With that said, each type of activity requires different metrics. If you’re a runner, for example, you’re going to want something with an accurate GPS and the ability to track miles ran and heart rate. By contrast, swimmers require a fully waterproof wearable capable of accurately tracking laps in a pool. There are so many Fitbit models out there that it can be daunting to compare every feature and make a decision. To help, we’ve compiled a list of the best Fitbits for runners, swimmers, cyclists, triathletes, and more.
If you’re looking for a fitness tracker that also doubles as a smartwatch, you’ll want the Fitbit Versa. It’s not only swim-proof but also has a battery life that can last over six days. The Versa includes a built-in heart rate sensor, and it comes with Fitbit 4.1.
In addition to tracking fitness, the Versa also provides notifications from your smartphone, allowing you to check text messages, social media notifications, and the ability to accept or reject calls. Those who have an Android device can also use the Quick Replies feature to reply to text messages straight from the smartwatch.
The Fitbit Charge 3 succeeds the Fitbit Charge 2 and comes with a few upgrades. In terms of design, it’s 20 percent lighter than the Charge 2 and has a sleeker look. The touchscreen display in the Charge 3 is also easier to navigate, with a few simple taps and swipes allowing you to see all your health and fitness metrics right from your wrist. During those long runs or biking sessions, you can use its goal-tracking feature to set the number of miles you want to run or calories you’d like to burn. It keeps track of everything you need to see how close you are to reaching your goal.
To make sure distance and time are tracked accurately, an auto-stop feature is coming to the Charge 3 — whenever you wait at a traffic light during a run or need to stop to let cars pass by, it will automatically pause exercise mode until you start running again.
The Charge 3 also provides you with smartphone notifications whether they are from social media apps or text messages. You can accept or reject calls from the device as well. The Charge 3 also has longer battery life than its predecessor, so you can use it for up to an entire week, tracking workouts and receiving notifications, before having to put it back on the charger.
Many people forget about the Flex 2 — Fitbit’s other swim-proof fitness tracker. This basic band — although stripped of some of the bells and whistles of its fancier kin — performs many of the same functions at a much lower price. It’s water-resistant (of course), making it the perfect triathlon companion and it accomplishes everything you need: Automatically recognizes running, biking, and swimming, tracks distance covered, calories burned, and total active minutes.
The Flex 2 is also incredibly lightweight and slim, so it won’t feel overly cumbersome on race day — you can even wear it as a bangle or pendant. Plus, the slide-out device is easier to charge on your USB port than dangling a bulky watch from your computer. There are drawbacks, however, as it won’t record or log heart rate and if SmartTrack fails to recognize your activity, you have to adjust it using your phone. That said, if you’re just starting out for your first race- – or want to save some dough — the Flex 2 is an awesome budget option.
Another one of Fitbit’s best all-around fitness trackers, the Ionic is water-resistant up to 50 meters. What this means is that it’s perfect for use in the pool, the ocean (yes, it can withstand the salt), the shower, or even a sudden rainstorm. Featuring what’s called Swim Exercise mode, the Ionic displays laps in real-time as you swim, along with the duration of your pool time, stroke style, and the number of calories burned.
Aside from its swim functionality, the device is loaded with other features. As the company’s first self-proclaimed smartwatch (the Fitbit Blaze had watch-like features but wasn’t a full-scale watch), it sends you smartphone alerts and notifications, plays personalized workouts directly on the screen, monitors sleep cycles, and coaches you through guided breathing sessions. Like the Charge 2, it features SmartTrack which automatically detects what exercise you’re doing and switches into that mode to record stats.
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