Thayer's Health Roundups: Expert Answers on Fitness Gadgets

Q | There are so many fitness gadgets out there. How do I pick the one that’s right for me?

A | “Fitness gadget” is often synonymous with “activity tracker” — but there’s more to fitness technology than tracking. A lot more.

The current fitness-gadget landscape includes smartwatches, smartglasses, and smartgarments, as well as wearable 3D motion trackers and glucose monitors.

So before investing in a device, start by defining your fitness goals and the features that will best support them, such as simple biometric data like calories burned, steps taken, miles run, and hours slept, or the ability to sync with your phone, computer, tablet, or other devices.

Then set a budget, research the gadgets, and read online customer reviews. And don’t get distracted by gee-whiz functions you don’t need and will never use.

Here’s a sampling of some top-selling and unique devices that are geared for an array of interests, functions, and budgets.