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The 2025 Men’s Health Fitness Awards: The Best New Home Gym Equipment, Trackers, Sneakers, and More

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The 2025 Men’s Health Fitness Awards: The Best New Home Gym Equipment, Trackers, Sneakers, and More

ANOTHER YEAR, ANOTHER round of new fitness gear. We know you’re hitting the new year, new you hard, and whatever your fitness devotion—deadlifter, gym rat, hiker, trail runner, cyclist—there’s a seemingly endless stream of gear that’s purpose-built just for you. But which of that gear do you actually need? And what’s worth buying?

Every year, our in-house fitness experts, certified trainers, and gear testers research (and test) all of the best new product releases so you don’t have to. We torture-test the best-reviewed home gym equipment, log hundreds of miles in state-of-the-art running shoes, put down hundreds of lifts in the latest cross-training shoes, and spend dozens of hours steaming in the newest saunas—all in the name of science and recovery, and to narrow down our selection of the year’s best of the best.

In total, we are adding our seal of approval to more than 90 products across five different categories (plus a grouping of Editors’ Picks). We hope this helps inform your own fitness pursuits for this month and beyond. This is the 2025 Men’s Health Fitness Awards.

Jump to:

Cardio Training
Strength Training
Outdoor/On-The Go Training
Recovery
Apparel
Editor’s Picks


Most Gamified Exercise Bike

Fit Bike
Aviron Fit Bike

Now 20% Off

Play head-to-head games, watch Netflix, cycle with a coach, or just take a virtual ride—this ultra-gamified bike offers nearly a dozen ways to get more motivated to pedal. Translation: Month after month, you’ll never be bored with your daily cardio with this exercise bike. If you’re looking for the top in tech, this is it.

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Best Budget Treadmill

7.0 Advanced Training Smart Treadmill
Horizon Fitness 7.0 Advanced Training Smart Treadmill

Now 52% Off

Horizon proves you don’t have to spend north of $2K for a solid treadmill. The 7.0 AT checks all our must-have boxes, including a quiet motor and fast speed/incline changes. Plus, it plays nice with Apple GymKit, Peloton, and a wide range of apps via Bluetooth. And the 60-inch-long running deck is long enough for just about anyone to run without issues.

Best Overall Value Treadmill

Commercial 2450 Treadmill
NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill

Fast and durable with next-level features, NordicTrack’s 2450 is a gym-quality, commercial-grade treadmill for your home. It’s incredibly stable for a folding treadmill, too, and built to last. The 24-inch pivoting touchscreen delivers trainer-led workouts and interactive iFIT streaming to mix up your daily training seshes. What we love most is that the speed and incline auto-adjust, making it easy for a hands-free gym-like run at home.

Best Rowing Machine

Wave Rower
Hydrow Wave Rower

Now 9% Off

With a sleek, curved silhouette (almost like a “wave”—get it?) and a smaller, lighter design now available in multiple colorways, the Wave Rower is purpose-built for modern apartment dwellers since it folds and stores well. This rower seriously transports us, mimicking the experience of rowing on water thanks to the 16-inch HD screen—but also because the electromagnetic resistance is supersmooth. Despite its compact size, we can still do hard sprints or longer intervals. Simply put, this rower can do it all.

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Best Overall Cardio Equipment

RowErg

When it comes to cardio machines, the rower reigns supreme. That’s because rowers not only allow you to push your heart rate to the max but also duplicate two key motions you need for life: hinging at your hips and rowing with your midback muscles. And the RowErg is built for purists, setting the standard for rowing machines: It lets you row with power and push the tempo with a variable resistance profile that works whether you’re sprinting all-out for 500 meters or taking on a 10K.

Best Spin Bike

Echo Bike V3.0
Rogue Echo Bike V3.0

Now 6% Off

For athletes who go hard, Echo Bike V3.0 is Rogue’s latest and engineered to be the strongest, most durable fan bike of 2024. We’ve used all versions of the Echo Bike for the past seven years, and we swear by its solid-as-a-rock construction and the punishing workouts it doles out. It requires serious power to move this bike. Once you do get it going, though, it pedals smooth as can be.

Best Curved Treadmill

AssaultRunner Pro
Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Pro

Curved treadmills are great for reducing impact and can be placed anywhere because they’re non-motorized. That essentially means the user’s movement is what powers it, which can ensure it works your hamstrings in ways standard treadmills may not. This budget-friendly version of AssaultRunner’s TrueForm has appeared multiple times in the CrossFit Games, and for good reason: The thick rubber belt is ultra-comfy and heavier-duty, allowing you to run much, much faster. Considering that other good curved treadmills go for much higher, we think this one is a tremendous value.

Most Splurge Treadmill

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Skillmill

If you’re in search of a curved treadmill and only the best will do, then Technogym delivers with the Batman-worthy Skillmill. It sports next-gen Multidrive Technology that makes it unlike any other curved treadmill we’ve tried, letting you add or subtract resistance. That means you can sprint on it and also use it for sled pushes.

Best Connected Bike

Bike+

When you buy a Peloton, you’re really buying the community. Its Bike+ is fairly straightforward outside of the eye-popping 24-inch rotating touchscreen. And that’s what plugs you into a deep library of live and on-demand cardio, strength training, and yoga classes led by charismatic trainers. While it’s our best overall exercise bike, do keep in mind that it requires a monthly membership and clip-in pedal shoes—which enhances the class experience by accommodating the resistance changes.

Best Boxing Workout

6-Foot Freestanding Heavy Bag
Hayabusa 6-Foot Freestanding Heavy Bag

This freestanding piece’s deceptively simple design combines a traditional heavy bag with a high-traction base that can hang with your most intense striking sessions. For anyone who’d rather not drill a hanging chain into their home gym’s ceiling, this is the pick for you. We’re especially excited about the new quick-swap system, which allows the base to be used with other boxing components such as reflex bags, making the most of your fighting area.

Best Boxing Gloves

Shadow S1
Shadow Fight Goods Shadow S1

Now 30% Off

Protect those hands like a professional during your next boxing workout with this elite pair designed by striking coach Owen Roddy and Raf Montes, an engineer who worked on gear for the Navy SEALs. The highlight of these boxing gloves is the strap, which gives you the security of a hand-laced model without requiring a coach to tie them on.


strength training

Best-Looking Adjustable Dumbbells

Nüobell 80LB Tactical
SMRTFT Nüobell 80LB Tactical

Our go-to adjustable dumbbell set here at Men’s Health, SMRTFT’s Nüobell, is an impressive piece of strength equipment, elegant enough to sit anywhere in your home or gym. Switching weights is as simple as a click to the left or the right. The bulletproof all-in-one steel design provides endless versatility for lifts up to 80 pounds.

Best Weight Sled

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Competition Power Sled
Centr x HYROX Competition Power Sled

Strong, versatile, and dead simple to use, this collab-created power sled is our fave for 2024. The four prongs set you up to push and pull with ease, and you can stack up to 330 pounds on the center pole. The Centr sled slides easily on turf and feels ultra-sturdy.

