by Amy Schlinger

What you're wearing on your wrist might determine just how well you understand your workout. Exercising in the 21st century means that you can depend on more than just the scale and the mirror to track your progress. Technology has given us access to more detailed data than ever before, directly on our wrists in the form of fitness trackers and, in an even more powerful form, smartwatches. Once you head outside, connected or standalone GPS systems can help you stay on your route, and some advanced devices can even help you identify health issues like AFib to prevent problems before they even happen.

Whether you want a full-blown smart device for an immersive wearable experience or just a fitness-oriented timepiece to record your laps and splits, we've rounded up some of the best watches for every training regimen. The gadgets will track your workouts, help you regulate your sleep, give you active training tipsand look damn good on your arm all the while.

There's not much more to say about Apple's signature smartwatch that hasn't already been saidbut we'll rave about it a little more. The top wearable on the market got better in its fifth edition, with a new always-on screen and compass feature that make tracking workouts in the moment even more seamless.

Key Features: GPS, water resistance 50 meters, smartphone alerts, heart rate tracking, music storage, optional cellular capabilities.

This model from Garmin truly does it all (as you would hope for the premium price). Well-known for its GPS capabilities, this model comes with preloaded maps to help navigate the outdoors. With its enhanced estimated wrist heart rate with Pulse Ox technology, you can monitor both your sleep and heart rate while working out. And with its advanced training features like PacePro, you can track your pace and your environmentally adjusted VO2 max.

Key features: long battery life, preloaded maps, pace guidance, sleep monitoring

This smartwatch boasts a bigger screen than previous models from Samsung, along with a design that works for the office and the gym. The watch automatically tracks seven exercises, while you can manually log dozens of others yourself. Thats not to mention that you can track your sleep, monitor your heart rate, and more.

Key Features: Military grade durability, all-day battery, IP68 water protection, optional cellular capabilities, NFC payment

Fitbits Versa 2 is and its price, which is much lower than some of its contemporaries, make it even more compelling. Youll get top-notch activity tracking, sleep tracking, an always-on display, and more. New for this model is also an Amazon Alexa feature, giving you a digital assistant for basic voice commands.

Key Features: NFC pay, water resistance, Amazon Alexa, 6-day battery life

Suunto, which is best known for high-level orienteering equipment, took a stab at a smartwatch for more general exercisers and the result, the <a href="https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a20064041/suunto-3-fitness-smartwatch-review/" id="5c1ccf48-292d-3c16-a82a-cf2d10feba40"> 3 Fitness </a> , is a no-frills tracker that offers something for just about everyone, with ability to track dozens of activities and guided training plans. One of the biggest reasons the 3 Fitness works well is the newly-overhauled Suunto smartphone app, which gives more detailed feedback about your workouts than just about any other watch-style tracker.

Key Features: color screen, heart rate tracking, water resistance, connected GPS, adaptive training guidance

This smartwatch from Polar is built for just about any activity you want to track (the watch offers over 130 different sport profiles), but it stands out most as your go-to running companion with its Smart Coach feature. You can also keep track of sleep, heart rate, your training load, and more.

Key Features: GPS, Polar Flow platform compatibility, phone notifications, water resistant

This super smartwatch tracks more than just your activitiesyou can also monitor your energy, stress levels, hydration, and respiration, along with more standard measures like heart rate. But the watch doesnt slack on the fitness tracking, with built-in sport modes and on-screen workouts, and a coaching feature you can use when you need a boost.

Key Features: GPS, on-device payment, coaching, 6-day battery life, water resistance

Sick of lugging around a charging cord and taking your watch off every night to power up? So were the folks at Matrix Industries, who turned that frustration into inspiration and designed a thermoelectric smartwatch that uses your body heat to work. This is the second generation of the device, which packs in all the bells and whistles you'd expect in a premium smartwatch (GPS, smart notifications, heart rate monitor) without ever needing to charge up.

Key Features: thermoelectric and solar charging, GPS, sleep tracking, 200m water resistance, third-party app integration

<h1> G-Shock GBA800 Training Timer </h1>

If the reams of data available on a smartwatch screen are too much for you, you'll love the simplicity offered by this chunky analog watch (there's a digital clock, too). The durable, large face gives you the time, the ability to set timers, and your step count and that's about it. For more smart features, you'll have to check out the connected smartphone app.

Key Features: shock resistant, 200m water resistant, 3-axis accelerometer, countdown timer

Download the Beginner's Guide to Strength Training and use your new fitness watch to track these workouts.

15 Best Fitness Watches To Track Your Workouts

Personalized coaching is the Polar M430's specialty. Sync this wristwatch with Polar Flow (the companys free app or online web service) to use the running program feature, which allows you to choose whether youre training for a 5K, 10K, half-marathon, or marathon. Youll get a customized training plan on your wrist, tailored to your level and goal. The built-in GPS and heart rate sensor allow you to analyze your metrics closely, and it tracks sleep, too.

