In the Midwest, we’re a fairly healthy bunch (nice work, Minnesota!).
Nevertheless, even hearty Midwesterners like us can use a little support when it comes to our fitness.
Fitness trackers have become immensely popular. These high-tech devices—the new must-have in wellness and health—can help you with countless physical goals and contribute to numerous health benefits. Whether you want to lose weight, lower your blood pressure, boost your heart health, or improve aspects of your physical performance, these devices can be extremely useful. Best of all, many come at a surprisingly low price!
Many people are buying fitness trackers. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global market for fitness trackers was about $47.4 billion in 2022. There was a boost in sales from COVID-19, and this momentum is expected to continue for years. Fortune Business Insight says that the U.S. market alone, which was worth $22.5 billion in 2022, will grow by an average of about 20% per year between 2020 and 2030! It’s clear these devices are not a fringe, fleeting trend.
However, not all fitness trackers are built the same. With so many companies creating their own versions of the fitness tracker (one review tested 40 options!), it may not be easy to select the right one.
We’d like to help! Whether you are preparing to run the Kansas City Marathon or just want to walk the beaches and trails of Wisconsin’s Kohler-Andrae State Park, a fitness tracker can be your companion along the way.
Plus, with these simple, practical tests, you can make the right fitness tracker choice for your wellness needs…
Choosing the Best Fitness Tracker for You
While we can’t decide for you (sorry!), we can provide some direction on your fitness tracker choice. These tips will help you sort through the clutter and select the perfect fitness tracker for you, specifically…
How Will The Device Will Be Used?
Do you want to wear the device at work and simply count steps? Will you be jogging with the fitness tracker on? Do you plan on taking it in the water? Are you a cyclist who needs to track overall distance while monitoring your biometrics?
It may seem obvious, but think about how you will use the device, and you’ll have a better map to which fitness trackers will work best for you.
What Are Your Fitness Goals?
What do you want to achieve? Are you trying to lose weight and need a step counter or a device that will monitor calories? Are you trying to reach an athletic milestone, such as completing a triathlon or a week-long bike ride? Think about what you want to achieve, including your fitness and health goals, to select the device with the right tracking accessories to best help you along your way.
What Fitness Activities Do You Enjoy?
This is where you get to think about the fun! While exercise and wellness are good for everyone, we all enjoy different activities. Some prefer to bike along the Midwest’s numerous bicycle trails. Others like kayaking on our gorgeous rivers. Others want to simply go for a friendly neighborhood walk.
Considering your activities can help. For example, if you prefer walking or jogging, a fitness tracker that primarily functions as a pedometer is probably your best option. Your current or intended activities can guide your fitness tracker decision.
Are You Fashion-Minded?
Does it matter to you how your fitness tracker looks? Are you a fashionista who prefers wearable technology with a stylish flair? Or do you want to prioritize function, regardless of appearance? There are numerous fashion-forward fitness devices, but one of the most popular is the Bella Ivy, a stylish device designed specifically for women to track lifestyle habits, biometric readings, and more.
Do You Want It to Match with Other Devices?
Fitness trackers often pair with specific devices, creating seamless, convenient, and fun connectivity. You can use some trackers to create charts, access rewards, or mark milestones. If you need it to pair with your smartphone or tablet, research the device and check all compatibility factors. Always choose a model that will sync with your current technology.
Do You Need A Long Battery Life?
Some fitness trackers have batteries that last a year and a half (yeah, you read that right!). Others have less battery life. Do you mind recharging your fitness tracker every night? Will you remember to plug it in?
Alternatively, there are some models with built-in solar panels, allowing you to recharge the device while enjoying a sunny day. There are also models with replaceable batteries; some buyers prefer this over plugging in the device every day.
What’s Your Budget?
It would be naive to pretend pricing didn’t matter. While Midwesterners enjoy some of the lowest costs of living, we still need to be savvy with our cash. If saving money is a concern, numerous fitness trackers can be bought at a low cost; these brands often have less of a reputation than Fitbit or Garmin yet provide a strong value for budget-minded shoppers.
Our List of the Top Fitness Tracker
What is the best fitness tracker? Here are some of the top options based on activity or preferences for the device:
- Great choice for Value: Vital Fitness Tracker
- Great choice for Walkers: 3DFitBud Simple Step Counter
- Great choice for Runners: Garmin Forerunner 945
- Great choice for Swimmers: FORM Swim Goggles
- Great choice for Bicyclists: Garmin Fenix 7
- Great choice for Fashion (Women): Bella Ivy
- Great choice for Fashion (Men): Michael Kors Access Hybrid Smartwatch
- Great choice for Fashion (Unisex): Misfit Ray
- Great choice for Long Battery Life: Withings Move
How to Find the Best Deal on a Quality Fitness Tracker
We all want a great fitness tracker. We also all want a great deal. How can we find the best of both? Start by researching the best low-cost fitness trackers. Healthline, for example, offers a list of the nine cheapest fitness trackers.
Once you target a specific brand that suits you, you can look for deals, such as holiday or summertime discounts, to find better savings.
Finally, consider ordering online. There are many high-quality products available for low prices at online marketplaces like Amazon. Ordering online also allows you to quickly compare prices, so you can find the best bargain.
Hiking Effigy Mounds in Iowa? Doing an open-water swim in Nebraska? Snowshoeing Lake Metigoshe State Park in North Dakota? Regardless of your fitness level or physical goals, a fitness tracker can help you maintain a healthy, active, and vibrant Midwestern lifestyle!
Related Articles
- Finna Play Pickleball?
- How to Hit Physical Fitness Goals in the Midwest
- Iowa Basketball Schedule 2023-24
- The Craziest Rivalries in Midwest University Sports
- The Gen Z Money Squeeze
- Glow Up Midwest Fashion Trends
###