Best Pilates Workout

AeroPilates Premier Studio 700
Stamina AeroPilates Premier Studio 700

Now 24% Off

The AeroPilates 700 offers multiple resistance levels so you can dial in the perfect setting for your at-home Pilates workout. It’s also more affordable than more premium alternatives.

Most Versatile Cable Machine

Voltra I

Most home gyms have to rely on resistance bands to simulate gym cable crossover machines. The Voltra 1 seeks to change that, offering a bevy of resistance profiles and up to 200 pounds of resistance in a tiny machine that clips easily onto any power rack. Expect to do cable flies, curls, and Pallof presses with this bad boy—and train power, too.

Best Explosive Training Tool

Pro

Originally designed specifically for pro athletes, this machine is great for slow, high-resistance reps, but where it really shines is in those explosive movements that truly build athleticism. The compact design makes it portable enough to take anywhere, yet it’s rugged enough to last for years.

Best Connected Home Gym

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Tonal

This unique cable machine solution sets you up to do everything from cable biceps curls to flies to Romanian deadlifts, thanks to a unique (and challenging) form of magnetic resistance. It boasts a few other impressive features, too, including a music player and a variety of resistance profiles that simulate things like resistance bands and chains. The best part: Men’s Health fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, CSCS, discovered it lives up to the hype.

Ultimate Space-Saving Home Gym

Home Gym

The clever, space-saving Pivot packs the flexibility and versatility to transform any spare room in your house (or even your garage) into your own fully equipped gym. For the same price as any quality rack, it saves you a ton of floor space while helping you get in all those fundamental lifts we love. Upgrade to the Ultimate or Full Monty package for even more options.

Best Lightweight Vest

G-Vest Sport

Elevate your training with this lightweight, streamlined vest that’s purpose-built for agility and speed drills, as well as those go-to bodyweight moves. We find the Omorpho G-Vest Sport easy to strap into (not the case with all weighted vests), and the six-pound design hits the sweet spot to make it versatile enough for a wide range of workouts.

Best Weight Carrier Vest

TacTec Plate Carrier
5.11 Tactical TacTec Plate Carrier

Our favorite tactical brand also delivers our favorite plate carrier vest. This isn’t your typical weighted vest; this is for the most hardcore users, the ones who love crushing WODs at the gym or at home. The TacTec Plate Carrier is streamlined for maximum comfort and range of motion, with the durability to carry serious weight for your hardest strength-training seshes.

Best Adjustable Bench

Adjustable Bench
Prime Fitness Adjustable Bench

No home gym is complete without a great bench, and it never pays to skimp on the essentials. Sure, you could find a flimsy option for less, but who wants a bench that’s going to rock back and forth when you’re holding the big dumbbells? Prime’s adjustable model is our go-to of the year, with a comfortable, versatile, easy-to-use design and durability.

Best Overall Weight Rack

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Hammer Strength HD Elite ID Half Rack
Life Fitness Hammer Strength HD Elite ID Half Rack

The Men’s Health team likes this rack so much, it’s the one we have in our own gym! For those who want to save a little space without sacrificing versatility and functionality, this half rack delivers in a big way. It pairs twin training uprights with twin storage uprights for maximum efficiency in the tightest possible spaces, giving you all the room you need for those big squats or deadlifts.

Best Dumbbell Set

Rubber Hex Dumbbells
Living Fit Rubber Hex Dumbbells

Now 44% Off

Dumbbells are one of the first fitness buys for most homes—no gym is complete without a solid set. These rubber-encased pieces from Living Fit are just that, with a wide range of weight options, from 5 to 100 pounds. We like the simple design with the no-roll ends and knurled handles for better grip.

Best Kettlebell

Kettlebells

Trade your boring, old-school kettlebells for this hardworking set from the badass brand and perennial MH favorite Onnit. Its primate-inspired Primal kettlebells are forged from cast iron, and the fierce primate faces may help you unlock the beast within. They aren’t just designed to look cool, either; they’re also workout workhorses, with wide handles that make it easier to find the best grip for swings and squats.

Best Trap Bar

Open Trap Bar
REP Fitness Open Trap Bar

This open trap bar from REP offers a wide array of movements, as opposed to a standard trap bar, which limits you to a few. With a perfectly balanced counterweighted design and an integrated deadlift jack, this is one of the smoothest-lifting trap bars we’ve ever used. Powder coating and hard-chromed steel add grip, durability, and a handsome finish. It works especially well when paired with REP’s Black Bumper Plates.

Best Wall-Mounted Pullup Bar

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Adjustable Depth Wall Mounted Pull-Up Bar
Titan Fitness Adjustable Depth Wall Mounted Pull-Up Bar

Deceptively simple and ridiculously strong, this is one pull-up bar to rule them all. Men’s Health fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, CSCS, recommends this design to friends and training clients alike. Properly installed, it supports up to 400 pounds. Bonus: The dirt-cheap price tag makes this an easy buy for any home gym.

Best Freestanding Pullup Bar

MIL Pull-Up Station
Rogue Fitness MIL Pull-Up Station

Rogue’s MIL Pull-Up Station is the pinnacle when it comes to freestanding pullup bars. Not everybody wants to buy a whole rack for pullups or drill holes into their wall, and we like the ability to easily move your bodyweight training outdoors whenever you want. This particular piece of equipment is trusted by the U.S. Army for its latest Combat Fitness Test, so you can rest assured it can hang with the toughest of workouts.

Best Barbell

Colorado Bar

For a gym piece as simple yet essential as a barbell, you almost always get what you pay for. And let’s be frank: When you’re lifting the heavy weight, the last thing you want is to be concerned about the reliability of your bar. We are big fans of REP’s flagship barbell, from the Cerakote shaft to the knurled grips.

Best Weight Plates

Bumper Plates (160 LB Combo)
Living Fit Bumper Plates (160 LB Combo)

When it comes to plates, your home gym can never have too many. If you are serious about training, you probably have a few different pieces of equipment that require plates to fulfill their purpose, from barbells to trap bars. We’re big fans of this colorful set from Living Fit, which gives you 160 total pounds to play with (pairs of 5 lbs, 15 lbs, 25 lbs, and 35 lbs). Since these are encased in rubber, unlike traditional iron plates, they won’t wake up the household every time you throw one on the floor.

Best Adjustable Dumbbells

Hammer Strength PRO 100 Adjustable Dumbbells
Life Fitness Hammer Strength PRO 100 Adjustable Dumbbells

No home gym is complete without dumbbells, but buying multiple sets can cost a lot of money and a lot of room. This well-built adjustable pair from Hammer Strength goes from 5 to 100 pounds while only taking up a few feet of floor space. And thanks to the quick-switch system, you can change the weight with ease during your set.


outdoor on the go training

Best Overall Bike

Rockhopper

Specialized earns its name with the consistent quality of the road bikes it produces. We are big fans of this model’s lightweight aluminum frame, crisp-shifting Shimano drivetrain, and design for every rider size, shape, and skill level. The Rockhopper is the one do-it-all two-wheeler when your budget allows for just one.