Key Features: wrist-based heart rate, all-day tracking, GPS, smart coaching, running program, sleep tracking, water resistant

This basic GPS-capable watch is ideal for runners. The tracker offers standard smartwatch features like smart notifications and a connected app, but the real attraction is the ability to track workouts without needing to bring a phone along for the run. Garmin Connect, the company's online fitness community, can give wearers an opportunity to socialize and compete with other users, too.

Key Features: GPS, all-day tracking, built-in heart rate monitor, smart notifications, 9-day battery life

If youre training for a race, the interval timer on this watch will help you work on your speed and that's all. You won't get distracted by smart notifications or apps with this simple digital tool. The large display makes it easy to check on your lap or split times mid-run, and it provides hydration and nutrition alerts as well.

Key Features: touch-screen enabled, interval training timer, hydration alerts

Need some more features on your wrist to take on any outdoor adventurer? This <a href="https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a27543926/suunto-5-smartwatch-review/" id="07553acf-ee04-3a96-a4a7-2d7e061cc7a9"> beefed-up yet compact smartwatch </a> from Suunto has its own GPS capabilities, along with intelligent battery life modes the company claims could last up to 40 hours per charge, if you take advantage of the proper settings.

Key features: intelligent battery modes, stress and recovery scores, fitness level tracking, built-in heart rate monitor

This Polar model is built for the rugged outdoors and has military-level durability. It is U.S. Military standard 810G passed for extreme temperatures, drop, humidity and water resistance (up to 100 meters). It also has real-time turn-by-turn route guidance to keep you on the right track and safe while exploring or working out in new terrain. It also comes with built-in GPS, a compass and altimeter.

Key features: durability, turn-by-turn guidance, GPS

This Suunto model is perfect for the all-around athlete. It comes with 70+ sport modes, from running and cycling to swimming and skiing. It provides detailed training insights, and is also compatible with other sport apps, including Strava, Endomondo, and TrainingPeaks. And it's also equipped with GPS, maps, barometer and wrist heart rate sensors.

Key features: sport modes, heart rate monitor, GPS, maps

When you hit the gym, are you looking to track your progress, or just blindly going through the motions? If you want real results, you need to understand what you're doing.

The 15 Best Fitness Watches To Track Your Workouts​

Foam rolling is a super effective practice you can add to your warm up or cool down routine that can help you feel even more loose and limber. When you work out, fasciathe connective tissue that surrounds your musclescan stiffen, and over time, painful knots can form. Foam rolling, a form of <a href="https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a25936990/foam-roller-reduce-pain-soreness/" id="dfc0cab7-aa1d-347d-a1a4-2a1497260183"> self-myofascial release </a> , breaks up those adhesions, in turn improving your range of motion and reducing muscle soreness. Think of it as a DIY deep-tissue massage.

So why do so many guys skip foam rolling? It takes a little bit more effort and people just want to jump right into their workout, says <a href="https://www.instagram.com/noamtamirfit/?hl=en" id="def906b4-86cb-3de1-aff6-39f2ef83fdd7"> Noam Tamir </a> , CSCS, owner of <a href="http://www.tsfitnessnyc.com/" id="e14f7af6-0e9d-3407-a657-2f94308a84ec"> TS Fitness </a> in New York City. And after theyre done, they feel like theyre finished, and they just want to go. Thats why it makes sense to invest in your own foam rollerif you beeline out of the gym before you roll out, you have no excuse not to wrap up your recovery routine at home.

When you set out to buy a foam roller, you have a few things to consider. First, how dense do you want it to be? The denser and stiffer the roller, the more intense the pressure will be on your achy muscles.

Similarly, the rollers surface texture affects the intensity of your self-massage. A smooth cylinder provides even pressure and is ideal for beginners, while a knobbier surface allows for more targeted massage. Finally, while most rollers are around six inches in diameter, their length can range from as short as four inches up to 36 inches. Smaller is better if you want to travel with it or dont have much space for stretching; longer rollers provide more stability and versatility, making them ideal for beginners.

Ready to roll? Here are 12 standouts for your home gym.

<h1> Aimerday Premium 2.0 Pro 4-Speed </h1>

The luxe roller from Aimerday gives you the ability to roll out in four different vibration settings, so you can target every muscle group with varying levels of intensity. As an added bonus, you can charge your phone after your roll using the USB port.

<h1> NextRoller 3-Speed Vibrating Foam Roller </h1>

NextRoller adds a ridged texture to go along with its three speed settings, brining an extra dimension to your roll. The additional element takes your stretch and turns it into a massage.

