Jill Barker: How to track down the right fitness wearable

Today's fitness trackers do more than count steps, but how much more do you really need?

When looking for a fitness tracker, consider the user's goals first and foremost. Bebeto Matthews / AP

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The holidays are around the corner, and fitness trackers are sure to be on Christmas lists from coast to coast. Also referred to as wearables, due to the ease of attaching them to wrists and waistbands, they were projected by the American College of Sports Medicine to be the top fitness trend for 2019. Estimates suggest there will be 170 million units on the global market by 2020, up from the 26 million on sale in 2014.

Loaded with a ton more tech than the original wearables, which debuted in 2006 when Nike paired a shoe sensor with an iPod Nano, today’s models do more than count steps. Equipped with increasingly sophisticated sensors, the latest generation of wearables can determine whether you’re walking, running, swimming or practising yoga. They also calculate heart rate, calorie burn and exercise intensity, and monitor sleep patterns. And if you’re spending too much time not moving, they let you know that, too.

If you’re surprised at how far fitness trackers have come in the last few years, you’re not alone. New models are being introduced every year, with older models being phased out just as quickly.

Yet despite all the hype around the potential for wearables to move us from a society of couch potatoes to a society of fitness enthusiasts, there’s no guarantee they have any lasting positive effect on lifestyle habits. Studies indicate the boost in activity that occurs during the first few weeks of use tapers off quickly, with 50 per cent of users abandoning their tracker, and their new active lifestyle, within a couple of months.

That’s not the only knock on wearables. There are questions about the accuracy of the data that flashes up on the face of the unit. With no third party verifying marketing claims, no standard in terms of the sensors and algorithms used to gather and interpret the information, and a lag between the evolution of the devices and the research needed to assess their accuracy, the scientific community suggests not to put too much stock in the data they deliver.

That doesn’t mean wearables can’t be great gifts. They do a pretty good job of providing an unbiased picture of just how much we move — something we all tend to overestimate. And for some, they’re the motivation needed to start the new year off on the right foot. So to help you navigate the marketplace, here are some tips on what to look for when buying a fitness wearable.

What type of wearable is best?

Consumers looking for a wrist-worn wearable have two distinct options: fitness trackers and smartwatches. Fitness trackers specialize in quantifying daily physical activity (steps taken, distance travelled, calories burned), though more and more of them include some type of sleep tracking as well. The more expensive models also include text and calendar alerts, GPS capabilities and physical activity detection (they can determine the type of movement you’re doing). The displays are small, which means you have to toggle between stats, but all the data is synced to your phone, so you can view the details of your activity after the workout is over.

Smartwatches do everything fitness trackers do, and more. They incorporate the weather, your workout playlist and Bluetooth capability, and allow you to receive phone calls — all on your wrist. Many smartwatches also integrate third-party fitness apps, so you can use popular apps like Strava and Nike+ Run Club instead of being limited to the manufacturer’s proprietary exercise tracking software.

What price should I expect to pay?

A search on Amazon reveals fitness trackers starting at $29.99 and peaking at several thousands of dollars. The difference in price is generally related to the number of bells and whistles. The more stuff your tracker does, the higher the price tag. Most people will be happy with a tracker between $50 and $100, depending on how much data they want to receive and whether they like the idea of reading text messages while on the go.

Smartwatches start at $200 and specialize in seamlessly satisfying your workout and lifestyle habits. They also offer a more user-friendly display and make it easier to access stats in real time.

What features are important?

It’s easy to get dazzled by the array of features offered by today’s wearables, but when choosing one model over another, start by matching the user’s goals with the device. Most of today’s basic models track step count, distance travelled, minutes spent on the move and calorie burn. They also monitor lack of activity and send reminders to get moving. So if tracking daily activity is the goal, most entry-level units will suffice.

For those who want their wearable to do more than just monitor activity, the choice gets more complicated. Plenty of fitness trackers offer features similar to those found on smartwatches, so what it really comes down to when choosing between higher-end models is user experience.

For most people, that means the ease with which you can see your data in real time, as well as the quantity and quality of the information supplied. For data-driven runners, swimmers and cyclists, stats like pace, stride/stroke/pedal rate and heart rate are important. Considerations such as whether the device delivers in the pool can also be a deciding factor.

The bottom line: get as many features as possible within the price range you can afford, putting the primary needs of the user at the top of the list.

Just be sure to save the receipt.


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