Fitbit Blaze runs rings around other trackers
Need to get active? This will have you…
Ahappy new year is one thing but this is the week when we start thinking a fitter new year would be even better still. This is the week that I have a little more time to plan a new regime and promise myself that I’ll slump in the sofa less, move more and try to shed those couple of pounds that have crept up on me. I’m not alone, it seems, and in the run-up to Christmas I noticed fitness trackers everywhere. From online retailers to my local pharmacy, technology was waiting to lead me into a more active new year.
Unpacking the Fitbit Blaze reveals something more substantial and attractive than the standard, functional fitness trackers I’m familiar with. The Blaze looks like a watch with an attractive strap and comes with a clamp-style USB charging cable that I found easier to use than fiddly micro-USB cables.
The detachable full-colour touchscreen at 1.2 inches, is bright and clear enough to check discreetly during the day. Setting up Fitbit trackers has always been straightforward and although the Blaze can be set up and synced with your Mac or PC, ideally you should use a Bluetooth-enabled Android or iOS phone to get the most out of it.
As well as step tracking it has a built in altimeter and pulse monitor and although it doesn’t have a built in GPS, it will use the location data from your phone for more accurate activity tracking. One of the best features is that it continually monitors your pulse, which means you get the calorie burn credit for aerobic activity that doesn’t involve much movement, for instance weights or push-ups. There’s also a mini fitness coach built in, FitStar, that provides three short programs for warm-up, workout and abs exercises.
The sleep-tracker provides a nice overview of how you’ve slept over a period of time. But the most obvious missing feature is the lack of waterproofing. It is resistant to perspiration and can survive running in the rain but shouldn’t be worn in the shower or pool. The Blaze also promises exercise recognition. Fitbit’s app is one of the best available and provides access to goals, exercise history and stats such as calories burned. There is a growing list of apps that are compatible with the Blaze, like Weight Watchers, Strava and MapMyRun. The Blaze can control your music and show you notifications from your phone. It looks like a stylish smart watch and has a remarkable five-day battery life. If you want to lose weight and move more, the Blaze is right on track.