Best Fitness Tracker for Weightlifting
The fitness and the weightlifting world is currently going through a huge technological revolution. The advent of fitness trackers has entirely shifted the playing field. With these devices being able to keep tabs not only on the number of calories expended in a day of exercise but on sleep patterns and heart rates, it is becoming increasingly apparent that to optimise your weightlifting routine, you’ll need such a device.
Sure, just keeping a manual, handwritten diary of your activities is often enough for most people but if you’re trying to get the most out of your weightlifting experience, you’ll need a fitness tracker to take your game up to the next level.
If used properly, a fitness tracker can be just as helpful as the watchful gaze of an elite instructor. But wait – there’s one slight problem. Most fitness trackers aren’t designed specifically with weightlifting in mind so finding a device that is both functional and suitable can be a little tricky, given the large variety of trackers out there in the market.
Thankfully this is where our list steps in – we’ve compiled some of the best and most appropriate fitness trackers for you weightlifters in our list down below!
Contents
- 1 Best Fitness Tracker for Weightlifting
- 2 Fitbit Versa Lite
- 3 Fitbit Surge
- 4 Apple Watch Series 5
- 5 Garmin Forerunner 935 Running GPS Unit
- 6 Garmin Fenix 6 Sapphire
- 7 Atlas Wearable Wristband
- 8 Scosche Rhythm+ Heart Rate Monitor Armband
- 9 Letsfit Fitness Tracker
- 10 Three Things to Look for in a Fitness Tracker for Weightlifting
- 11 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Best Fitness Tracker for Weightlifting
Fitbit Versa Lite
Starting off out list with one of the most recognisable names in the fitness tracker industry, the Fitbit Versa Lite would make for an excellent edition in any weightlifter’s arsenal. Coming in three unique colours and with its slim design and light weight, you’ll be pleased to know that it absolutely will not get in the way of any weightlifting activity.
Do note that what you’re paying for in this device is for a multifunctional tool. You’ll not only be able to access the whole range of standard fitness tracker functions such as monitoring your pulse and calorie burning but you’ll be able to play around with smartwatch functionalities. This includes GPS tracking, reading weather reports and even downloading up to three hundred individual songs.
Of course, going back to its primary function, weightlifting, with its over 15 unique exercise modes, you’ll be able to both track your weightlifting progress and obtain personalised feedback on your performance and fitness with the Versa Lite.
Fitbit Surge
Another fantastic Fitbit alternative any weightlifter should keep in their sights is the Fitbit Surge. Designed almost identically to the Versa Lite though coming in two sizes (large and small), make no mistake – there are very clear differences between these two devices.
On one level, you’ll still be able to experience the baseline fitness tracking functionalities as you would with any other Fitbit device (e.g. calorie expenditure and heart rate tracking) but look deeper and you’ll find a number of additional features. First off, the Surge has a superior battery life, being able to last to up to an entire week of heavy usage.
Secondly, you’ll be able to track water intake, your weight fluctuations and elevation (if relevant) along with everything else. And thirdly, if you’re particularly meticulous when it comes to keeping logs, the Surge comes with an in-built exercise diary function that lets you keep track of your weightlifting journey.
Apple Watch Series 5
No fitness tracker list would be complete without mention of an Apple Watch product and though Apple products usually err on the side of the more expensive, what you pay for translates finely into what you get. The Apple Watch 5 is no exception to this general rule of thumb.
Fitted with a beautiful retina display capable of lasting up to 18 hours of constant usage, you’ll immediately notice that accuracy is a prime consideration in the construction of this device. Whether it’s your heart rate or steps taken you’re measuring, you’ll find that the Apple Watch is practically second to none in this regard.
It also comes with an ECG feature (i.e. electrical heart sensor) which allows you to keep full tabs on the condition of your cardiovascular health and it just might save your life if it detects any abnormalities.
This device is also one of the most durable trackers we’ve seen – not only is it swim proof, but it can withstand even the nastiest of drops (please don’t try this deliberately) so in a rough environment like a gym or weight room, you need not fear for the safety of your Apple Watch too much.
Garmin Forerunner 935 Running GPS Unit
Taking a step back from the realm of the more affordable fitness trackers, Garmin’s Forerunner 935 may just be one of the more expensive trackers we’ve ever reviewed, second only to Apple Watches. Not only is it designed with the most durable of materials, but it looks absolutely gorgeous to boot and could easily be mistaken for an actual, analogue watch upon first glance.
This is a premium-quality product you’re paying for that offers advanced fitness tracking functionalities with its cutting-edge technological features (e.g. its optical heart rate sensors). It can automatically identify and record a huge variety of different exercises such as weightlifting, running, swimming and even cycling and then calculates – based on collected data – whether you’re pushing yourself too much, too little or just right.
The biggest pro of this device for weightlifters however is in its ability to count the number of repetitions you make on any one movement so whether you’re working on your deadlift, bench press or Olympic jerk, the Garmin Forerunner will be the ideal companion for you.
Garmin Fenix 6 Sapphire
The next product on our list is yet another Garmin product – the Fenix 6 which just might be the most expensive smartwatch we’ve ever reviewed. It comes in a myriad of different, individual colours ranging from dark grey to light gold and even to titanium. Again, it’s not cheap but what you pay for, you receive back in quality.
