In an age where technology is becoming embedded into virtually everything we do, running seems to be following the same trend. Fitness gadgets and technology is a booming business and Men’s Running have reviewed five of the latest fitness monitors to hit the market.
Nike+ FuelBand SE, £89
What is it? Sleek, black (or the occasional splash of neon, if you’re that way inclined), this is a lightweight activity tracker, with one button control and a beautiful LED adorned screen.
Pros: The main aim of using the SE is to become more active and earn NikeFuel, Nike’s own activity currency. But while the previous FuelBand measured general activity, the SE recognises activities – whether it’s running, yoga or table tennis – and awards fuel accordingly. You can also add activities that aren’t already on there.
Cons: There’s no sleep quality analysis and the main data you’ll get out of this function is sleep duration. It’s also not water resistant.
Value for money: Reasonable.
Nice touch: Sessions allows you to tell the SE everything you’re up to so it can reward you proportionately for each activity.
Star rating: * * * *
Garmin vívofit, £99.99
What is it? Activity tracker that counts steps, distance travelled, exercise time and calories burned, with all the data explained and visualised in the accompanying Connect app.
Pros: Unlike most activity trackers, the vívofit is powered by two coin cell batteries. This means it can go for up to a year without having to be recharged. That, and the fact that it can synch wirelessly to the Garmin Connect app, makes it easy to set up.
Cons: Display is not backlit (you’ll still be reaching for your phone to check the time in the middle of the night), and it’s just an LCD.
Value for money: As activity trackers go, it’s reasonably priced.
Nice touch: Does a good job of tracking sleep. It monitors your rest and lets you know, via your Connect page, your total sleeping time, along with restful sleep and any time you might have been thrashing around with the night terrors.
Star rating: ★★★★★
Adidas miCoach Fit smart, £199
What is it? A fitness tracker that monitors workout intensity, measuring heart-rate, distance, stride rate, pace and calories.
Pros: Unlike many watches, it monitors heart-rate response to physical activity – and then offers training advice. So it guides the user to train at the appropriate intensity. The soft, silicon strap, and the fact it weighs only 58g, makes it real comfy too.
Cons: Well, the price. Aimed at people looking to get into fitness, it may be too expensive for those starting out. Also, without a chest strap, its heart-rate readings might not be totally accurate.
Value for money: A quality product but on the pricey side.
Nice touch: The side lights up a certain colour to notify you which ‘zone’ you’re in. Very handy!
Star rating: ★★★★
Jawbone UP24, From £93
What is it? The UP24 is almost identical in design to its predecessor, the UP. Jawbone has stuck with the twisted, lightweight bracelet look that distinguishes it from every other activity tracker. It is simple and ergonomic, but the lack of a screen means no instant access to data.
Pros: Aside from the basic pedometer functions, like counting steps and calories burned, the UP24 stays in constant communication with the mobile app, paying non-stop attention to your behaviour. After a week of wearing it you should start to receive tailor made advice. Bluetooth connectivity is major plus.
Cons: No display for on-demand stats and doesn’t have a web app.
Value for money: Excellent.
Nice touch: The variety of sleep data: it can tell you how long you slept, the quality of your sleep, how many times you woke up and how quickly you fell asleep.
Star rating: * * * *
Soleus Go! Fitness Band, £89.99
What is it? An activity tracker packed full of features. It will count your steps, exercise, calories burned and distance all at the touch of a button. Sync it to your smartphone to get all the data.
Pros: Easy to use and intuitive, it took less than 10 minutes to get up and running. Lots of features and an smart looking interface.
Cons: The fact that you have to press a button for any data display might annoy some. Also, remember to change the default alarm setting, too, or the vibration alert will have you up with the larks.
Value for money: Strong, given the amount of features it packs in.
Nice touch: Sync the Go! with your phone and it will tell you when you’re getting incoming calls and messages.
Star rating: * * * *
