Fitness Band Or Free App? Pedometers And Wearables Rated

Get off your bums and into fitness mode with a fitness band or a free app?

The apps

Runtastic – verdict: B+

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What is it? Your personal trainer on your phone. Get ready to be cursed at by a cold sounding woman every time you go for your morning run. We like: Doesn’t eat up the battery. Automatically pauses when you stop running. We don’t: Lets you listen to music via Pandora, Soundcloud, but only on phones with Android 4.4. Worth it? Emphasis on running, so it’s not for all. Tortoise icon looks like it’s mocking you.

Walk Logger – verdict: C

What is it? Free app that works in the background and logs how much you walked through the day. Gives you free medals too. We like: The trip function logs the last stretch walked. Unlike the rest, you can manually reset it. We don’t: Big time battery hogger. Despite switching it off, it ‘woke up’ when it sensed movement. Worth it? It’s free, so worth a try. Just remember to carry a battery pack for when you run out of juice.

Moves – verdict: B

What is it? One of the most downloaded free pedometer apps. Tracks your jogging, walking, cycling and driving route. We like: It can tell when you walk, cycle or drive without you having to tell it. UI is simple and clutter free. We don’t: Tells you the all time record, but doesn’t set automated targets, which would have been nice. Worth it? Fun app for those getting into running. Higher battery usage when tracking location.

The bands

Sony SmartBand, ₹5,990 – verdict: A

What is it? A ‘life logging’ wrist band from the Japanese giant. Knows when you run, play games on your phone and kill time on Facebook! We like: Knows the difference between walking and running. Still works when not connected to phone. We don’t: Took three apps to make it run on a non-Sony Android. Still need to wear a watch since it can’t tell the time. Worth it? Nice way to analyse how you spend your day and where you’ve been. Doesn’t cost the world.

Garmin Vivofit, ₹9,990 – verdict: B

What is it? Navigation major’s latest fitness band. Counts the number of steps you take and calories you burn. Oh and it also tells the time. We like: Doesn’t need charging for one year. Move bar on top tells how long you haven’t walked/run. We don’t: Not backlit. Difficult to view in low light and nearly impossible in the dark. Worth it? Can be used standalone, without a phone, but just too expensive for our liking.

Wearable variables

Smart watches do more than just show you email notifications.

• Samsung Galaxy Gear Fit: Shows call notifications, has a heart rate monitor and trains you like a grizzled coach.
• Motorola 360: Classy design and Android Wear. It tells you how long your heart rate was in the ‘healthy’ zone.
• Apple Watch: Girly looks aside, Apple’s Activity app brings all fitness logging to one place.

From the October 2014 issue of FHM India.