Activity Tracking
Health and fitness trackers seem to be on everyone’s wrists these days. With current technology it’s easier than ever to track every aspect of your health. These trackers can keep on top of your nutrition, exercise and sleep as well as any other aspect of your health you’d care to know more about. One of the names most synonymous with activity trackers has been Fitbit since its first device was launched in 2009. With over 15 million devices sold worldwide to date there’s a decent chance you’re even owned a Fitbit, or currently own one.
But, is a Fitbit still the best choice for tracking your activity in 2018? There are more options available than ever before, and it’s easy to get bogged down or confused by their features. Maybe you’re drawn to Fitbit, but are looking for something more modern and updated. Maybe you used to love your device, but you’re making the transition to an Apple Watch. This article will outline how to get the benefits of a Fitbit activity tracker with an Apple Watch.
Why Apple Watch instead of Fitbit?
Fitbit’s stocks are dropping, sales are dwindling, and users are jumping ship toward other activity tracking solutions in droves. Even the recent release of the Ionic Smartwatch showed lower than expected sales, and Fitbit’s inability to predict and adapt to the changing market for these devices is showing. One of the biggest contenders, and the hands-down leader in Smartwatch and activity tracking ecosystems, is Apple’s own Apple Watch. Boasting all of the activity tracking of a dedicated Fitbit tracker with extra smartwatch features, the Apple Watch has features to improve the lives of anyone and everyone. Here are a few reasons why Apple Watch is a better choice than Fitbit devices.
Apple Watch benefits:
- Freedom! Fitbit collects your data into a closed system, not sharing that data with Apple Health or other third-party apps natively. Apple Health is a great platform for collecting, syncing and backing up your health data in a save and secure way, and Apple Health’s open platform opens up your options and allows you to experiment with different apps and different tracking platforms to find what works for you.
- The Apple Watch was designed to work with your iPhone, meaning that software updates will be smooth and are less likely to cause significant bugs or issues.
- As a smartphone the Apple Watch contains more features than even Fitbit’s smartwatch offering (the Ionic) and its open App Store ensures that new features will be constantly developed.
- The Apple Watch is getting more popular, while Fitbit sales are declining. This means that more effort will be put into development and support of the Apple Watch going forward. There is also the possibility that Fitbit’s declining sales will eventually send them out of business, causing support issues down the line.
- Because the Apple Watch is a Smartwatch rather than a dedicated activity tracker it is generally more stylish than other offerings. With customizable Watch faces and many bands to choose from, the Apple Watch can be easily modified to suit your style.
What about Fitbit benefits?
While we are definitely team Apple Watch, there are a few things that Fitbit simply does better. First of all: battery life. The Apple Watch has a battery that will easily take you from day to night with workouts between, but needs to find its way to a charger every day in order to be useful. Many Fitbit devices have long battery lives, some lasting well over a week on a single charge. Though a charging routine is necessary for the Apple Watch, it charges quickly and a quick charge while you check emails is often all you need to keep it charged up.
Another Fitbit benefit in the simplicity. Fitbit’s all-in-one health and fitness tracking device and app combo, while limited, is well-designed. It is a good platform for getting an overview of all of your health and fitness information, though it lacks a bit in in-depth analysis.
The Fitbit community is probably the thing that is hardest to reproduce. The Fitbit community is huge, and is designed for easy sharing and communication. Still, as Apple Watch becomes more popular community options will crop up more and more. Also; in a social media obsessed world, do you really need another platform to post and comment? Is the community helpful, or are you able to get that motivation somewhere else?
I’ve got an Apple Watch, now what?
If you’ve made the big leap from a Fitbit device to an Apple Watch, or are new to activity tracking, it can be hard to get started. It’s important to start by taking stock of what you’re looking for, and what are the practical goals your Watch can help you achieve. Looking to drink more water? There’s an app for that. Trying to eat healthier foods? Get a nutrition tracking app.
Where the Apple Watch shines is in fitness tracking. With industry leading heart rate monitoring Apple Watch can help you unlock your fitness potential. Looking to expand on the Apple Watch’s built in workout tracking with an app that gives you all the info you need to get a full picture of your fitness? Try FITIV Pulse, an app designed with your heart — and your health — in mind.
Looking for more information about using your Apple Watch and FITIV Pulse as a Fitbit replacement? Learn more from the FITIV community and stay tunes for upcoming articles breaking down the simple steps for making the most of your Apple Watch.
