best Apple Watch for gym use and fitness tracking?

[jk73]

I’m a longtime Apple loyalist, but I never wear a watch and I know almost nothing about the Apple Watch.

I don’t like taking my phone to the gym and my trusty iPod Shuffle is dying, so I’m trying to find the closest replacement, which appears to be an Apple Watch paired with AirPods (which I’ve used for years).

Hoping for recommendations for the best Apple Watch to buy if it will only be used in the gym (music) and for fitness tracking (distance walked, heart rate, etc.).

Are there fitness-related features in the very latest models that I couldn’t get by saving money on an older model? If I were to buy an older model, how many years could I expect to get out of it, both in terms of battery life and software support from Apple?

Thanks very much for all feedback.

 

[fwmireault]

Every Apple Watch does a pretty similar job for fitness tracking. Apple Watch series 2 and newer have better water resistance and can be used in a swim pool for example.

Newer versions have some more health tracking and always on display, but nothing that improve fitness tracking itself.

I strongly recommend you to look at series 4 and newer versions. Series 3 probably will not be supported in the next OS, because of its lack of storage. You can get a used series 4 for a very good price, or buy the SE New which have a very good price/features value

 

[fwmireault]

Also, if you want to listen to music in a gym, please note that to listen to music without your iPhone, you have the choice of downloading the playlists locally on your watch or stream it from cellular, but you need of course the cellular and a data plan to do that. If the wifi of your gym is good, you can try to stream your music via wifi

 

[bricktop_at]

You can get a used series 4 for a very good price, or buy the SE New which have a very good price/features value

This! If you simply want to track your workouts and don't want to spend a whole lot, a used S4 of any flavour will do the job just fine.
I really don't see much reason to get an SE over an S4... in fact I'd prefer the S4 over the SE because of the possibility to take an EKG

 

[jk73]

Thanks for all of the feedback.

Does Apple usually announce new Apple Watches in a certain month, like September for the iPhone? I assume prior models decrease in price as soon as new models are announced. Thanks again.

 

[fwmireault]

Thanks for all of the feedback.

Does Apple usually announce new Apple Watches in a certain month, like September for the iPhone? I assume prior models decrease in price as soon as new models are announced. Thanks again.

Yes, the Apple Watch is almost always announced with the new iPhones. If you can wait a few months, you will have a better price on Series 4, 5, 6, SE. I would wait in September if I were you

 

[Apple_Robert]

I highly suggest the app "WorkOutDoors" for the fitness win.

 

[jaybar]

To the OP, if you feel the watch would lead to improved physical condition, or make your technology life easier, then purchase now. Consider a refurbished S5. If you are planning to purchase from Apple, then waiting may/may not lead to reduced prices. The decision, from my viewpoint rests on whether the watch would be of significant benefit to you now. There will always be something new, but the benefits derived now, should not be ignored.

 

[Howard2k]

IMO it comes down to the health features of the S6 vs the SE. Thats an EKG and blood oxygen content. There are other features too such as 5GHz wifi and always on display. Is that worth the price difference?

 

[jk73]

Bumping this since the new watches are out. Aside from the color choices, is there any reason to buy a Nike version if I’m not a runner? Thanks.

 

[ElDuderino91]

Bumping this since the new watches are out. Aside from the color choices, is there any reason to buy a Nike version if I’m not a runner? Thanks.

The exclusive watch faces if you like them.