<h1> Brazyn Morph Bravo Foam Roller </h1>

You might recognize this handy roller from the hit TV show Shark Tank. The tool is much more than just a gimmick, thoughthe highly portable convertible design allows you to break down the full-size roller into a 2-inch thick, 1.5 pound slab you can slide into just about any bag.

A favorite of pro athletes, this foam roller employs three vibration speeds to further relax and rejuvenate your sore muscles. At 14 inches in length, its an ideal size for targeting harder-to-reach areas like in between your shoulder blades.

This water bottle-foam roller combo is perfect for guys who need recovery on the go. Use it to warm up before your pickup basketball game, while youre on vacation, or as an alternative to the overused cylinders at your gym.

The Best Ways to Foam Roll Your Upper Body:

The 15 Best Foam Rollers for Your Tight Muscles

Before and after you work out, you should probably take some time to roll out.

15 Foam Rollers That Will Actually Relieve Your Tight Muscles

It's also the home of Pipeline, also known as Pipe, a surf reef break off Ehukai Beach Park where the <a href="https://www.redbull.tv/live/AP-1Q3YX7XB91W11/volcom-pipe-pro" id="c47bb727-bb82-3f9c-a7a6-af8d2541cad4"> Volcom Pipe Pro </a> surf competition takes place. When Red Bull invited me out to catch the action for myself and try my hand at surfing, I was definitely up for the workout challenge. Catching a wave itself doesnt burn a ton of calories, but paddling out, then popping up and balancing on the board recruits muscles in your arms, legs, and core.

It was only once I got to Turtle Bay Resort that I first had a glimpse at the ocean. When they say the waves are big in the North Shore, theyre not kidding. Even just at the resorts beach, the waves topped anything Id seen in New York, LA, Washington.

Related : <a href="https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/g19522608/best-surfing-lessons-hotels-vacation/" id="0f701cb2-e6a4-3421-ae5d-3b8a3b6b5ba2"> 10 Hotels That'll Help You Become a Better Surfer </a>

If youve seen Blue Crush, you may remember the scene where Kate Bosworth and Michelle Rodriguez are running with a rock along the bottom of the ocean. Its called rock running, and surfers do it in real life to help with breath training, cardio, and to work on being calm while stuck underwater. Its a form of hypoxic training, when you force your body to perform even when ample oxygen isnt available. They also use it for cardio endurance training.

Naturally, I had to try it. Accompanied by surf photographer <a href="https://www.zaknoyle.com/" id="18aa7573-64dc-3c61-aa7e-1b75ff33eeea"> Zak Noyle </a> , I grabbed a face mask and made my way into the ocean at Makapuu Beach. The waves were no joke getting past the break proved to be even harder than we thought and this was sans surfboard.

Related: <a href="https://www.menshealth.com/trending-news/g19543025/secluded-beaches/" id="b0b260cc-be8d-3510-ae7e-b8d0064c51aa"> The Best Secluded Beaches </a>

Before I went down, Noyle explained how it would work. Surf videographer <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ryan.moss/?hl=en" id="9309dac3-62eb-3591-afc9-34b5fa424997"> Ryan Moss </a> , who came out to help, would go down to the ocean floor with me and hand me the 50-or-so-pound rock. I was to take it, hug it in tight to my body, and then start to move with it. Sounds easy right? Not quite. Despite the fact that youre in water, that rock is still heavy. When I didnt hug it into my chest as instructed, it overpowered me, pulling me to my knees before I even knew it.

After a couple of attempts that ended with the rock pulling me down to my knees, I slowed down, pulled the rock in tight, and sprinted forward as long as I could before dropping the rock and kicking off the ocean floor to shoot back up to the surface. By sprinted forward, I really mean ran in slow motion; the resistance from the water on all sides doesnt really allow for sprinting, but it does force you to use all the muscles in your legs to remain standing and move forward.

Related: <a href="https://www.menshealth.com/trending-news/g19547268/american-adventurer-bucket-list-activities/" id="824fba9d-1969-3bd4-a47a-b582368439ff"> 10 Bucket List Activities for the Great American Adventurer </a>

I signed up for a lesson at Hans Hedemann Surf School located in the Turtle Bay Resort. My two instructors explained the steps Id learn on land and then take out to the waves. I began by lying on the board, feet almost touching the end, chest over the middle, arms out to the side, paddling. When a good wave would come, my instructors would say paddle, and I was to take off as fast as I could using my arms. The next cue would be pop up, which told me to grab the sides of the board and use my arms to pop up onto my feet, then immediately jump into a sideways split stance. Once on the board, the goal was to stay low, similar to a squat position, without completely stiffening in the legs. The more precise yet malleable I could be, the better chance I had of staying on the board. Got it? Great. Now it was time to paddle out.

