in one place
It might not be worth it if:
- you expect the device to do the hard work for you
- you feel stressed or overwhelmed by constant numbers and notifications
- want motivation to move more
- like keeping track of your walks or workouts
- want to monitor trends in your activity or sleep
- prefer having this information in one place
- you expect the device to do the hard work for you
- you feel stressed or overwhelmed by constant numbers and notifications
Best Fitness Trackers to Consider in India
If you are planning to buy a fitness tracker, here are a few options worth considering. They cater to different needs, from simple step tracking to more detailed fitness and health monitoring.
1. Google Fitbit Inspire 3
The Google Fitbit Inspire 3 is a slim and lightweight fitness tracker designed for people who want to keep an eye on their daily activity, sleep and overall wellness. It offers a colour touchscreen and up to 10 days of battery life.
Main features: Step, distance and calorie tracking, heart-rate monitoring, sleep tracking, exercise modes, Active Zone Minutes, blood oxygen tracking and stress-related features.
Best for: People looking for a dedicated fitness tracker with detailed health and activity tracking without the bulk of a full-size smartwatch.
2. Samsung Galaxy Fit3
The Samsung Galaxy Fit3 is a lightweight fitness band that is suitable for everyday activity and health tracking. It is a good choice if your main requirements include tracking steps, workouts and sleep.
Main features: Step and activity tracking, sleep monitoring, heart-rate tracking, tracking of over 100 workouts, and a bright and clear display.
Best for: Everyday users who want a simple fitness band with a display.
3. Amazfit Bip 6 Smart Watch
The Amazfit Bip 6 combines everyday smartwatch functions with fitness and health tracking. It offers heart-rate and sleep monitoring, 140+ workout modes, built-in GPS and up to 14 days of battery life.
Main features: Step and activity tracking, heart-rate monitoring, sleep tracking, workout tracking, GPS, blood-oxygen and stress monitoring, Bluetooth calling and 5 ATM water resistance.
Best for: People who want fitness tracking with smartwatch features.
4. Noise Pro 6
The Noise Pro 6 is a premium smartwatch-style tracker designed for users who want advanced display tech and AI features alongside daily health monitoring. It features a large display, a metallic zinc alloy body, and an emergency SOS feature.
Main features: 1.85" AMOLED display, AI companion & watch faces, heart rate, and SpO2 monitoring, 100+ sports modes, Bluetooth calling, and IP68 water resistance.
Best for: Users who want a premium AMOLED screen and AI features in a sub-₹5,000 budget.
5. Garmin Forerunner 55
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is designed mainly for runners and people who want more detailed workout and training information.
Main features: GPS, running, cycling, and workout tracking, heart-rate monitoring, pace and distance tracking, advanced wellness and training-related features.
Best for: Runners and regular exercisers who want more detailed fitness data.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Fitness Tracker
Before buying a fitness tracker, think about what you actually want from it. Here are a few things worth considering:
1. Your Main Goal
Why do you want a fitness tracker? If you mainly want to count steps and be more active during the day, a basic fitness band or budget smartwatch may be enough. If you exercise regularly, you may want features such as workout tracking, built-in GPS, recovery metrics or more detailed health and fitness data.
2. Battery Life
Check how often the tracker needs to be charged. Basic fitness bands can last anywhere from 7 to 14 days on a single charge. However, smartwatches with bright AMOLED displays or continuous GPS usage may need charging every 1 to 3 days.
3. Screen vs. No Screen
Some fitness trackers have a screen, while others are designed without one. A screen lets you check your steps, notifications and other information directly on your wrist. Screenless trackers focus on background tracking, such as activity, sleep and recovery, without the distraction of a screen.
4. Comfort and Design
You will likely wear your fitness tracker for many hours during the day and even overnight for sleep tracking. Look for a device that feels lightweight, fits well, and comes with a comfortable strap material.
5. Smartphone Compatibility & App Experience
Make sure the tracker's companion app is compatible with your smartphone's operating system, such as Android or iOS. Since you will view most of your fitness and health data through the app, look for one that is easy to use and navigate.
6. Price
Fitness trackers range from affordable basic models to high-end sports watches. Set a realistic budget and focus on the features you will actually use rather than paying extra for features you don't need.
7. Accuracy
Fitness trackers provide estimates rather than perfectly precise measurements. Step counts, distance, calories burned and other readings can vary between devices. So, use the numbers as a general guide rather than treating them as exact measurements.
Final Thoughts
For me, a fitness tracker is not about counting every calorie or tracking every workout. I mainly use my Noise Fit Twist Go to check my steps, and even that simple number makes me more aware of how much I move during the day.
So, if you are thinking about getting one, whether it’s a fitness band, smartwatch or smartphone app, just choose a device or app that suits your needs and lifestyle. You don't need the most expensive or feature-packed device. Sometimes, a simple step count is enough to get you moving and motivated.
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