Best Fitness Trackers For Weightlifting Reviews

Updated November 3, 2020

Today’s advanced technology takes the guess out of fitness and dieting and lays down a solid foundation based on data and science. Furthermore, the fact that you can accurately measure and monitor your heart rate allows users to understand their bodies and general health state. 

We now have access to affordable and easy to wear fitness trackers that can measure more complex activities such as swimming, hiking, cycling, and even weightlifting (options that were not available in the early models). 

Today we are on a journey to find the best fitness tracker for weightlifting. We have reviews with pros & cons, tips, and more so make sure to read everything!

Best Fitness Trackers For Weightlifting

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1 Garmin - Forerunner 935 Garmin Forerunner 935 Fitness Tracker
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2 Fitbit - Charge 3
Best Overall
Fitbit Charge 3 Fitness Tracker
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3 Garmin - Vivomove 3 Garmin Vivomove 3 Fitness Tracker
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4 Fitbit - Versa Lite Fitbit Versa Lite Fitness Tracker
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5 Apple - Series 4 Apple Series 4 Fitness Tracker
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6 Garmin - Vivosmart HR Garmin Vivosmart HR Fitness Tracker
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1. Garmin Forerunner 935 Fitness Tracker

Highlights

The 935 is the quintessential triathlon watch from Garmin. It is designed for durability and it focuses on delivering useful information for the active person. The slick design is easy to pair with a casual and/or sports outfit because it’s an all-black, lightweight build. 

The screen is not sensitive to touch, but you can use the side buttons to scroll through the apps. The menu is built around the active person who practices a wide range of sports such as running, swimming, cycling, and more. On the back of the case, there is a heart rate sensor and inside it, a GPS+GLONASS module. 

It also has features that are useful to athletes looking to measure their progress. For instance, there is an UltraTrack mode (reliable due to the built-in gyroscope), and the possibility to follow metrics such as ground contact time and stride length. 

All these features also help you measure your training status, to indicate if you’re undertraining or overdoing it. In addition, it has a built-in barometer, altimeter, and electronic compass which can be extremely useful while hiking or running long distances. 

Forerunner 935 also features smart notifications, music control, automatic uploads and connects to the Garmin app for custom Watch faces and apps. It is compatible with most mobile devices (iOS and Android) and it works with other Garmin devices designed for tracking sports or it can be paired with external sensors (for more accurate tracking).

Lastly, the Forerunner 935 has a better battery life than other similar models from Garmin (up to 24h in GPS mode and up to 2 weeks in watch mode) and it comes with built-in WiFi.

Specifications

Material:
Silicone Strap, Fiber Reinforced Polymer Bezel & Case
Size:
30.4mm
Weight:
49g

Pros

  • Beautiful design that’s easily paired with lots of outfits
  • Lightweight & durable
  • Provides advanced dynamics for several sports
  • Ideal for monitoring one’s performance
  • Compatible with a wide range of devices

Cons

  • Not very accurate for swimmers
  • The screen is not too visible in dim light
  • The notification system is a bit finicky

Why We Chose This

The Forerunner 935 is a nice GPS altimeter watch with lots of features for athletes who want to measure and improve their performance. It is lightweight, durable, and it blends nicely with both sports and casual outfits. It packs a lot of advanced sensors, it has WiFi, and the battery life is decent when in full-work mode. Overall, it’s a nice timepiece with plenty of modern features and lots of advanced technologies.

2. Fitbit Charge 3 Fitness Tracker

Highlights
Best Overall
Fitbit - Charge 3

Charge 3 is the perfect fitness band for people who want one that’s not excessively sporty. The touchscreen is ideally sized (not too big or too small) and slim, and the strap can be easily switched according to your needs. 

The band is comfortable, lightweight, and durable (IP68 rating), so it can be with you wherever you go. Furthermore, it is swim-proof for up to 50m in the pool and in the shower. Plus, the display is backlight and adjusts automatically to light conditions. 

In a professional environment, Charge 3 can keep you connected to your phone (via notifications) and the world using Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity. It also displays the current time and provides access to customizable clock faces, to create your personalized dashboard.

When used in combination with the Fitbit Health & Fitness app, Charge 3 can be the perfect fitness tracker to keep a close look on the state of your health. As such, the band is equipped with 24/7 heart rate tracking, over 15 exercise modes, goal setting, and the possibility to keep track of progress via statistics.   

The device can also be used to track your sleeping patterns and activity trends since it can automatically record the time spent in light. Lastly, it can be connected to your phone’s GPS and keeps a real-time track of distance and speed. 

Overall, Charge 3 is a tracker and a smartphone in one sleek-looking device!