Looking past its beautiful, sleek design and going straight into its functionalities, what sets the Fenix 6 apart from the competition is not just in the accuracy of its measurements but in its Pulse Ox. This oximeter allows users to experience some of the most accurate sleep tracking out there in the market right now while measuring oxygen levels and altitude acclimation – all crucial to fully optimise any weightlifter’s intense regimen.
It doesn’t just stop there though! By taking your data, it further analyses it and provides you feedback on the amount of recovery time you require and whether you’ve exerted yourself enough physically based on your overall health. So, if you’re a serious, diehard weightlifter looking to break your current barrier, the Fenix 6 might just be the sledgehammer you need.
Atlas Wearable Wristband
Affordable and adaptable, the Atlas Wearable Wristband combines both decent functionality and affordability into one, cohesive fitness tracker that is suitable for just about any weightlifter. Coming in either green or yellow, it’s unique motion tracking technology automatically detects any form of physical activity and immediately begins collecting data.
So, whether you’re weightlifting or doing something else like going for a jog, you don’t have to deal with the hassle with manually fiddling around with any buttons.
It even is capable of counting your reps and analyses your form in 3D which we think if a steal for given its price point! Having good form and executing proper reps are imperative for any weightlifting success so we truly believe that should you choose to go with the Atlas Wristband, you’ll definitely get a solid bang for your buck.
Scosche Rhythm+ Heart Rate Monitor Armband
If the overly complicated smart watch functionalities of the Fitbit is a tad bit too excessive for your tastes, then something like the Scosche Rhythm+ might just do the trick for you. Aesthetically, this thing would make for a great treat for any weightlifter with its unique and rugged design.
Created as a single piece that resembles something akin to a leather strap with its highly comfortable neoprene material, this fitness tracker is designed to do one thing and one thing only: measuring your heartrate.
And you can rest assured that it does this single task fantastically. Sure, it doesn’t have the fancy features of a standard smartwatch but rest assured that you can do a huge number of things with heart rate alone.
Though syncing via Bluetooth with any appropriate smart device, you’ll be able to visualise the efficiency of your workout and by doing so, you can even workout the number of calories you burn in a given weightlifting session.
However, one point we have to mention is its battery life. On full charge, it maxes out at around only 8 hours of usage, so you’ll probably need to charge this on a daily basis if you’re particularly active!
Letsfit Fitness Tracker
If the first thing that comes into your mind when you see a Letsfit Fitness Tracker is Fitbit, you could be forgiven. They look almost identical and from a distance, the average user probably wouldn’t be able to tell a difference.
While its recording and tracking capabilities aren’t quite as accurate as Fitbit, the attractiveness of the Letsfit Fitness Tracker is in its highly affordable price. If you’re especially new to the world of fitness trackers, this would still be a fantastic entry product for you. Another unique point is in its charging. It’s completely cordless so you need not fret around with messy, knotted wires if that’s a point of consideration for you!
It still however comes with everything you’d expect in a fitness tracker from smart device syncing to heart rate, calorie burning, distance, steps and sleep quality tracking along with its impressive 10 day battery life. With this being said, any weightlifter would stand to benefit from this device if used properly.
Three Things to Look for in a Fitness Tracker for Weightlifting
Durability: Weightlifting can be a particularly dangerous activity for not just your body, but for any equipped device. With the huge range of dynamic movements being made along with gargantuan amounts of weight being moved around, you can imagine how a slight misstep can absolutely destroy any fitness tracker in a single moment.
That being said, while most of the devices on our list are particularly durable, none are optimised to specifically bear the brunt of a weightlifting accident. So, on this note, we suggest you pay extra attention in being careful during your sessions to ensure the longevity of your fitness tracker.
Size: A good fitness tracker is a fitness tracker you won’t even notice when exercising. This mantra is especially true when it comes to an activity like weightlifting where even the most minute of details can affect your overall performance. However, we do concede that the noticeability of any device depends heavily on your personal preferences.
Though we feel that larger fitness trackers such as the Garmin Fenix will defiantly be more noticeable and tend to get in your way as opposed to a slimmer, smaller device such as the Scosche Rhythm+, this depends heavily on your preferences. So long as you pick something, you’re comfortable with (and doesn’t restrict your movement too much) you should be able to do just fine!
Functionality: The type and amount of functions on any fitness tracker plays directly into the amount of money you’ll spend. Accordingly, before you make any purchases, we highly recommend you make a clear assessment of what you specifically want out of a fitness tracker. If you’re looking for something that can track the amount of repetitions you make, you might have to fork out more money.
Likewise, if you’re just looking for something to measure your caloric expenditure and heart rate, you could get away with spending smaller sums of money. Just look to your needs first and foremost and you should be able to spend your money efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are fitness trackers waterproof?
This depends heavily on which fitness tracker you decide to go for. Some are water resistant such as the Fitbits so they’ll do just fine should you choose to go for a light swim or shower with your tracker on your wrist. However, others won’t fare as well. Just ensure you check on this before making a purchase.
Though, we do think you should opt for a water resistant tracker where possible – weightlifting can be a heavily sweaty affair which could even damage your fitness tracker if you tend to sweat excessively!