Best Ruck Pack

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Rucker 4.0

Rucking, an incredible workout, requires a special kind of backpack to carry the weight. GoRuck’s flagship Rucker 4.0 is made for exactly that, with reinforced construction, extra padded straps, and plenty of handles. But what we really love is the pack’s versatility. Not only can it carry real weight, but thanks to its sleek and stylish design, it can seamlessly transition to commuter or work bag.

Best Hiking Pack

AllTrail X 25L

Thule is one of the most trusted names in outdoor gear, and when you put on this pack, you’ll know why. With a durable waxed canvas shell and a 25-liter capacity, the AllTrail is perfect for day hikes and impromptu trail exploring. The two low-key colorways ensure it’s well suited for urban exploration, too.

Best Splurge Bike

Áspero GRX RX610
Cervelo Áspero GRX RX610

Riding a Cervelo down well-paved roads is the closest we’ve come to flying while still on the ground. When you’re ready for a premium upgrade, the Áspero delivers. It’s purpose-built for speed and aerodynamics, and it has a long list of upgrades over the previous generation to help maximize your on-road performance.

Best Looped Resistance Bands

Resistance Bands Set
REP Fitness Resistance Bands Set

A simple set of looped resistance bands can help make any bodyweight workout more challenging, intensifying pushups and squats and letting you do moves like biceps curls, too. REP Fitness’s multi-weight set is perfect for travelers or anyone who needs an affordable “anytime” workout option.

Best Trail Running Shoes

Agility Peak 5 Trail Runner
Merrell Agility Peak 5 Trail Runner

Merrell’s new Agility Peak 5 delivers everything trail runners need, including a comfy yet supportive midsole, a protective rock plate, and a rugged Vibram MegaGrip outsole for maximum traction in even the nastiest conditions.

Best Suspension Trainer

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Pro4 Camo Suspension Trainer
TRX Pro4 Camo Suspension Trainer

Bored with the pushups and lunges of bodyweight training? A suspension trainer helps you mix things up, offering a blend of instability and novelty that can challenge your muscles (particularly your core!) in new ways. TRX’s flagship Pro4 offers military-inspired, pro-grade construction with an all-new signature camo-woven design that looks great, too.

Best Minibands

Exercise Mini Band
Perform Better Exercise Mini Band

Oft-forgotten in training are stabilizing muscles like your rotator cuffs and hip external rotators. And sure, you can train those with bodyweight, but Perform Better’s mini bands open up new and fun moves you can do anywhere.

Most Fun

Trainer Kit
BlazePod Trainer Kit

Now 25% Off

Paired with a clever mobile app, BlazePod’s small, light-up pods are built to improve your reaction time with clever games, tests, and analytics. Not only that, but when paired with bodyweight exercise or speed drills, the kit can truly elevate your fitness. And it delivers something underrated to any workout experience: fun.


recovery

Best Travel Massage Gun

Theragun Mini
Therabody Theragun Mini

Now 25% Off

If you’re always on the go (like our editors), then the Theragun Mini should be in your gym bag. Weighing less than 1.5 pounds, this thing is light. While it doesn’t deliver as deep a massage as the Theragun Pro, it still offers plenty for nearly all situations. We like it for loosening our IT bands and chest.

Best Overall Massage Gun

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Hypervolt 2

For a full-size (yet still incredibly lightweight at less than 2.5 pounds) massage gun, the Hypervolt 2 is our go-to. It’s everything we love about Hyperice’s OG model, but lighter, more powerful, and more comfortable to hold. It’s a very accessible massage gun, perfect for just about anyone.

Best Recovery Shoe

OOahh Slide

The OG slide from Oofos gets a new look and a more comfortable footbed while still offering the same supportive foam technology that’s made it a perennial MH must-have. After a rough training session, it’s so much easier not having to pull anything over sore feet. These are favorites among our runners when it comes to recovery shoes.

Best Ice Bath

All-In Tub

Plunge’s aptly named All-In tub is the model for anyone who’s dying for an ice bath. It looks great on any deck or in any room, pairs with its own smartphone app, and chills down to a bone-chattering 37°F. It’s also huge and can fit humans up to 6’9″ (including Aaron Judge). Yes, it’s very expensive. But if you want the Rolls-Royce of ice baths, look no further.

Best Space-Saving Ice Bath

Ice Pod
The Pod Company Ice Pod

Now 25% Off

If space and, more importantly, your budget are limited, the Ice Pod boasts next-gen ice bath tech at a fraction of the cost of most alternatives. It’s insulated and sturdy enough for both indoor and outdoor use. While it won’t give you the experience of lying down, the price and minimal footprint make it a wise choice.

Best Mattress Cover

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Pod 4
Eight Sleep Pod 4

Now 4% Off

Temperature can play a vital role in sleep quality each night. And the new Eight Sleep Pod 4 mattress cover provides quieter cooling and heating, plus sleep tracking, without the need to replace your mattress. All are legitimate upgrades over the Pod 3. It’s truly the Cadillac of sleep tracking and temperature regulation.

Best Red-Light Sauna

mPulse Aspire Red Light Sauna
Sunlighten mPulse Aspire Red Light Sauna

Sunlighten proves you don’t need a ton of space in your home for a personal sauna. The compact mPulse Aspire provides just enough room for one individual, with all the infrared health benefits of premium alternatives.

Best Outdoor Sauna

Cabin Sauna
Redwood Outdoors Cabin Sauna

This roomier, two-level sauna accommodates up to four adults comfortably. It’s delivered standard with a Finnish-built Harvia heater, and the cedar exterior makes it a handsome addition to any backyard space. If getting steams in is something you aspire to do regularly, give this one a look.

Best Vibration Therapy Device

Venom Go

With a combination of recovery-focused tech, the Venom Go is like a wearable heating pad and mini massage gun in one. It offers nine total treatment combos and three levels of heat, allowing you to dial in the exact degree of aahhhhh you’re looking for.

Best On-the-Go Red Light Therapy

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Move+ Pro LED & Laser
Kineon Move+ Pro LED & Laser

Now 38% Off

The Move+ proves that legit red-light therapy really can be portable. The unit is easy to carry around, and it’s just as easy to set up, allowing you to stay relaxed as you focus the lights on sore joints and muscles. It’s a safe, go-anywhere package that’s surprisingly affordable.

Best Foam Roller

Double Roller

Lululemon’s next-level recovery solutions go well beyond apparel. This simple two-in-one device has an exterior roller to massage your arms and legs and an interior one for relieving back tension. The inner roller, with its deep ridges, is our go-to for rolling out our backs and thighs.

