Bombarded by fitness gadgets? Wearable tech expert Sophie Charara shares her top picks
With an abundance of fitness trackers flooding the market, it sometimes difficult to know which one is right for you. So we thought it was time to bring the expert in. Here, Sophie Charara from wareable.com shares her expertise in this Reviews: top fitness trackers to help you decide.
MISFIT SHINE 2, £79.99
WHAT IS IT?
The latest in the series of Misfit’s attractive trackers. It monitors activity and sleep, and the LEDs around the edge light up when you receive a call or message. Available in balck and rose gold, you can wear it on your wrist, or clipped to your waistband or shoe.
BEST BITS
It has an easy-to-use app, six-month battery life and it’s waterproof, so you can take it swimming. Plus, it looks stylish, too!
DOWNSIDES
The tracking disc can pop out of its band, so keep an eye on it.
GET THE MOST FROM IT
Log your exercises in the companion app (available on Android and iPhone) and set goals to improve your fitness. The ‘move’ setting makes the device vibrate when you’ve been idle for too long to make you move more.
BEST FOR
All-round healthy lifestyle
PEBBLE TIME ROUND, £230
WHAT IS IT?
This is a smartwatch rather than just a fitness tracker. It can show you messages from your phone, upcoming appointments and notes, as well as track fitness and sleep.
BEST BITS
It’s super light and streamlined (only 7.5mm thick) and, with quick change bands and downloadable watchface designs, you can change the look whenever you want.
DOWNSIDES
You need to charge it once every two days, but a full charge should only take around 15 minutes.
GET THE MOST FROM IT
Download apps, such as TripAdvisor, from the Pebble Store and it uses your current location to recommend restaurants, or RunKeeper, which lets you check stats like pace and distance when jogging.
BEST FOR
Hi-tech types
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JAWBONE UP2, £89.99
WHAT IS IT?
This lightweight tracker calculates your calorie burn throughout the day and can log an activity, such as jogging or Zumba. Plus, it monitors sleep automatically, measuring Awake, Light and Sound sleep and gives you tips to help you get a better night’s rest.
BEST BITS
It’s one of the best at encouraging you to keep good habits going. The app (available on iPhone and Android) includes Smart Coach motivational messages, which are based on how much you’ve been moving. The more you wear it, the more personalised your advice will become.
DOWNSIDES
It’s not waterproof and there’s no GPS or heart-rate tracking, so you can’t get detailed stats on your fitness activities.
GET THE MOST FROM IT
Sync your band with Apple Health on your iPhone to combine your fitness data with food tracking from MyFitnessPal or Weight Watchers, and get an overall picture of your health and wellbeing.
BEST FOR
Exercise addicts
SPIRE, £100
WHAT IS IT?
This wellbeing gadget monitors and tracks your steps, body posture and breathing in order to help reduce stress.
BEST BITS
Spire sends all the data it’s collected to your iPhone, which generates an image depending on whether it thinks you’re in Focus, Activity or a Calm state.
DOWNSIDES
It must be worn on your waistband or bra. Plus, notifications come in the form of vibrations, so you ahve to check your phone to see what they mean.
GET THE MOST FROM IT
Use the app to receive advice on how to reach your ideal state of mind.
BEST FOR
Stressing less
FITBIT CHARGE HR, £119.99
WHAT IS IT?
The Fitbit Charge was a bestseller and now they’ve added heart-rate tracking on this new version. The tiny screen shows the time, as well as steps, calories and ditance.
BEST BITS
It continuously checks up on heartbeats per minute, whether you’re exercising or not. What’s more, the beginner-friendly app (available on iPhone and Android) gives you badges for achievements and lets you join a community of Fitbit users.
DOWNSIDES
It’s not waterproof and though it offers sleep tracking, it’s not as detailed as Misfit or Jawbone.
GET THE MOST FROM IT
Challenge yourself to tasks, such as walking a certain number of steps in one week, and ask Fitbit pals to join in.
BEST FOR
Heart-rate workout fans
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