Android Central's Fitness Tech Favorites: The Gear We Use When the Reviews are Done

Finding the Perfect Fit: Our Go-To Apps and Devices

We at Android Central review a mountain of fitness tech every year, from smartwatches and rings to earbuds and apps. But when the testing is over and the deadlines are met, which gadgets and software do we actually choose for our own fitness journeys? We asked our team to share their personal favorites, the tech they rely on when it's not about the review, but about their own health and performance.

Prepare for a glimpse into our fitness obsessions, from marathon training to strength building, and discover the apps and devices that keep us motivated and on track.

Brady Snyder: A Decade of Miles with Nike Run Club

Brady has logged over 1,500 miles with Nike Run Club, a testament to its versatility and compatibility. From Wear OS and watchOS to seamless Garmin syncing, NRC offers a consistent experience across devices. Its clear display, media controls, and insightful post-run breakdowns make tracking progress a breeze.

"NRC handles the basics excellently...Its post-run breakdowns are both data-rich and easy to understand," says Brady. The app's social features, including weekly challenges and personal milestones, add a layer of friendly competition and motivation. Whether paired with his Garmin Enduro 3 for battery life or Galaxy Watch 6 Classic for smartphone integration, NRC remains his top pick.

Tshaka Armstrong: Data-Driven Fitness for Diabetes Management

For Tshaka, fitness is more than a hobby; it's essential medicine in managing his Type II diabetes. His focus on VO2 Max improvement led him to Nike Run Club for tracking progress and maximizing heart health. But running is only part of the equation. Tshaka leans on the Strong app for meticulously tracking his weightlifting routines, ensuring a focused mind-muscle connection.

Beyond apps, Tshaka champions the Withings Body Scan for comprehensive body composition data, a crucial metric beyond just weight. And for those intense workouts, his Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 provide unwavering audio and reliable heart rate monitoring.

Derrek Lee: Garmin's Versatility and the Power of Strava

Derrek's fitness companion of choice is the Garmin Venu 3. Despite its slightly complex interface, its comprehensive tracking capabilities, particularly for weightlifting, keep him coming back. He appreciates its rep counting, automatic set detection, and impressive battery life.

Sharing workouts and staying accountable are key for Derrek, which is why he integrates his Garmin data with Strava. "It's a great app/network that lets me share my workouts with others and helps me stay accountable," he shares. The social aspect of kudos and shared progress adds an extra layer of motivation.

Nicholas Sutrich: Prioritizing Comfort and Data with Pixel Watch 3 and OnePlus Watch 3

Nicholas prizes comfort and data, a combination he finds in the Google Pixel Watch 3. Its sleek design makes it ideal for lifting and wrist-bending exercises, while accurate heart rate monitoring helps him manage intensity during cardio.

The OnePlus Watch 3 serves as a strong contender, boasting impressive GPS tracking and battery life. Nicholas notes its superior metrics and software, providing readily accessible data without subscription fees. Beyond hardware, the Yuka app aids his healthy lifestyle, simplifying grocery shopping by providing detailed nutritional breakdowns.

Andrew Myrick: Sleep Tracking and Smart Home Control with Galaxy Watch Ultra

Andrew’s fitness primarily revolves around keeping up with his one-year-old, but he finds the Galaxy Watch Ultra invaluable for its sleep tracking and smart home integration. The long battery life and durability are key for him, as he prefers continuous wear for accurate sleep data.

Controlling his smart home from his wrist, especially the lights in his child’s room, adds convenience and minimizes disruptions during naptime. "When the little one is finally ready for a nap, trying to turn off the Hue bulbs in his room with Assistant can ruin any hopes of some quiet time," he explains.

Shruti Shekar: A Balanced Lifestyle with Oura Ring and Varied Workouts

Shruti utilizes a combination of tech for a balanced approach to fitness. While she uses her Apple Watch 10 specifically for workout tracking, the Oura Ring is her true game-changer. Its detailed Readiness and Sleep Scores provide crucial insights into her daily habits and overall well-being.

Beyond tracking, Shruti enjoys a mix of workout styles, from spin classes using Ride Cycle Club to the diverse offerings of the Peloton app. "I’ve genuinely enjoyed figuring out who my favorite instructors are and the type of classes," she shares, highlighting the personalized aspect of her fitness routine.

Michael Hicks: Data-Driven Running with Garmin and the Simplicity of Google Docs

As a dedicated runner, Michael relies on Garmin watches for their long battery life, accurate GPS, and insightful training load focus metric. Whether using the Forerunner 965 or Fenix 8, the focus on balanced training across different heart rate zones is key to his progress. This philosophy, supported by a New York Times article on Zone 2 training, emphasizes the importance of both easy and high-intensity workouts for optimal improvement.

While acknowledging Strava’s helpful features, Michael ultimately prefers the straightforward simplicity of a Google Doc for tracking monthly mileage and overall goals. This minimalist approach keeps him focused and motivated.