Best Vibration Foam Roller

Vyper 3
Hyperice Vyper 3

Now 15% Off

Hyperice’s vibrating foam roller is our favorite one out there. We’ve been using it for years and love the three speeds, which let us dial in the perfect level of massage needed. The medium-firm density hits the sweet spot for most people, and at 13 inches, it’s perfect for rolling out your rhomboids and paraspinals.

Best Compression Boots

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Normatec Elite
Hyperice Normatec Elite

Now 10% Off

If compression boots are part of your recovery, Hyperice’s Normatec Elites have seven compression levels, four hours of battery life, and a weight of only 3.2 pounds per boot. The new seamless design makes them ultra-easy to set up, and everything charges via USB-C, keeping things simple. Once you go wireless, you’ll never go back.

Best Cupping Therapy Device

TheraCup

The makers of the Theragun bring cupping therapy into the new age with this three-in-one device, which also offers heat and vibration. No, the extra features are hardly essential (and often you’re better off skipping them). But the ease with which you can cup a muscle with this is worth it.

Best Sauna Blanket

Infrared Sauna Blanket
HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket

When it comes to infrared sauna blankets, HigherDose’s model is top-notch. We’ve used it for over three years, and it’s great for intense, sweaty sessions, typically between 20 and 25 minutes. The convenient side zipper helps you secure yourself in (and get out) without assistance, and the bamboo insert (sold separately) lets you take it on in just your birthday suit (if that’s your thing).

Best Training Sticks

Training Stick Bundles
Stick Mobility Training Stick Bundles

Now 20% Off

Simple to use yet challenging to master, these training sticks help create leverage, build stability, and improve body awareness. This can result in better range of motion and improved muscle activation across every other workout. They’re a workout in themselves, but you’re slyly doing recovery work in the process.

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recovery

Best Running Shorts

Session Shorts
Tracksmith Session Shorts

Men’s Health favorite Tracksmith nails the classic running short. This update makes them even better. More pockets, less bounce, and a softer (silky Italian) liner. So good. With a 5-inch inseam that hits the sweet spot plus a comfy waistband, this is the closest thing to wearing nothing at all on your daily runs.

Best Training Shorts

Interval Short
Ten Thousand Interval Short

We don’t ask for much from a training short. It just needs to be quick-wicking, non-bunching, ultra-stretchy, comfy, and anti-odor. Oh, and with pockets. The versatile Interval Short is all of the above. We’ve used them for everything from lifting sessions and runs to conditioning work and even ice baths. Our editors love them for every activity and they’ve held up throughout it all.

Best Joggers

Sunday Performance Jogger
Vuori Sunday Performance Jogger

Ditch that stack of season-specific joggers for this all-purpose option that’s the best pair of joggers we’ve found to date. The mid-weight is right for almost any time of year, the tapered fit hits that Goldilocks vibe, and the technical knit fabric has kept our legs cool and dry. Honestly, it’s a damn near perfect pant that we love for training sessions of all kinds, but also for days lounging at home or running errands.

Best Short Sleeve Shirt

Reign Tee

Rhone’s Reign Tee stands up to our hardest training sessions and wicks away all that sweat better than most. It fits like your favorite T-shirt, provides the ideal amount of stretch, and looks just as good outside the gym. And it holds up whether you’re running or getting some strength training in.

Best Hoodie

Accolade Hoodie

A good hoodie is a staple of every man’s wardrobe. The Accolade Hoodie is destined to be your go-to with a relaxed, squared-off cut, buttery-soft fabric, and a perfectly oversized hood. It’s not as slim-fitting as some other options out there, but that just allows for a bit more room and movement. Trust us, it’s a great training hoodie.

Best-Looking Hoodie

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Heritage Midweight Hoodie
Rhone Heritage Midweight Hoodie

If you like your hoodies with a sharper, more fitted cut, the Heritage Midweight is it. All the essential features are here, including a soft cotton blend, raglan sleeves, and Rhone’s signature mesh media pocket. Despite the slim fit, it’s still hardwearing and can take on anything you throw at it.

Best Weightlifting Shoes

Legacy Lifter III Weightlifting Shoe
Reebok Legacy Lifter III Weightlifting Shoe

Stability is key when you’re racking serious weight. The Legacy Lifter III was born to keep you locked in during heavy lifts. Inflatable pump technology and a mid-foot strap for maximum security really help make this a snug, comfortable lifting shoe.

Most Versatile T-Shirt

ThinkFast Jersey Shortsleeve
Outdoor Voices ThinkFast Jersey Shortsleeve

Lightweight, cooling, and deceptively simple, the ThinkFast features performance fabrics and an extra soft design that really just looks like a normal tee. This makes it super versatile, as it can go from the gym to relaxing on the couch to traveling weekend warrior-style.

Best Compression Socks

Marathon Socks
Pro Compression Marathon Socks

Whether for recovery, travel, or at your doctor’s orders, the right compression socks can sometimes make a legit difference. Pro Compression’s Marathon knee-high socks are breathable and cozy and feature just the right amount of compression to get your blood pumping.

Best Everyday T-Shirt

Flex Tee

One tee to rule them all—that’s the Flex Tee’s mantra. Our best workout shirt, it’s built with lightweight CoolMax fabric that dries fast and won’t slow you down. During our testing from indoors to outdoors (and in all weather conditions), we also confirmed that the durability, flexibility, and fit are unmatched.

Best Sleeveless Muscle Tee

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Apex Seamless Tank
Gymshark Apex Seamless Tank

Your hardest gym sessions deserve a hard-working tank top—like the Apex. Seamless and lightweight, its breathable, sweat-wicking fabrics are designed to keep up with you. That also means it doesn’t snag, operating like a well-fitting piece of fabric that’s resting on your shoulders. We find ourselves constantly reaching for this one during warm sessions.

Best Compression Muscle Tee

HeatGear Sleeveless
Under Armour HeatGear Sleeveless

The perfect base layer keeps you cool, dries fast, and, most important, wicks away moisture like a champ. UA’s HeatGear Sleeveless is that base layer, ventilating your body and regulating your temperature in any weather. It’s great as a standalone when it’s hot out and the ideal first layer when it’s not.

Best Long-Sleeve Workout Tee

Triumph Long-Sleeve Tee
Alo Triumph Long-Sleeve Tee

For a little extra “boost” during your warmups, there’s Alo’s Triumph. This long-sleeve tee features a relaxed, easy-fit cut from a soft, tri-blend jersey that’s ridiculously comfy and maximizes movement. It really doesn’t restrict in any way and has that nice lived-in feel on the first wear.

Best Fitness Smartwatch

Fēnix 8

For Android users chasing that Apple Watch-esque experience, it hardly gets better than Garmin’s flagship Fenix lineup. It boasts serious multi-activity capabilities from running to swimming to gym work, thanks to advanced workout tracking and route mapping features. A handsome, bulletproof design, beautiful AMOLED screen, and endless features make this the year’s best fitness smartwatch.

