Introduction: Apps vs. Wearables

So you are new to FitRankings and perhaps new to using health apps and wearables. No need to panic, FitRankings has you covered :)

Everyday there are new apps and wearables coming out. We've chosen the apps and wearables that are the most reliable and user friendly (occasionally we add new offerings). Below you will find a brief overview of how to get started.

Don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions ([e-mail])

The difference between wearables + apps

Wearables are worn on the body during activity. They can track activity without the user needing to manually input information. They generally cost $40-$200. (Examples: Garmin Forerunner, Fitbit Flex, Apple Watch).

Apps generally exist on a smartphone (or smartwatch). They generally do not cost money to download. They can be very accurate, but it might not be convenient for the individual to carry the smartphone during activity. Apps also allow manual entry of activity, which helps with activities that are difficult for wearables to track (yoga, weightlifting, treadmill). 

Don't be Scared!

Don't be afraid to try new apps or wearables, and connecting them to FitRankings. You can always delete extraneous the activity on FitRankings or on the app after it is entered. You can always reach out to us on the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

What activity are you trying to track?

This is the first question you need to ask yourself. Just about everyone walks, so this is the easiest activity to track. We also have created some quick recommendations for other common exercises. 

Walking

Smartphone: Fitbit (recommended), Jawbone, Moves.

Wearables: Fitbit, Jawbone.

Manual Input: Fitbit, Jawbone, Runkeeper, MapmyFitness.

Apple Watch: Jawbone App.

Running 

Smartphone: Runkeeper (recommended), Strava, MapMyFitness.

Wearables: Garmin used with Strava, Fitbit Blaze.

Manual Input: Runkeeper, Strava, MapMyFitness.

Apple Watch: Runkeeper, Strava, MapMyFitness apps.

Other Activities (Yoga/Weightlifting/Lawn Work/etc.)

Manual Input: Runkeeper, MapMyFitness. 

Cycling

Smartphone: Strava (recommended), Runkeeper, MapMyFitness.

Wearables: Garmin used with Strava.

Manual Input: Runkeeper, Strava, MapMyFitness.

Apple Watch: Strava, Runkeeper, MapMyFitness apps.