TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Getting into shape, or staying there, can be as difficult as it can be rewarding. No matter the athletic endeavor you favor, staying healthy is a marathon, not a sprint; even if your chosen exercise is sprints. There are a number of things that can help you stick to your fitness plan and stay on the straight and narrow. One of those is support from the people around you. There’s a lot to be said for friends and family getting behind your desire to be healthy. They can tear you down or cheer you on, and having the latter can make it far easier to chase your fitness goals. Another, more readily available tool for maintaining your training regimen is a good fitness tracker. Shopping for one of these trackers can sometimes feel as daunting as the workout itself, but we assure you it’s well worth the hassle.What is a fitness tracker?A fitness tracker is the first line of defense in the battle against yourself. Most fitness trackers keep tabs on every aspect of your health in order to help you plan your next goal and work toward it. They help you keep an eye on your heart rate, distance walked or run, VO2 max, blood oxygen level, sleep habits, and much more. These trackers are especially helpful for runners, cyclists, and swimmers, who need to keep an eye on their ultimate fitness goals and how close they are to achieving them. There are a few different types of trackers that are most popular with fitness buffs. Before offering some of our favorite options, it’s probably a good idea to break down some of the most important fitness tracker styles and describe their key attributes.Types of fitness trackersThe three most common fitness tracker styles are smartwatches, fitness bands, and smart rings. These trackers are most often used for keeping an eye on the distance run, GPS location, and heart rate. If you’re a regular runner or cyclist, then you likely use one or more of these types of trackers on a daily, or at least weekly basis. However, there’s always a reason to try something new, so if you’re not completely satisfied with your current fitness tracker, why not try a different style? It could make all the difference in your fitness journey.Benefits of fitness watchesFar and away the most popular of these three are smartwatches. Within this category are two different types of smartwatch. The first is the pure fitness tracker. These have been made popular by brands like Fitbit and Garmin. They are geared toward fitness enthusiasts and have user interfaces that have been designed exclusively for those who see exercise as a way of life, and not just a hobby. They often track your progress using GPS triangulation and are made to be extremely rugged and waterproof. The second type of smartwatch often used for fitness is the standard smartwatch, similar to an Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch. These are designed for everyday use, and happen to include similar fitness applications for those who want to track their workout goals. Which you choose depends on your lifestyle and daily needs.Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
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Check price at AmazonTrausi Fitness Smartwatch
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Check price at AmazonGarmin Forerunner 165
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Check price at AmazonFitbit Inspire 3 Fitness Watch
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Check price at Walmart3cloudge Fitness Tracker
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Check price at WalmartBenefits of fitness bandsFitness bands, on the other hand, tend to be a simpler and more straightforward option. They are thin elastic bands with health monitoring sensors built-in that go around the wrist. Fitness tracking bands will keep track of your heart rate, stress levels, and distance traveled. However, they typically have either no info screen or the bare minimum. These are usually favored by athletes who don’t need all the extra bells and whistles of a smartwatch and want just the stats. They’re usually smaller than a traditional fitness watch, and because they don’t need a large screen, they’re a fair bit lighter as well.Domhong Fitness Smart Bracelet
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Check price at AmazonQyzharyx Fitness Band Bracelet
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Check price at WalmartSolis Olympus Fitness Band
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Check price at WalmartBenefits of fitness ringsFinally, there are also fitness rings, for those who really want the least conspicuous of the trackers. These are a relatively new advent, but one that is gaining popularity rapidly. Fitness rings have very similar functionality to fitness bands, but they come in an even smaller package. All you have to do is slip it on your finger, and it can track all of your fitness goals while those around you are none the wiser. Fitness rings are lightweight, inconspicuous, and relatively affordable. They’re also one of the easiest to wear at all times without needing to remember to put them on. Oura Ring 4
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Check price at AmazonBiemha Smart Ring Health Tracker
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Check price at AmazonRingconn Gen 2 Fitness Ring
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Check price at AmazonOsawalla Smart Ring
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Check price at WalmartLivup Smart Ring Fitness Tracker
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