Most Minimalist

4.0 Band

If you like your fitness trackers on the simpler side, Whoop takes things back to basics with the 4.0 Band. It’s comfortable enough for all-day wear and intuitively tracks every metric that matters with zero input from you. It doesn’t have a screen, which we see as a plus in terms of “unplugging,” in theory. It does require a monthly subscription, but if you want to strictly track fitness metrics and not get distracted by anything else, Whoop gets the job done.

Best Smart Ring

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Ring 4

Oura elevates the smart ring to high fashion with its latest generation Ring 4. It boasts an eight-day battery life, a sleek, handsome design, and strong overall accuracy. What’s great about the Oura Ring is that you don’t need a subscription to get most health data, and wearing a ring can be a lot less intrusive than a tracker or watch. Our editors think no brand does the smart ring better than Oura.

Best Gym Lifestyle Shoe

Project Rock 7 Luxe Training Shoe
Under Armour Project Rock 7 Luxe Training Shoe

The right lifestyle shoe takes you from the streets to the gym and back again without missing a step. This luxe trainer from UA has the looks and the technical chops to be your new everyday footwear fav and is a utilitarian option that can tackle recreational training, HIIT workouts, and athletic-focused activities.

Best Barefoot Trainer

Primus Lite III Barefoot Trainer
Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III Barefoot Trainer

When it comes to barefoot trainers, Vivobarefoot is at the top of the list. The Primus Lite III is versatile enough to do it all. It’s lightweight and naturally fitting to support everything from squats and deadlifts to broad jumps. It offers superb ground feel and balance while still providing enough sole protection over the toe for running.

Best Overall Trainer

Outwork Training Shoe
Nobull Outwork Training Shoe

For our money, Nobull’s OG training shoe is still its best. The Outwork’s low-profile anatomical design keeps you stable and locked in during any situation. They’re perfect for high-intensity workouts, and the one-piece upper SuperFabric is comfortable and durable as all heck. We wear ’em for everything from plyometrics to heavy lifts.

Best Group Fitness Shoe

Free Metcon 6
Nike Free Metcon 6

Now 29% Off

Nike’s latest-generation Metcon 6 is purpose-built for all-terrain workouts. That means maximum stability for dynamic movements on grass, turf, tracks, sand, gym floors—you name it. Padded enough to comfortably run, jump, and skip without feeling overly cushy and unstable.

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Best Training Short

Flex Rep

True to its name, the Flex Rep trainer short is built for movements of all kinds. It’s flexible, unlined, and reinforced for maximum durability. Plus, a relaxed fit and breathable fabrics keep you cool, calm, and collected. This short can handle everything from squats and sprints to yoga.

Best Workout Jacket

Winter Warm Pro Jacket
The North Face Winter Warm Pro Jacket

Ditch the bulk, keep the warmth with TNF’s Winter Warm Pro. It’s windproof and toasty enough for all but the chilliest winter days, and it packs down ridiculously small. It’s a solid jacket for winter runs or outdoor training sessions. We like the side sleeve for storing gloves, too. Bonus: It’s made almost entirely of recycled materials.

Best Compression Tight

Vintage 247 Half Tight
Represent Vintage 247 Half Tight

Now 50% Off

These compression tights feel and look great, and they bring a hint of visual attitude to your style, too. They’re also functional: The synthetic performance fabric is paired with a comfy waistband, inner drawcords, and a rear zip pocket for stashing valuables.

Best Smartwatch for iPhone Users

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Watch Series 10

Apple Watch Series 10

Now 18% Off

Apple continues to bring the awesome with its next-gen Apple Watch Series 10 that was released this past fall. The water-resistant smartwatch boasts a beautiful always-on Retina display, ECG app, and more features than just about any smartwatch ever created. Essentially, it’s slimmer (the thinnest Apple Watch to date), better-looking, and smarter. If you have smaller wrists or prefer a less weighty watch, then this is the Apple Watch for you.

Best for Runners

PACE 3 Sport Watch GPS
Coros PACE 3 Sport Watch GPS

Now 8% Off

For runners who like to keep tabs on their most critical metrics, the Pace 3 is near-perfect. We love the featherweight design (just 30 grams!), crisp, always-on touchscreen, and up to 17 days of continuous battery life (38 hours continuous GPS use). It also boasts accurate tracking of recovery and GPS location.

Best Running Shoes

Velocity NITRO 3

Puma’s Velocity Nitro 3 is built for speed and stability. The lightweight design and aerodynamic silhouette won’t weigh you down, and the TPU heel spoiler provides maximum sure footedness with every stride. This neutral running shoe has a comfortable and breathable mesh upper, and the outsole provides grip in all conditions.

Best Basketball Shoes

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TWO WXY V5

Built for maximum support and freedom of movement, NB’s TWO WXY V5 basketball shoe uses proprietary next-gen materials all around to add comfort and impact protection for your hardest rounds on the court. The same FuelCell foam that powers some of the brand’s top running shoes also provides superior cushioning to these basketball sneaks.


editors picks
OpenRun Pro 2

“The next-gen open-ear headphones bring full-bodied sound, faster charging, and a better fit, so I can hit the road for longer runs without closing myself off from the outside world.” – Brett Williams, NASM-CPT, senior fitness editor

Adizero Adios Pro 4
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4

“I ran my strongest marathon ever wearing Adidas’s latest super shoe. The Pro 4 is a super-light, super-responsive pair of kicks designed to get you to your goal pace with less effort on a long run, then bust out of it when you need a burst of speed to finish a race.” – Brett Williams, NASM-CPT, senior fitness editor

Glycerin Max

“I’ve taken to calling the Glycerin Max my ‘thicc bois’ with affection, since the hyper-cushioned super trainers have become one of my favorite running shoes of all time. The secret sauce (along with the massive foam stack) is the marriage of two types of nitrogen-infused cushioning in the heel and forefoot, which makes my strides feel light.” – Brett Williams, NASM-CPT, senior fitness editor

PR Deadlift Bar
Kabuki Power PR Deadlift Bar

“If you really want to deadlift your best, then you want an extra-bendy bar. Kabuki’s PR Deadlift Bar fills that slot, and it has a perfect knurling to set you up for your very best deadlift.” – Ebenezer Samuel, CSCS, fitness director

Cambered Swiss Bar
REP Fitness Cambered Swiss Bar

“The best neutral-grip bar you’ll ever use, with super-wrist-friendly angles for bench presses, rows, and JM presses.” – Ebenezer Samuel, CSCS, fitness director

SkiErg

“My new favorite form of cardio—the Ski Erg lights up the body in ways a bike or treadmill can’t. Plus, the pulling mechanism is smooth and durable.” – Cori Ritchey, CSCS, associate health and fitness editor

Buddy Classic

“If you live alone and carry a lot of tension in your neck and shoulders, this gadget is a must-have. I get a lot of knots in my shoulder blades after a heavy back day, and this hits the spots I can’t get to with a massage gun. Lifesaver!” – Cori Ritchey, CSCS, associate health and fitness editor

