If you are starting your fitness journey and need help measuring your progress, a fitness tracker is your best friend!
Whether you need to burn calories or require optimal sleep, an activity tracker helps you do all this and more. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fitness buff, these fitness gadgets are helpful for all.

Fitness Tracker Vs. Smartwatch: Actual Difference

The more features you need, the more expensive your smartwatch will be. If you want more sensors for measuring pace, speed, stride in your steps, or sleep, an advanced tracker would better suit your needs.
There are also models designed specifically for swimmers, golfers, or weightlifters.

A fitness tracker is designed to measure:

• Steps taken: A step tracker is used for this
• Heart rate
• Active minutes
• Duration of Exercise: An exercise tracker measures this
• Sleep Time: REM and regular sleep are shown separately

You can install third-party apps on smartwatches, but you can’t do so on fitness trackers. Here lies the difference between both. Look at the fitness tracker features before you buy one.

Features to Consider While Buying a Fitness Tracker/Band

After you have finalized the functions you need, here are some features to consider when buying a fitness tracker:

Style-

Fitness trackers are not only functional; they let you make a style statement too. Choose from a wide range of colors, shapes, and models that go with your personality. Nowadays, designer fitness trackers are available as well.

Display-

Fitness trackers use the latest technology to offer you data through words, symbols, and numbers. The information can also be obtained through an LED display, watch-face display, or an app.
You can archive, interpret, and analyze the data by syncing it to a computer or smartphone. Check the companion app for compatibility before you buy the tracker.

Accuracy-

Trackers measure footsteps taken, hours slept, stairs climbed, or punches thrown using sensors and algorithms. You should use a function-specific device.
A heart-rate monitor strapped to your chest, for example, would transmit more accurate information compared to an in-device sensor on your wrist.

Battery Life-

The more features your tracker offers, the shorter is its battery life. A simple device with some LED lights could give your several months of battery life, while one with multiple sensors could require more frequent charging.

Water Resistance-

This feature would depend on the chances of your tracker getting wet. Most trackers are splashproof and can withstand heavy showers. If you want to use them while swimming, get one with a higher water-resistance level.

Sensors That are a Must and Optional in Fitness Trackers

Here are some of the top fitness trackers/bands in the UAE:

Fitbit

• Cardio-fitness level
• 24×7 heart-rate tracking
• Real-time pace and distance

Amazfit

• Retro four-sided screen
• 24 x 7 heart rate measurement
• Sleep monitoring

Xiaomi

• Always-on display
• Lightweight design
• 16-day ultra-long battery life
• High-end GPS chip with four modes

Samsung

• Super AMOLED Display
• Form and Fitness coaching
• 5 ATM water resistance rating

Huawei

• Dynamic heart rate monitoring
• Faster satellite location
• Running ability index
• Training suggestions

Honor

• Trusleep sleep monitoring
• Truseen Real-Time Heart Rate
• 50M water resistant
• Multiple workout types

Realme

• Nine sports modes
• Built-in PPG optical heart rate sensor
• Sleep quality monitor
• USB-port charging directly

Suunto

• 120 hours continuous exercise tracking
• Fused track for more accurate tracking
• Three predefined battery modes – Endurance, performance, and ultra
• Durable

Top 10 Fitness Trackers and Smart Bands in the UAE

Suunto D6i Novo Stealth Dive Watch with USB

• 5 modes, including freediving
• Gas-switching – 3 gases
• 3D compass
• Wireless air integration

Fitbit FB512GLWT Sense Fitness Tracker

• Stress Management
• Compatible ECG App
• Sleep tracking
• Health Metrics Dashboard

Fitbit Activity Tracker Versa 2

• All-day activity tracking
• Daily Readiness Score
• 24×7 heart rate tracking
• Hi-Res Color Touchscreen

Fitbit FB421BKBK Charge 5 Fitness Tracker

• AMOLED Color touch screen offering always-on display option
• Companion mobile app
• Stress management and sleep tracking
• Tracks breathing rate, overnight HRV, and SpO2
• Built-in GPS

Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness Tracker

• Monochrome OLED display
• Real-Time Heart Rate Monitor
• Sleep tracking
• Step counting

Merlin GOBE 2 Fitness Tracker

• Weight Loss
• Healthy Lifestyle
• Temperature Sensor

Honor Watch HES-B09 ES

• Animated Virtual Coach
• 24/7 Heart-Rate Monitor
• AMOLED Touch Display
• 95 workout modes

Huawei TIA-B09 Watch Fit

• 96 workout modes
• AMOLED Display Touch screen
• 5ATM water resistance
• Built-in sensors

Amazfit Bip U Smartwatch

• Large color screen
• 50M water resistance
• 60+ sports modes
• Blood oxygen level measurements

Amazfit Band 5 Fitness Tracker

• 5ATM water resistance
• Sleep Quality monitoring
• Blood oxygen saturation measurements
• 11+ sports modes

Quick Solutions for Fitness Tracker Problems

Fitness Tracker and Device Pairing Issues

If you face this problem, check the internet connection. Make sure the distance between the fitness tracker and the device is short. If the tracker has been used all day, the Bluetooth must be on. This could lower your battery charge, so ensure your phone is charged. If syncing fails after this, try removing all fitness devices from your account. Sync should work now.

