With the holidays behind us, many people start out the new year worrying about how to lose those post-holiday pounds.

One solution to this conundrum is one of 2018’s top fitness trends: wearable technology.

Wearable tech is defined simply as a wearable device that can track your workouts and fitness goals. If you go to an electronics store, you are bombarded by Apple watch, Fitbit, Garmin and a multitude of other options.

Over the last few years, wearable tech has exploded onto the market. With so many different options to suit the needs of every type of person, it can be hard to decide which option is the right fit.

We recommend the following to make the choice easier:

• What does the recipient of the wearable tech want to track? Many, if not all fitness trackers will track steps, but after that there is a considerable difference on what is, and is not, tracked. Some track heart rate, some have built in GPS to track distance, some track calories burned, and some even track sleep quality.
• Does the user want the device to receive/send calls and texts or play music? If that’s the case, the cost of the device will increase and the brand choice will be more limited.

Ultimately, the two most important metrics to track are steps and heart rate. Steps are a good indicator of activity level throughout the day, applies to everyone and is generally a simple goal to set and achieve. Most fitness devices now track heart rate at the wrist and show your heart rate in real time. This is important because exercising in the proper heart rate zone can give you a more effective, efficient workout.

When considering giving a friend or loved one (or yourself) some type of wearable tech, consider what they will be using it for, but know that as long as it tracks steps and heart rate it will be a valuable fitness tool and great gift.

Stick to your New Year’s fitness resolution! Join Edward-Elmhurst Health & Fitness.