3-Stick Training Bundle
Stick Mobility 3-Stick Training Bundle

“Stretching is a game changer, and it doesn’t need to be relegated to before or after a gym session. I am a big fan of Stick Mobility sticks, because in addition to being a great practical tool for workouts, they bring a little fun to the equation. I keep one by my desk at all times, and whenever I’m feeling a little tight in the shoulders or back, it helps open everything up.” – Charles Thorp, NASM-CPT, fitness and commerce editor

Weighted Workout Vest
Aion Weighted Workout Vest

Now 23% Off

“I’m a big fan of using weighted vests to intensify my bodyweight workouts in the garage gym and outdoors. There are benefits to carrying this additional weight on more mundane activities, like walks and errands, but rocking a tactical plate carrier in the grocery store isn’t really appropriate. This sleek product from Aion brings function and form to the category, with a design that you can wear anywhere.” – Charles Thorp, NASM-CPT, fitness and commerce editor

Wayfinder Jogging Stroller
BOB Gear Wayfinder Jogging Stroller

“I used to prefer biking over running, but that all changed when we welcomed our little girl to the family and she was cleared to ride in a jogging stroller. Now it’s my favorite form of cardio. This model from BOB Gear earns its name with extra-large 16-inch back tires, dual suspension, and a swiveling front wheel, giving you peace of mind while logging miles with your little one.” – Charles Thorp, NASM-CPT, fitness and commerce editor


Design: Leanne Mattern and Jason Speakman
Editors: Ryan Brower; Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S; and Charles Throp, NASM
Grooming: Hector Simancas/Art Department
Photography: Justin Steele
Styling:
Ted Stafford
Writing: Mike Richard; Cori Ritchey, C.S.C.S.; Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S.; Charles Thorp, NASM; and Brett Williams, NASM


preview for We Reviewed the Hammer Strength Pro 100 Adjustable Dumbbells | Deep Dive | Men’s Health Muscle

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Fitness

Wellness Wednesday: Exercise & heart disease

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Wellness Wednesday: Exercise & heart disease

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – News 13 brings you a segment focused on health and fitness on News 13 Midday every Wednesday called “Wellness Wednesday.”

This week, Personal Trainer Traycee Green from Pure Platinum was in the studio with News 13’s Chris Marchand to discuss how physical activity can help protect you from heart disease.

Green said that heart disease is the leading cause of death and that physical activity is one of its best-known protectors.

She added that men need twice as much exercise as women.

Green said that results from one study showed that women needed four hours of activity to cut heart disease risk by 30%. But for men, it took them nine hours of activity to cut heart disease risk by 30%.

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However, even though it takes longer for men, Green says the best type of exercise is the one you enjoy.

To help lower the risk of heart disease, the NHS guidelines say to do 115 minutes of moderate exercise a week, 75 minutes of vigorous exercise a week, and a minimum of two days a week of strength training.

For more information, watch the video above.

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This 30-second walking habit can make every walk more effective and boost your fitness in less time

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This 30-second walking habit can make every walk more effective and boost your fitness in less time

Following the news that the NHS is due to launch a walking rewards scheme, walking is – quite rightfully – back in the spotlight as a form of exercise in its own right.

So, if you’re feeling inspired and ready to take on the new Movement 26.2 programme when it launches next year, personal trainer Michael Baah has a hack for getting even more health benefits from your walks.

‘If I could change just one thing about how people walk for fitness, it wouldn’t be asking them to walk further,’ he tells Women’s Health. ‘It would be asking them to walk faster, briefly – 30 seconds of purposeful walking can completely change the training effect of a walk without adding any extra time.’

‘Think of your walk like charging your phone – walking at the same pace from start to finish is like using a standard charger,’ notes Baah. ‘Adding short bursts of faster walking is like switching to fast charge – you’re getting more benefit from the exact same amount of time.’

Why 30-second brisk-walking intervals are effective

And if you don’t think 30 seconds is enough to elicit any meaningful change, think again. ‘Those 30-second surges force your heart, lungs and muscles to work harder together. As your heart rate rises, your body becomes better at delivering oxygen where it’s needed,’ explains Baah.

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‘Over time, your recovery improves, everyday tasks feel easier and your overall fitness increases.’

How to add intervals into your existing walking routine

‘People often think getting fitter means finding another hour in the day. More often than not, it simply means making better use of the time you already have,’ says Baah. ‘That’s why I love 30-second walking intervals. They’re realistic, accessible and easy to stick with, and it’s those small habits that create lasting results.’

Ekaterina Budinovskaya//Getty Images

Getting fitter doesn’t have to mean finding another hour in your day, says Baah

For beginners, Baah recommends three to five 30-second brisk intervals during a 20 to 30-minute walk, two to four times a week.

‘As your fitness improves, gradually build towards six to ten intervals, or introduce a gentle incline before adding more,’ he says. ‘Consistency always beats intensity – I’d rather someone complete three quality interval walks every week than one exhausting session they’ll dread repeating.’

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Think of it like you would do strength training, notes Baah – ‘your body adapts when you gradually ask it to do a little more’.

In a world obsessed with step counts, he encourages clients to shift their perspective, and ‘to stop obsessing over step counts and ask themselves one question instead: “How quickly can I burn around ten extra calories today?” For most people, that simply means adding a handful of brisk-walking surges into the walk they’re already doing. It turns an ordinary walk into purposeful training.’

As for assessing the intensity of your intervals, Baah advises forgetting ‘complicated heart rate zones’.

‘During each 30-second burst, you should still be able to say a short sentence, but you shouldn’t want to hold a full conversation – that’s usually the sweet spot.’

Mistakes to avoid

Common mistakes to avoid, says Baah, usually relate to misjudging intensity.

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‘The biggest mistake is treating every interval like a sprint – you want controlled intensity, not exhaustion,’ he adds. ‘Stand tall, swing your arms naturally and increase your cadence rather than taking longer strides; walk as if you’re late for something.’

And while most healthy adults should be able to safely introduce interval walking into their routines, Baah advises ‘anyone with chest pain, uncontrolled high blood pressure, unstable heart disease or persistent dizziness [to] seek medical advice before increasing intensity’.

‘Likewise, people recovering from surgery or undergoing cancer treatment should follow an exercise plan that’s tailored to their individual needs.’


One of our most frequently asked questions here at Women’s Health? How to build muscle and burn fat at the same time. So, we asked superstar trainer Oyinda Okunowo exactly how to do it. In this 4-week plan – created exclusively for Women’s Health COLLECTIVE members – you’ll get the workouts and nutrition guidance needed to help you on your way to better body composition. Tap the link below to unlock 14 days of free access to Oyinda’s plan and start training today.

