Guest Post from Consumers Advocate - Best Fitness Tracker Based on In-Depth Reviews →

I get asked about fitness trackers on a regular basis. The information below is one of the most comprehensive reviews of the top names in wearables. Check it out!

HOW WE FOUND THE BEST FITNESS TRACKER

FEATURES

We checked for fitness trackers with diverse features that users could choose to best match their lifestyle and goals. This includes multiple health and activity monitoring options.

CONNECTIVITY

Many fitness trackers sync with smartphones or Bluetooth to receive calls, get message notifications, and send data to their corresponding fitness apps. We looked at trackers that were easy to connect.

COST

Regular fitness trackers can range from $50 to $200, while hybrid smartwatches can cost over $400. We compared prices to special features to make sure consumers get the most out of their investment.

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

Fitness trackers should be durable, lightweight, and comfortable. We interviewed customers and read dozens of reviews and testimonies for thorough feedback on each product.

OUR LIST OF THE BEST FITNESS TRACKERS

Fitness trackers are increasingly popular and are even recommended by family physicians as a safe way to get healthy and increase physical activity. When it comes to buying a fitness tracker, however, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. And, while committing to a gym membership and/or hiring a personal trainer aren’t realistic options for many consumers, some already have smartwatches and depend on them for achieving daily goals. 

Keeping all of this in mind during our research, we came up with top choices for eleven different categories—an option for nearly every type of consumer. On your marks, get set, and let’s go!

To read the full article, click here: https://www.consumersadvocate.org/fitness-tracker#toc-factors-overview

Member Spotlight: Meet Ashley

What made you try out a class at Swell? 
My co-workers spoke highly of it. I kept seeing them there on instagram and liked the types of exercises I was seeing.  I heard the classes were 30 mins which appealed to me because I like working out in the evenings and also like having me-time.  So the 30 mins sessions would allow me to get a work out in and have plenty of time in the evening for myself.


What’s your favorite thing about coming to a group fitness class? 
I like feeling accountable to the people around me.  Having people around doing the same thing I'm doing motivates me to try my hardest.


What’s your favorite exercise? 
I love weighted lunges! 


How do you feel after a typical class at Swell? 
Energized! and you know that feeling you get when you get done with a run, that feeling in your chest.  THAT


What advice would you give someone who is thinking about trying out a class? 

You'd be surprised how much work can be fit into 30 mins. Be prepared to work hard! And know it'll only be 30 mins so you can do it!

6 Fitness Trends from 2018

One of the things that initially attracted me to the fitness industry is how dynamic it is. You can’t take a few courses, get certified and then remain an expert. There is constant research being conducted and published, and it’s essential to stay on top of new information. I got my personal training certification through ACE (American Council on Exercise) and continue to recertify with them because they stay on top of the latest research and I’m always learning something new. I recently read an article on the top 6 things we learned about fitness in 2018 and I want to share some of that with you.

1. Research continues to support the claim that exercise has a positive effect on our mental health. The devastating rates of people suffering from depression and anxiety should have us all looking at prevention. And while exercise isn’t always the sole answer, it can certainly be a great place to start. Individuals who exercise experience fewer days of anxiety and depression. While there is no prescribed method of exercise, it appears that those who participate in team sports or who attend classes at a gym reap the most mental health benefits.

2. HIIT or High Intensity Interval Training was a massively popular trend in 2018 and will continue to be as research continues to tout the benefits of this form of exercise. Common results of HIIT are weight loss and higher cardiac output. Many people find these workouts more tolerable than other forms of exercise due to the short bursts of work followed by rest, which staves of boredom.

3. Video games continued to rise in popularity in 2018. According to ACE, “Surprisingly, playing video games may provide some health and cognitive benefits as various studies have demonstrated. For example, researchers are investigating whether playing virtual reality games may help increase physical activity and provide important health benefits.” If video games are your thing, try one of the many exercise games available.

4. While obesity continues to be on the rise, not only in adults, but also in children, many concerned professionals are looking for answers. We saw research being conducted on how to prevent and treat childhood obesity. We know that children who are obese are far more likely to remain obese in adulthood. The opposite is also true: children who are active are more likely to be active adults. ACE found video-based fitness lessons delivered during school hours helped kids increase children’s daily levels of physical activity. Definitely something to keep an eye on in 2019.

5. Wearable fitness trackers continue to be a big part of physical activity. There’s something available in every price range, so it makes this trend easy to try. Wearing a fitness tracker may be the little bit of motivation you need to take that lunchtime walk, instead of staying at your desk.

6. Some things never change...at least not yet. In 2018 we continued to see people looking for shortcuts and fast fixes, which are typically not sustainable. Biological research is constantly being conducted to find more information. For example, new research suggests that fat cells themselves may elevate metabolism. Developing a deeper understanding of human biology may be the key to long-term, sustainable weight loss. Or maybe we all need to eat more vegetables and move a little more.