Are fitness trackers worth it and what should I buy?

If you want to develop healthier habits, and need a gentle nudge to help you along the way, a fitness tracker can be a great tool.

It’s a wrist-worn device that tracks your movement and other statistics throughout the day, and encourages you to walk a little more, try a workout that will raise your heart rate, drink more water, and take the stairs rather than the elevator. They’re small changes, but all add up to a healthier lifestyle.

The fitness tracker connects to an app on your phone, where you can see statistics such as your heart rate, sleep patterns, and step counts over time, and often receive virtual badges to reward your efforts. Some fitness trackers also let you connect with friends, share achievements, and compete with one another in mini challenges.