Active Zone Minutes, currently exclusive to the Fitbit Charge 4, uses Fitbit’s PurePulse heart rate tracking. It automatically calculates ‘Active Zones’ personalized to you, making it easier for you to know when you’re getting your heart rate pumping. And how you get active depends on you: it could be dancing around the living room with your kids, to running outdoors, going on a brisk walk or doing a big house clean. Fitbit says Active Zone Minutes are to encourage people to be active for at least 30 minutes a day to boost their health, as recommended by the World Health Organization among others. The new motivational tool is based on your heart rate, which is calculated by factoring your weight, height and fitness levels. Anyone with experience of using Fitbit’s Sleep Score will feel familiar with this kind of approach. In addition to counting steps and stairs climbed, the Charge 4 also measures your sleep, bringing in a new feature that estimates your oxygen variation while you’re asleep. This could add a new level of insight to your sleep patterns and highlight any potential issues, such as sleep apena.
Fitbit Charge 4 specs:
24/7 activity trackingActive Zone MinutesHeart rate, VO2 Max, SpO2Auto-exercise detection20+ goal-based exercise modesReal-time pace and distance using built-in GPSFloors climbedReminders to moveSwim-proof (water-resistant to 50m)Sleep modeSpotify ControlPaymentsUp to seven days battery life1-inch, 160 x 100 Grayscale OLED touchscreen
The Charge 4 is Fitbit’s first GPS wearable since the Ionic smartwatch, and essentially means you can track outdoor workouts and record your heart rate, distance and speed without needing a paired smartphone. Such workouts could include a walk, cycle or run outdoors. The tracker currently has seven GPS-supported activity presets for workouts, with runs showing up as a map on the Fitbit app. Fitbit Premium (online wellness and health classes) also has some new health programs, including mindful eating and an introduction to cardio exercise. Earlier this month we reported that Fitbit is now offering free 90-day access to its online fitness classes (normal cost is $9.99 a month), which would be the perfect partner for the new Charge 4, as well as for tracking your other home gym workouts.
Fitbit Charge 4 release date and price
Fitbit’s new wearable is an exciting addition to an already well-featured line-up. The new fitness tracker comes in Black, Rosewood and Storm Blue / Black, as well as a Special Edition Granite Reflective Woven band. The tracker is compatible with bands from the older Charge 3 model too, so customization options will be cheap if you fancy switching up your style. The Fitbit Charge 4 will be priced from $149.95/£129.99 and goes on sale April 13, with general retail availability from April 15. Also available is a Granite Reflective Woven Special Edition version of the fitness tracker band for $169.95/£149.99. Don’t have time to wait for Fitbit’s new tracker? Here are some alternatives worth checking out today…