Specifications

Material:
OLED Display, Lithium-Polymer Battery, Polyester Band
Size:
38mm x 18.3mm x 11.8mm
Weight:
1.76oz / 29g
Battery Life:
up to 7 days

Pros

  • Slim & elegant look with the possibility to change the strap
  • Lots of tracking possibilities
  • 24/7 heart rate monitoring
  • Durable design that’s swim-proof
  • Good battery life

Cons

  • The display is too bright during the night
  • Exercise auto-detection is not very accurate

Why We Chose This

Charge 3 comes with 15+ workout modes, so it’s easy to set goals and customize them as you go. This makes it the best fitness tracker for gym workouts when you’re not sure which goal to track. For instance, in weight lifting, it’s best to track calories burned and not steps (as it would be natural if you were tracking a cardio exercise). To add to this, the stats and various clock faces make it easy to find the configuration that works for your needs.

3. Garmin Vivomove 3 Fitness Tracker

Highlights

Vivomove 3 is a series of hybrid smartwatches that combines the style of an analog design with the technology of a smart device. This means you get to be notified about text messages and other events while also enjoying the soothing view of analog hands on your watch display.

In addition, people who like an elegant piece on their wrist will be happy to know that the black case is thin and slim. Also, the band is comfortable and can be easily changed due to the quick-release system. This means that you can buy one watch and several bands to make it look new and interesting for every occasion. 

The display features a combination of analog and digital, with a hidden OLED touchscreen in the lower half of the screen. As such, the control of the information displayed is done via the touchscreen (there are no buttons on the side). Also, the touchscreen display is not visible at all times; only when you need it. 

In terms of smart features, Vivomove 3 has a variety of health and wellness features, it can connect with the GPS on your smartphone (to track walks and more), and it can track your body’s energy levels. 

The battery is estimated to last for about five days on one charge, but if you use it in watch mode, it will last for one week. Overall, Vivomove 3 is an elegant watch that looks analog but comes with a secret.

Specifications

Material:
Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Case, Stainless Steel Bezel, Chemically Strengthened Glass
Size:
44mm
Weight:
1.6 oz (46.1 g)

Pros

  • Elegant and lightweight design
  • The display looks like a regular analog watch
  • Easy to set up, even without side buttons
  • An impressive amount of smart features
  • It can connect with your smartphone’s GPS

Cons

  • Heart rate monitor is not accurate
  • It doesn’t connect with all devices (only compatible ones)
  • The app is a bit loaded with features and information

Why We Chose This

Garmin is well-known in the market of fitness-oriented wearable technology so there’s no reason to doubt their expertise. Vivomove 3 is a blend of classic and sport-ish, trying (and succeeding) to conceal the casual apps and trackers in an elegant design. So, if you’re looking for a smartwatch that looks like a watch, this may be it.

4. Fitbit Versa Lite Fitness Tracker

Highlights

Versa Lite is the more affordable version of an earlier version of the same smartwatch and fitness tracker, the Fitbit Versa. 

In terms of design, Versa Lite is similar to Versa, with a rectangular display and rounded corners. The band is replaceable (straps sold separately) and the screen is touch-sensitive and can be customized using the wide range of watch faces available online. 

Versa Lite can connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth and can track your movement in real-time, using the phone’s GPS. It also has an optical heart rate sensor (24/7 tracking), sleep tracking, and other well-designed modules that allow users to track their health state. 

To track your exercise progress, there are 15+ exercise modes that allow for detailed monitoring of calories burnt, paces made, and so on. It’s also a good fit for swimmers since it is water-resistant for up to 50m. 

When synchronized with your phone, Versa Lite behaves like a smartwatch, receiving notifications from various apps. You can even use it to reply to messages (for Android users) and scroll through emails. 

Finally, Versa Lite is lightweight, durable, and comfortable to wear for long periods of time. It’s also slim and doesn’t feel bulky, so it can be used in casual situations as well.

Specifications

Material:
Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (For Touchscreen), Anodized Aluminum Case, Durable Plastic Polymer For The Strap
Size:
34 mm (1.34 inches)
Weight:
38 Grams
Battery Life:
up to 4 days

Pros

  • The design is slim & modern
  • The watch is lightweight and easy to customize
  • User-friendly interface
  • Lots of cool sports-oriented features
  • Geared towards health monitoring and fitness progress

Cons

  • The display scratches easily
  • No wall plug for charging (only USB cable)

Why We Chose This

Versa Lite is a blend between smartwatch and fitness tracker with a user-friendly interface, at an affordable price. This makes it one of the best workout watches for people who don’t like complicated features and only need basic information regarding their health habits.

5. Apple Series 4 Fitness Tracker

Highlights

In true Apple fashion, the Series 4 smartwatch has a beautiful design with round edges and smooth lines. Still, it does come with a few new features such as the larger display with less bezel, super high-speed connectivity, a louder speaker, and high and low heart-rate detection with an FDA-cleared ECG app for more detailed heart readings. 

While the life battery is not something to write home about and its water resistance is not great, the watch is designed to help users improve their health. The low and high heart rate notification system is a very useful feature. Also, the watch can send an emergency SOS in case it detects something is wrong (great for adventurers who like to test their limits). 

Apple Series 4 has automatic workout detection so you don’t have to set a bunch of annoying metrics every time you want to get moving. It also lets users enroll in activity competitions and share their progress (great for motivation). 