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Headshot of Hannah Bradfield

Hannah Bradfield is a Senior Health and Fitness Writer for Women’s Health UK. An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Hannah graduated from Loughborough University with a BA in English and Sport Science and an MA in Media and Cultural Analysis.  She has been covering sports, health and fitness for the last five years and has created content for outlets including BBC Sport, BBC Sounds, Runner’s World and Stylist. She especially enjoys interviewing those working within the community to improve access to sport, exercise and wellness. Hannah is a 2024 John Schofield Trust Fellow and was also named a 2022 Rising Star in Journalism by The Printing Charity.  A keen runner, Hannah was firmly a sprinter growing up (also dabbling in long jump) but has since transitioned to longer-distance running. While 10K is her favoured race distance, she loves running or volunteering at parkrun every Saturday, followed, of course, by pastries. She’s always looking for fun new runs and races to do and brunch spots to try.

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I’ve tested most of the popular fitness trackers on the market, and here are my top recommendations that match your fitness level

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I’ve tested most of the popular fitness trackers on the market, and here are my top recommendations that match your fitness level

Whether you are training for a marathon or working out for the first time in months, a fitness tracker can show you health and exercise data that can help you better understand your efforts. Most have heart rate, GPS and activity tracking built-in, and many can provide insights into your sleep and recovery. I test fitness trackers and smartwatches regularly, and have tested dozens over the years. Below I’m sharing some of the best ones on the market, and advice on how to find one that fits your needs.

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The best fitness trackers of 2026

My top picks come from well-known brands like Fitbit, Apple and Garmin. Every option on this list was sent to me by the brand for testing purposes.

Best overall: Garmin Vivoactive 6

A close up of the Garmin Vivoactive 6 on the wrist of the writer.
The Garmin Vivoactive 6 has a subtle and understated look, but still contains many of the brand’s best features.Courtesy Harry Rabinowitz

The Garmin Vivoactive 6 hits a great balance of fitness features, smartwatch capabilities, battery life and price, all packed in an approachable design. During my testing, I was constantly surprised by how many features it has and how rich its features were, especially considering this is one of Garmin’s more affordable watches.

The Vivoactive 6 tracks your health, sleep and fitness activity — with in-depth metrics and analysis for all three. Fitness is particularly impressive, with features like body Battery, workout recovery times, Garmin pace pro and Garmin coach (with running and strength training plans).

One standout feature I love is workout animation — the watch will play short videos of a silhouette performing certain exercises. This is mostly when you are doing Garmin Connect workouts (think HIIT, cardio, strength and yoga), but where I find it the most fun is for Move Alerts — the watch will remind me to move, give me a few movement options to choose from, then play an animation of that movement to follow. It made taking breaks at my desk a lot more fun.

The Garmin Connect app is less intuitive than apps from competitors like Fitbit and Apple, so — give yourself time to get used to it before dismissing it outright.

Best for beginners: Fitbit Charge 6

A close-up of the FitBit Charge 6, showing the time on the wrist of the writer.
The FitBit Charge 6 is slim and subtle on the wrist.Courtesy of Harry Rabinowitz

Many NBC Select staffers use and love Fitbit fitness trackers because of their lightweight designs and easy-to-use features. The Charge 6 is a small, beginner-friendly fitness tracker that’s light on weight and light on price. It feels comfortable to use after only a few minutes of swiping through the watch and app, with bright, colorful and easy to understand metrics and graphs.

The Charge 6 tracks and showcases your heart rate, daily steps, distance traveled, fitness activities, calories burned and nightly sleep. It does not track more advanced running stats like cadence, stride length, ground contact time and vertical oscillation like some of my other picks.

New to the Charge 6 is Google Wallet, Google Maps navigation and YouTube Music controls. It also now has a button on the left side that returns you to the home screen or pause workout screen. One important thing to note though, is that you can’t turn off the device. Instead, it goes into “power-saver mode” after 10 minutes of inactivity.

Best budget: Amazfit Active 2 (Sport)

A close up of the Amazfit Active 2 sport on the wrist of the writer.
The Amazfit Active 2 is one of the best looking fitness trackers at this price point.Courtesy Harry Rabinowitz

The Amazfit Active 2 is a ridiculously good value — so much so that I was suspicious of it at first, but after weeks of testing, I absolutely recommend it. The software could use refinement, but everything else is excellent for a fitness tracker at this price point.

The standout is build quality — this does not look or feel like a $100 fitness tracker. It has a medium-sized, bright screen surrounded by a stainless steel case that looks sleek and classy (much more so than the Fitbit Charge 6 or Garmin Vivoactive 6). The watch also has a built-in speaker, so it can announce things like mileage during runs or turn-by-turn directions during navigation.

The downside is software — the Zepp app could use some refinement. Like Garmin, it shows a lot of data and options, but can get confusing the further you dive into everything. You can learn more in my Amazfit brand guide.

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Best screenless tracker: Google Fitbit Air

A close-up of the Google Fitbit Air on the wrist of the writer.
The Google Fitbit Air is one of the smallest, lightest fitness trackers on the market.Courtesy Harry Rabinowitz

If you want to track your health and fitness stats as simply as possible, get the Google Fitbit Air. It’s a screenless fitness tracker that looks like a simple band, with plenty of colors and styles to choose from and swap between.

Because it doesn’t have a screen, you control everything through your phone and the Google Health app, which showcases stats and scores for things like steps, weekly cardio goals, sleep, readiness and more. It’s simple, intuitive and easy to use, making it ideal for beginners, just like the Fitbit Charge 6.

The band automatically tracks walks and workouts, but it’s not totally accurate or confidence-inspiring: I recommend manually starting and stopping workouts like outdoor runs and bike rides.

There is also the optional Google Health Premium subscription for $9.99 a month, which adds an AI (read: Gemini) powered fitness and health coach to the app. I had a mixed experience with Google Health Premium, I found it took a lot of time to personalize to my needs, and even then, I didn’t find it all that valuable, but you can always try it for a month and cancel if it’s not right for you.

Best smart ring: Oura Ring 5

A close up of an Oura Ring 5 on the hand of the writer.
The Oura Ring 5 has a sleek design that’s much smaller than previous versions.Courtesy Harry Rabinowitz

If you hate wearing watches (or anything on your wrists), a smart ring is the best way to track your health and fitness. The Oura Ring 5 is the best one on the market — I’ve tested it for months, and it’s a big improvement on the already-excellent Oura Ring 4.

It tracks stats like heart rate, body temperature, blood oxygen, sleep stages, stress levels and exercise metrics and stores them in the Oura app. It automatically tracks walks and exercise, but I find it best to manually start and stop outdoor workouts like runs for the best data. The app itself is one of the best I’ve tested, with a detailed but approachable design that’s helpful at a glance and very informative as you dive deeper into things like trend reports.

I love that the Oura Ring 5 is significantly (40%) smaller than the Oura Ring 4, and feels more like a regular ring on my finger instead of a bulky smart ring. It comes in six colors and a range of sizes. If you want more than just the current day’s stats, the Oura Ring requires an Oura Ring membership, which costs $6 a month.

