Ready to take your fitness routine to the next level? Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting out on your fitness journey, a smart watch could be the perfect addition to your workout gear. But with so many options on the market, knowing what to look for in a smart watch can be tricky.

In this article, we'll share our top tips for choosing the perfect smart watch for your fitness needs. Plus, we'll be showcasing some smart watches for fitness to help you make an informed decision before you buy.

Smart watches vs fitness trackers

If you're in the market for a device to help you track your fitness progress, you might be confused about whether to choose a dedicated fitness tracker or a smart watch with fitness features. While fitness trackers are undoubtedly great for monitoring activity and workouts, smart watches offer a range of other features, too, such as the ability to make phone calls and receive notifications. On top of that, smart watches also allow you to stream music or podcasts while you’re on the move. Plus, they can help you monitor your personal health by tracking things like heart rate and sleep, and providing reminders for medication and hydration.

With the latest smart watches now boasting many of the same fitness tracking features as dedicated trackers, they're becoming the go-to option for those who want an all-round device.

What to look for in a fitness smart watch

What smart watch should you buy? Well, there are certain features you can look out for to help narrow down your decision, and three of the things that the most advanced smart watches available have in common are fitness tracking ability, durability and usability.

Fitness tracking data - features & accuracy

Before making a purchase, we recommend considering the fitness tracking features of a smart watch and their accuracy. From heart rate monitoring to GPS tracking, the accuracy of these features can affect the effectiveness of your workouts. Some smart watches may also offer advanced features such as sleep tracking, stress monitoring and workout suggestions, so it's important to prioritise which features are most important to you.

Smart watch durability

When it comes to purchasing a fitness watch that suits you, we also suggest factoring in durability. A good quality smart watch should be able to withstand the rigours of everyday wear and tear, as well as any rough handling during workouts. Additionally, it's also worth considering any water or dust resistance ratings to ensure the smart watch is suitable for outdoor activities and workouts.

Device ecosystem & usability

Another factor we suggest prioritising is device ecosystem and usability. Is the smartwatch compatible with your other devices? Does it have a solid ecosystem built around it? The ease of use and ability to integrate with other technology can greatly impact your overall experience with the device. It’s safe to say that a smart watch that seamlessly integrates with your other devices can make your fitness tracking experience much more efficient and enjoyable.

Tips for a fitness-focused smart watch owner

Along with knowing which features to be on the hunt for, there are some other tips and tricks you can utilise to maximise your device’s potential.

Don't forget the look - smart watch design

A smart watch’s design is arguably as important as its features. After all, purchasing a device that looks great and fits your style will likely encourage you to wear it daily, giving you more data to compare during workouts. So, we recommend picking a watch that will not only help you reach your fitness goals but also complements your fashion sense. We also recommend purchasing multiple watch bands and customising your watch face to express your personal style.

Adjust the fit of your smart watch

Getting accurate fitness data is crucial when using a smart watch to track your workouts, and the right fit is essential to achieving this. A smart watch should fit snugly and securely on your wrist to ensure that it can track your heart rate and other vital statistics accurately, without any interference or movement. This means that you can rely on your smart watch to give you precise feedback on your progress, allowing you to fine-tune your workouts and achieve your fitness goals more effectively.

Set fitness goals on your smart watch

Setting fitness goals on your smartwatch is a great way to track your progress and stay motivated. With a Samsung Galaxy Watch5, for example, you can set goals for steps taken, calories burned, and distance traveled, as well as track your heart rate and sleep patterns. This data can help you identify areas for improvement and adjust your fitness routine accordingly. By using the goal-setting feature on your smartwatch, you can challenge yourself and push towards achieving your fitness aspirations.

Work towards your fitness goals today.

Now that you're armed with the knowledge of what to look for in a smart watch, it's time to find the perfect one for you. At Vodafone, we offer a wide range of smart watches. Browse our collection to be on your way to reaching peak fitness today.