As a smartwatch, it receives notifications, takes phone calls, and can be used for messaging. Of course, you can install apps and use Siri from a distance. 

Overall, Series 4 is a gorgeous Apple smartwatch with the standard features and some workout and health tracking systems. It’s not as advanced as a dedicated fitness tracker, but it is great for people who want a device that will work at the office and at the gym.

Specifications

Material:
Aluminum Case
Size:
44 mm
Weight:
30.1g
Battery Life:
up to 18h

Pros

  • Gorgeous design, in accordance with Apple’s rules
  • Lightweight and easy to wear in any situation
  • Lots of available apps and watch faces
  • Fast connectivity and a good range
  • It allows users to stay in touch with each other

Cons

  • Battery life isn’t that great
  • The face is not always on
  • The price tag is a bit high

Why We Chose This

The feature that makes Series 4 a great candidate for workouts and health tracking in general, is the ECG app and the accurate heart tracking sensor. This feature lets users understand the efficiency of their workouts and keeps them up to date on the health of their cardiovascular system. Of course, it doesn’t replace a doctor’s advice and consults, but it lets you know more about your own body.

6. Garmin Vivosmart HR Fitness Tracker

Highlights

In terms of design, Vivosmart HR is clearly a fitness band. The display is fully integrated into the strap which is comfortable and resistant to water and debris. Furthermore, the strap is easy to secure around the wrist due to the buckle closure, so there’s no risk of losing it. 

The display is touch-sensitive and stays always on, displaying useful information according to the user’s settings. It’s visible in almost any lighting conditions and the entire device is water-resistant (resists splashes and you can take it in the shower). 

In the strap, you’ll find a reliable heart rate sensor that helps Vivosmart track your activity level and general state of health. It also tracks steps, distance, intensity, and calories burnt and it communicates the data to your smartphone (via the Garmin Connect Mobile app) for interpretation and processing. There’s also a feature that reminds users to stay active using vibrations and a move bar notification. 

Lastly, Vivosmart can also receive notifications from your smartphone (via Bluetooth), text, call notifications, and social media alerts.

Specifications

Material:
IPS LCD Capacitive Display and Silicone Strap
Size:
1.00 x 0.42" / 25.3 x 10.7 mm
Weight:
29.6 g / 1.0 oz
Battery Life:
up to 5 days

Pros

  • Comfortable to wear for a long time
  • Is easy to use in a gym or during outdoor workouts
  • Accurate heart rate sensor
  • Durable build
  • Reminds you to stay active

Cons

  • The Garmin Connect app is a bit confusing
  • It’s not very stylish

Why We Chose This

We consider Vivosmart HR the best fitness tracker for gym workouts because it is water-resistant and doesn’t get in the way when working with various machines. It’s also accurate in tracking fitness activity and has a more reliable step counter. The fact that it can receive phone notifications is a nice addition, but at its core, this is a fitness tracker.

Fitness Tracker For Weightlifting Buying Guide

Design & Style

The best fitness tracker for gym workouts is not necessarily stylish but it shouldn’t be bulky or uncomfortable either. 

Modern weightlifting watches feature a slim design that works in most casual social scenarios. This way, you can wear it all day long, thus providing the monitoring app on your phone with solid data. 

In addition, these models double as a smartwatch so you can receive notifications from your phone, use them to make calls or reply to messages, and even use them for paying (not all models offer these options in one device). 

Features

The best workout watches are comfortable and don’t hinder your ability to exercise. This feature is paramount for weightlifters since the form is integral to getting better and stronger. You should also look for a watch with good water resistance so you won’t have to take it off while you shower or swim. 

The accuracy of the heart rate sensor is also important since the data it collects is used by the watch to calculate calories burnt and the overall intensity of your workout. Make sure to pay attention to the type of information the watch provides. For instance, it helps to get a tracker that already has a weightlifting module pre-programmed into its system. This way, you simply select the module and start your workout – there’s no need for complicated settings. 

Another feature that matters is the tracker’s connectivity. Most devices support Bluetooth, which is great, but it must have a good range and be compatible with your phone. If you want more out of your fitness watch, you should consider one that also supports WiFi and NFC (useful for payments and more).

Lastly, there are fitness watches that can use your phone’s GPS to accurately track speed and pace, which is helpful for runners, hikers, and other outdoor adventurers. 

Accuracy

Obviously, accuracy is a crucial feature for any fitness tracker! If the heart rate sensor doesn’t pick up your real heartbeat the measurements calculated based on it won’t be correct. This means you’ll be fed false data with regards to your workout progress and overall performance. 

But fitness trackers have other sensors that must be kept in check. For instance, some devices interpret driving as walking and add to the number of steps while you’re in a seated position. Other devices may not interpret distances really well. 

So, before you take any decision, identify the data that’s important for measuring your workout performance. Next, identify the devices that promise a high-level accuracy in measuring that data and read reviews by other users. This way, you will be able to find those fitness trackers that truly deliver on their promise of accuracy.

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