Best for iPhone: Apple Watch SE 3

A close up of the Apple Watch SE 3 on the wrist of the writer.
The square screen of the Apple Watch SE 3 displays a lot more information at once than most of its competitors.Courtesy of Harry Rabinowitz

The Apple Watch is one fitness tracker that almost always stays on my wrist, and this is the brand’s lowest-priced model. It costs much less than the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3, but has almost all the same fitness tracking features and metrics.

The Apple Watch SE 3 is easy to use, especially if you have used an iPhone before. The apps are similar or identical, and the square shape of the watch makes it easy to scroll through notifications and texts. It shows detailed workout, health and sleep metrics via Apple Health and Apple Fitness with no subscription required. You can also use the Siri voice assistant to make requests and send voice texts, which is much easier than typing a text mid-run, in my experience.

The watch gets up to 18 hours of battery life, according to the brand — that’s less than most competitors. It does charge quickly, though, getting nearly a full charge in just 45 minutes. It also comes in two sizes with many watch band options.

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Best for Android: Google Pixel Watch 4

A close up of the Google Pixel Watch 4 on the wrist of the writer.
The Google Pixel Watch 4 is one of the more stylish recommendations on this list.Courtesy of Harry Rabinowitz

The Pixel Watch has improved each year to the point that it is now one of the best fitness trackers and smartwatches for anyone with an Android phone. It does everything you would expect of all the best smartwatches: notifications, texting, calls, tap-to-pay, media controls, offline maps and more.

For fitness, the watch has built-in tracking with more than 50 workout types to choose from, with more in-depth data compared to other Fitbits like the Fitbit Charge 6. You can build custom workouts, including custom runs with stages, intervals and more. The watch can also automatically detect walks, runs, bike rides, and more, and start a workout all on its own. I often forget to log walks, so this feature is one of my favorites.

New to the Pixel Watch 4 is satellite SOS emergency assistance (on the LTE version), multi-band GPS (which should lead to more accurate GPS data), improved battery life and so much more.

Best for runners: Garmin Forerunner 570

A close-up of the Garmin Forerunner 570 on the wrist of the writer.
I tested the 42-millimeter Garmin Forerunner 570, which fit my wrist much better than the 47-millimeter version.Courtesy of Harry Rabinowitz

If you are already into your running journeys, the Garmin Forerunner series is for you, and the Forerunner 570 is my top pick. It has more than enough tools for runners and racers and comes in two sizes, so you can get the best fit for your wrist (unlike the Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 970).

My favorite training tools are training readiness, training status and HRV (heart rate variability) status, which work in tandem to help optimize training and recovery. Training Readiness combines multiple metrics to give you a top-level score about how beneficial your training will be. In practice, it helps me decide whether to take a rest day or push myself harder than usual.

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It also has advanced running metrics like power, cadence, stride length and ground contact time, as well as multi-band GPS for the most accurate, consistent distance and time stats possible. It is pricey, though: if you are just starting out as a runner, my other top picks (or the Forerunner 70) provide more than enough stats and tools.

Best for athletes: Whoop 5.0 (Peak)

A close-up of the Whoop MG on the wrist of the writer.
I tested the Whoop MG with Whoop Life subscription. It has a built-in ECG reader, unlike the lower-tiered Whoop subscriptions.Courtesy of Harry Rabinowitz

For athletes, Whoop’s minimal design and extra-detailed stress and recovery metrics is a great fit. Like the Google Fitbit Air, it’s a small screenless tracker that’s lightweight and inconspicuous on your wrist. That’s where the similarities end, though.

Whoop differentiates itself by focusing heavily on recovery and strain. It gives all of your activities a strain score between zero and 21, and highlights things like heart rate zones and strength training more than other trackers. Using Whoop makes me think more about the quality and intensity of my workouts rather than distance or time. Again, this is more useful for athletes or people training towards a specific goal.

The required Whoop subscription is very expensive, though. There are three subscription tiers: Whoop One ($199 a year), Whoop Peak ($239 a year) and Whoop Life ($359 a year).

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How I test fitness trackers

I’ve tested dozens of fitness trackers and smartwatches for NBC Select. I am a runner and bicyclist, and use fitness trackers to monitor my pace, heart rate and distance. I test each one for at least two weeks, using all available features, including sleep tracking. I often wear multiple fitness trackers at the same time to compare data like heart rate, average pace, mileage, elevation and sleep score, incorporating external heart rate monitors when appropriate.

To pick the best fitness trackers, I paid close attention to the following factors:

  • Comfort: A fitness tracker is only useful if you enjoy wearing it. I wore each tracker day and night to see if they became uncomfortable, disrupted my sleep or irritated my skin.
  • Data tracking: Fitness trackers collect various biometric data and present it in different ways. I tested and chose trackers that collect a range of insights and present them in helpful and easy-to-understand ways.
  • Battery life: I tried each tracker for at least two weeks and noted how often I needed to charge the device.
  • GPS tracking: Many fitness trackers have GPS tracking built-in. I took note of how long it took to connect to GPS, and how consistent the GPS data was, especially compared to other trackers.
  • Compatibility: Not every fitness tracker works with every smartphone. I tested and included options compatible with both iPhone and Android devices.

How to shop for a fitness tracker

When shopping for any fitness tracker, price and compatibility should be top of mind. But beyond that, I recommend prioritizing the following:

Buy something you’ll actually wear

A fitness tracker is only useful if you actually want to wear it. Otherwise, it’s just a piece of tech sitting in a drawer collecting dust. Be sure to buy something that will feel comfortable on your wrist (or finger) for hours and fits your lifestyle and aesthetic. Try on different fitness trackers (in-person if you can). This can give you a better sense of size and weight than pictures online. If you buy one online, check the return policy before you check out just in case you find that it’s not the fit you desire.

Consider form factor

If you don’t ever wear rings, you probably won’t find the Oura Ring comfortable. Similarly, if you don’t like to wear a watch, you may find the Apple Watch and Google Pixel Watch uncomfortable. Know what you like, what you don’t, and how much convincing you would need to change that.

Identify your goals and needs

I believe that everyone can benefit from the data fitness trackers provide if you understand your wants and needs.

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Think about what data you care about. If you love outdoor exercise stats like pace and power, a Garmin watch may be the best match for you. If you want broad exercise and health data, plus all the latest apps, a smartwatch from Apple or Google is a better fit.

Fitness isn’t one size fits all. Take stock of your goals and needs before checking out.

Why trust NBC Select?

I am a reporter at NBC Select who covers technology and fitness, including stories on workout headphones, walking shoes and point-and-shoot cameras. I’ve been testing fitness trackers for years — I try new models constantly, comparing them against previous versions and similar competitors. I leveraged my experience testing fitness trackers, smartwatches and smart rings to pick the best ones on the market today.

Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.

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