When it comes to kids fitness, if it isn’t something that’s fun, than good luck getting kids to do it. Most of the time, kids would rather watch television, than go jogging around the block. It takes a little creativity to make fitness exciting for kids. Sometimes, incorporating the latest technology can create that excitement to help get kids moving.
Are fitness trackers a good option for kids? I’d say so. A Fitness tracker can be a device that helps make fitness fun for kids. Fitness trackers are wearable devices that look similar to a traditional watch. They come in various colors and designs that make them exciting for kids. Not only will kids like wearing them, they have a tech feel that kids enjoy.
How will fitness trackers help my kids get fit
Fitness trackers can be great for kids of all fitness levels. They aren’t just designed to benefit someone that is overweight, because they help kids be aware of what they are doing to be fit, which benefits everyone. Some of the benefits that I see from fitness trackers:
- It’s something that the family can enjoy together. In my post, How parents and kids can be active together, I discuss many benefits of being active as a family. Anything that encourages families to be unified and harmonize together is a plus in my book. Families can enjoy having daily step competitions or just encouraging one another when they have reached a new step record.
- They help educate kids on building a healthy lifestyle. Parents can educate kids on how movement can help their body function better. Parents can teach kids about the effects of calories, sleep, and exercise on the body.
- Kids will have fun with it. As mentioned earlier, if it isn’t fun, than kids aren’t going to want to do it. Kids love getting new gadgets and with all the different styles, it caters to kids of all ages.Kids can create fitness games through the tools fitness trackers provide them.
- Helps Kids with setting goals. I discuss goal setting for kids in my post, It’s time to teach our kids how to set goals for success.Through fitness trackers, it’ll help kids have step counts to work towards goals, while also helping them learn about how to set and accomplish goals.
- Building self-esteem. Fitness trackers can help kids improve self-esteem by creating a more active lifestyle. As kids accomplish various fitness goals they set with their trackers, they will learn that they can do what they set out to do, which helps them to feel good.
- Kids will be healthier. With a better understanding of what fitness trackers are doing for kids health, they will be more apt to be active, and make healthier choices. As kids are more active, they will feel a sense of well-being, through producing things like endorphins.
Which should I choose
There are many different fitness tracker options available to you, which can make it difficult to identify the right one. There are some factors to consider, that I will discuss to help you make the right selection.
Style– You are going to want one that has a theme or colors that your child will enjoy wearing. Also, some trackers are bulkier than others. A bulky one maybe ok for a younger child, but I doubt your teen is going to want something like that.
Age– If your child is 5, you’re going to want something that is better suited for your 5 yr old. Getting a device that’s focused primarily on step counts probably isn’t the way to go for your younger child. It seems a little excessive to try to push a young child to accomplish a ton of steps per day and they probably won’t appreciate it.
Affordability– There is a wide range of prices for fitness trackers and it is important for you to find one that fits within your budget. There are many low-cost options that provide some of the functionalities of their higher priced counterparts.
Let’s take a look of some of the best Fitness Trackers for kids
Low Cost Option (Under $20)
ANCwear Fitness Tracker Activity Tracker Watch IP67 ($17.99)
ANCwear fitness tracker is one of the best options to purchase at a low price. It provides alerts for your phone, texts, and social media platforms. It has a bracelet design and isn’t bulky. It has features step counter, calories burned monitor, sleep monitor, and alarm clock.
- Wrist band design
- USB
- Compatible with most smart phones
- Features step count, alarm, sleep monitor, and calories burned
- Battery charge after 5 days
- Waterproof
- Limited color options
HOMOGO Fitness Tracker Watch, H2 Fitness Watch Activity Tracker ($16.99)
HOMOGO Fitness Tracker is a very similar option to the other under $20 fitness tracker. It contains all the basic features that you need from a fitness tracker, but lacking a few of the bells and whistles from the more expensive fitness tracker. It has the typical options for step count, sleep monitor, alarm, and calories burned. Overall, it’s a solid choice for a low price.
- Replacement bands for different color options
- Lightweight
- Wristband design
- Count steps, calories, alarm feature, and sleep monitor
- Works with most smart devices
- Waterproof
- USB
- Battery rechargeable after 7 days
Under 7yrs Option
Leapfrog Leapband is one of the best options for kids under 7. It allows kids some various games like creating and caring for a virtual pet. The games become interactive and fitness based to get kids moving around. Kids earn points for doing different activities that unlock new pet characters and other things. Parents have the ability to download 50 different interactive games for the fitness tracker.
- Water resistant
- Includes rechargeable batteries
- Parent controls
- 3 Different Color Options
- Hi Res Screen with Analog/Digital features
- Adjustable band
- Connects via USB
- Kids can personalize and sleep options for pets
Most Functionality
Garmin Vivofit Jr. Tracker ($86.99)
Garmin Vivofit is my recommendation for kids under 9. I like how it has features that incorporate parents utilizing a reward system to help kids complete daily chores. It also incorporates a daily goal of 60 minutes of daily exercise. Here is the black and yellow combo. Here is the purple combo.
- Water Resistant
- Several options for interchangeable bands
- Monitors steps and sleep
- Battery that lasts a year
- Sleeker design band
- Free parent mobile app
Kanzd Sports Activity Sleep Tracker ($32.99)
Kanzd Sports Tracker is one that I recommend for the older kids. It has a great design with touch screen features that older kids would appreciate. It also tracks heart rate, walking distance, and calorie consumption for more advanced fitness workouts.
- 3 Color Options
- Design that older children would wear
- Touch screen
- Track heart rate, calories, sleep quality, walking distance, and steps
- Exercise alerts
- Smart phone compatible
- Waterproof
- USB
In summary, there are many great options for fitness trackers that are affordable. Fitness trackers can provide many positive benefits while helping to get your kids active. If a fitness tracker is going to help get your kids off the couch and moving, then why not?
Please comment below any fitness trackers that you have decided to buy and what you like about them or anything else you enjoyed about this post.