While waiting to get up, I learned that you always face the waves. The ocean is the boss out there, and you dont want to be taken off guard by a wave you dont see coming. When it was my turn to catch a wave, I turned the board around the face the shore which is only okay once you're ready to surf and waited for the instructor's directions. When I finally popped up, I managed to stay low though I could have gotten even lower and land both feet on the board. Just like that, I was surfing!

The timing of the pop-up was harder than the balancing aspect. If I ever went too early or too late, or if my feet landed too far back on the board, a nosedive soon followed and I ended up in the ocean. I was grateful the water was shallow and there wasn't any reef to crash into. All that falling didn't mean any injury to the body just the ego.

I got up a handful of times before I was ready to call it quits. Surfing takes a lot out of you I wore my <a href="https://www.menshealth.com/trending-news/a19534337/everything-we-love-about-apple-watch/" id="2a72faa9-8ad7-31de-afef-136b04f9453e"> Apple Watch </a> the whole time, and I burned almost 400 calories in 45 minutes. I was tired, but so glad I said yes to this adventure.

Whether youve seen the movie North Shore, follow waterman legend <a href="https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/g19548019/laird-hamilton/" id="1a751d35-a041-3578-a7a9-ea858e5a6282"> Laird Hamilton </a> , or just love breath-taking beach getaways, you might know Hawaii's North Shore for its monstrous waves and epic surfing conditions during the winter months (which, mind you, means 80 degrees and sunny there).

I Tried Surfing Hawaii's North Shore and It Was Harder Than I Could Have Imagined

7 Yoga Poses That Burn Major Calories

Whether you want a full-blown smart device for an immersive wearable experience or just a fitness-oriented timepiece to record your laps and splits, we've rounded up some of the best watches for every training regimen. The gadgets will track your workouts, help you regulate your sleep, give you active training tips-and look damn good on your arm all the while.

There's not much more to say about Apple's signature smartwatch that hasn't <a href="https://www.menshealth.com/technology-gear/a23088338/apple-watch-series-4-review/" id="2b67b220-35f7-309c-a671-7c55539a6035"> already been said </a> -but we'll rave about it a little more. The top wearable on the market got better in its fourth edition, with a redesigned shape, next-level heart health features, and newly-improved run tracking with watchOS 4.

Key Features: GPS, water resistance 50 meters, smartphone alerts, heart rate tracking, music storage, optional cellular capabilities

No iPhone? No problem. This Wear OS watch from Samsung is tailor-made to be your smart gym companion, with proactive health monitoring, automatic activity detection, and military grade Gorilla glass to withstand your toughest workouts.

Key Features: NFC payment, proactive health monitoring, sleep and stress management, automatic workout tracking

Fitbit's second stab at a smartwatch, the <a href="https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a19827054/fitbit-versa-review/" id="41dda980-7fba-3538-ac90-f9917decffe5"> Versa </a> , was one of the best we tested last year-and its cost-conscious follow-up, the <a href="https://www.menshealth.com/technology-gear/a26788578/fitbit-versa-lite-inspire-review/" id="56c5b1ff-88b2-39c1-adcf-1ff6e1bf6bdb"> Versa Lite Edition </a> , fits most of the winning qualities into a budget package. The Versa Lite Edition combines a slick design, powerful battery, and an attractive price point ($159) with nearly all of the activity, heart rate, and sleep tracking functionality the company has used to become one of the biggest names in wearables.

Key Features: all day tracking, sleep tracking, multi-sport mode, water resistance, connected GPS, heart rate tracking, on-screen workouts, smartphone alerts

Key Features: thermoelectric and solar charging, GPS, sleep tracking, 200m water resistance, third-party app integration

If the reams of data available on a smartwatch screen are too much for you, you'll love the simplicity offered by this chunky analog watch (there's a digital clock, too). The durable, large face gives you the time, the ability to set timers, and your step count - and that's about it. For more smart features, you'll have to check out the connected smartphone app.

10 Best Fitness Watches To Track Your Workouts

If youre training for a race, the interval timer on this watch will help you work on your speed - and that's all. You won't get distracted by smart notifications or apps with this simple digital tool. The large display makes it easy to check on your lap or split times mid-run, and it provides hydration and nutrition alerts as well.

Key features: intelligent battery modes, stress and recovery scores, fitness level tracking, built-in heart rate monitor

The 10 Best Fitness Watches To Track Your Workouts​

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by Amy Schlinger

Articles written by the author

The 15 Best Fitness Watches To Track Your Workouts​

15 Foam Rollers That Will Actually Relieve Your Tight Muscles

I Tried Surfing Hawaii's North Shore and It Was Harder Than I Could Have Imagined

7 Yoga Poses That Burn Major Calories

The 10 Best Fitness Watches To Track Your Workouts​

The 15 Best Fitness Watches To Track Your Workouts

The 10 Best Fitness Watches To Track Your Workouts