Here are the fitness trackers I actually recommend

Why do you want a fitness tracker? This is the first question I ask any time I’m asked to recommend a device. The number-one rule of wearable tech is that it has to be something you actually want to wear. So instead of molding yourself to a device, it’s better to pick something that isn’t too hard to slot into the life you already lead. The tech specs will fall into place once you’re honest with yourself about who you are and where you’re currently at. You can always revisit your choice once you’ve leveled up, but buying for who you want to be someday isn’t helpful. Are you a couch potato who wants to hit 10,000 steps a day? Are you a gym rat who prioritizes lifting heavy? Do you have absolutely no idea, but have a vague vision of six-pack abs and know you have an Android phone? There are a zillion permutations, but in my experience, people typically fall into a handful of categories. Here’s what I recommend for each. It’s nigh impossible to escape the barrage of health metrics and scores these days. But if it’s possible, you’d like to. All you really want is credit for the activity you do and some insight into how your sleep is, screw the bells and whistles. Also, you’d be caught dead wearing a hockey-sized puck on your arm. If that’s you, I’d recommend a Fitbit Charge 6 or an Oura Ring 4 . Both work regardless of what phone you have and are good at getting you the basics with minimal overwhelm. …