Unable to See the Heart Rate

The tracker has an optical heart sensor that measures your heart rate. Wear the band correctly and ensure it fits well for proper functioning. Check that the heart-rate tracking option is enabled.

Battery Drains Quickly

Your fitness tracker should not require charging for 4 to 5 days after full charging. If it needs charging after just 2 days, change your settings and turn off unwanted features.

Be free of unwanted notifications by turning off the call, calendar, or text notifications. Turn off reminders you don’t need. Switch off the heart rate setting if required, and turn it back on when necessary.

How to Clean Fitness Trackers and Bands?

Like any wearable, a smartwatch should be cleaned regularly to avoid the accumulation of sweat and grime. Let’s start with the supplies you need for cleaning your smartwatch:

Supplies:

Here are the cleaning supplies:

• Water
• Cotton ball
• Mild detergent
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Unused coffee filter
• Microfiber cloth
• Distilled White Vinegar
• Toothbrush

Most of these are common household items.

For the Screen:

• Microfiber cloth is the ideal fitness tracker material for your smartwatch screen. Make sure the cloth has no oily build-up. You can use alternatives such as an unused coffee filter or a cotton ball.
• Avoid chemical solvents.
• A drop of soap in lukewarm water is enough.
• For stubborn stains, use a teaspoon of distilled white vinegar.

For the Band:

Cleaning techniques would depend on the fitness tracker band.

• Leather:

Use a leather cleaner and conditioner. Test a small spot before applying to the whole band. Wait for the conditioner to dry and wipe with a clean cloth to check for discoloration. If nothing happens, continue with the process.

• Silicone:

Heavily-diluted liquid soap can be used for these bands. Detach the band or dip the watch into the soap solution (only if it is waterproof). Use a toothbrush for the grooves. Wipe with a soft cloth after rinsing.

• Metal:

Most metals can be washed with dishwashing liquid in a bowl of water. Rinse in warm water and pat dry. For gold bands, use a jewelry cleaning solution. If you don’t have this, dishwashing soap in water with a spoonful of baking soda will do. Make sure that the band is rinsed in clean water.

• Stainless Steel:

Use a tablespoon of distilled vinegar in half a cup of warm water. A toothbrush can be used to clean any build-up. Rinse in clean water and pat dry.

Use cotton swabs and isopropyl alcohol for cleaning nooks and crannies. You can try a Q-Tip dabbed in isopropyl alcohol or a toothpick to get rid of the dirt.

How Often Should I Clean My Smartwatch?

As a rule of thumb, screen cleaning should be done daily.

Other maintenance tips include wiping down the band weekly and deep cleaning at certain intervals during the device’s lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions – Fitness Trackers and Smart Bands

Q. Which Fitness Tracker is the Best?

Ans. The top fitness tracker brands include Fitbit and Garmin.

Q. Which is Better: Fitbit or Garmin?

Ans. While Fitbit covers different activities in your daily life, Garmin is more focused on exercising. Choose the brand depending on your needs.

Q. Which is the Best Fitness Tracker for Women?

Ans. The best fitness tracker for women is Polar Vantage M since it offers menstrual tracking and alerts you before your periods are about to start.

Q. Do Fitness Bands Really Work?

Ans. Fitness bands work only if you feel motivated to work harder when you wear them and lead a more disciplined lifestyle. So more than the fitness band, your motivation is more important.

Q. Is a Fitness Band Necessary?

Ans. If you want to monitor vitals like your heart rate while exercising, a fitness band is necessary. Any fluctuations can be noted and reported.

Q. Is it Worth Buying a Fitness Tracker?

Ans. Fitness trackers help you track your progress when running or swimming, so they are definitely worth buying if you indulge in those activities.

Q. Which Fitness Tracker is the Best?

Ans. The top fitness tracker brands include Fitbit and Garmin.

Q. Which is Better: Fitbit or Garmin?

Ans. While Fitbit covers different activities in your daily life, Garmin is more focused on exercising. Choose the brand depending on your needs.

Q. Which is the Best Fitness Tracker for Women?

Ans. The best fitness tracker for women is Polar Vantage M since it offers menstrual tracking and alerts you before your periods are about to start.

Q. Do Fitness Bands Really Work?

Ans. Fitness bands work only if you feel motivated to work harder when you wear them and lead a more disciplined lifestyle. So more than the fitness band, your motivation is more important.

Q. How Does a Fitness Band Work?

Ans. Fitness bands connect and sync wirelessly with a mobile device or computer to help you track your daily activities and progress in fitness.

Q. What is the Benefit of a Fitness Band?

Ans. A fitness band helps you set fitness goals and monitor your health.

Q. What Does an Activity Tracker do?

Ans. An activity tracker helps you calculate the steps taken and calories burned as well as monitor sleep quality and general activities performed daily. It helps you know the additional effort required to achieve your fitness goals.

Q. Do I Need a Health Tracker?

Ans. If you want to monitor your performance vis-a-vis your fitness goals, you do need a health tracker.