Garmin Vivoactive HR – Health and Fitness Gadget of the Year 2016

Does anyone need a more comprehensive fitness watch than the Vivoactive HR? Unless you’re running ultra-marathons, we don’t think so.

It’s got the lot; heart-rate monitoring, step and sleep tracking, detailed workout recordings, and an inactivity alarm to remind you to get up off the couch. Sure, it’s got a bit of a fugly vibe, but seeing as it keeps ticking for a whole week between charges, it gets a pass in the style stakes.

It has GPS and an altimeter, and it’ll even keep track of swimming, rowing, or golf. Oh, and it’s got all the smartphone notifications and alerts you could want. For the cash, there’s not a lot out there that’s this thorough.

R5,000 | Garmin.co.za

How many ways are there to love the Garmin Vivoactive HR? We’ve thought of a few

Shortlisted

Fitbit Alta

This good-looking wristband tracker gets the basics right, making it perfect for casual gym-goers and those who need extra motivation.

Garmin Fenix 3

If you want to track sports you’ve never even heard of and demand accuracy and killer battery life then this is your watch.

Fitbit Charge 2

The updated Charge HR, now with four times the display, guided breathing sessions and interchangeable straps.

Wahoo Kickr

Turbo trainers are great for cycling through winter, and the new Kickr is the very best. Use it with Zwift for online multiplayer cycle training.