If you’re like me, you’ve probably spent countless hours on the pickleball court, wondering how to improve your performance. I mean, who doesn’t want to smash that pickleball a little harder or chase down that lob just a bit faster? But here’s the thing: if you really want to elevate your pickleball game, you’ve got to start tracking your progress. And nothing helps you do that better than a fitness tracker.
Fitness trackers have advanced way beyond just counting steps. Today, they monitor everything from your heart rate and calories burned to your sleep quality, distance traveled, and even your VO2 max (which is a fancy term for how much oxygen your body uses during intense workouts). Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics of pickleball or a seasoned pro looking to gain an edge, a high-quality fitness tracker will help you train smarter, play better, and recover faster.
In this article, I’m going to break down the best fitness trackers for 2024 that will take your pickleball performance to the next level. Each tracker has unique features, and I’ll explain why they’re perfect for pickleball players like you and me. Plus, I’ll point out which ones are Amazon best sellers so you can snag them easily.
Let’s dive into the list!
Fitbit Charge 5
Best Seller Alert!
First on the list is the Fitbit Charge 5, a top-rated fitness tracker that’s built for people serious about tracking their pickleball fitness. The Charge 5 is loaded with features like built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and a new “Daily Readiness Score.” This score tells you if your body is ready for a tough match or if you should take it easy (because let’s face it, we all have those off days).
This tracker also keeps track of your Active Zone Minutes, which is perfect for monitoring the intensity of your pickleball matches. And with its sleek and lightweight design, it won’t get in your way while you’re playing.
Why Pickleball Players Love It:
- Built-in GPS tracks your distance and speed on the court.
- Monitors heart rate 24/7 so you know when you’re in the right zone.
- Tracks Active Zone Minutes during high-intensity play.
- Water-resistant design, so sweat isn’t a problem.
Garmin Venu 2 Plus
Next up is the Garmin Venu 2 Plus, which combines style with top-tier functionality. This fitness tracker is the total package. It tracks your heart rate, respiration, and even stress levels. If you’re like me, you know how stressful it can get when you miss an easy shot on the pickleball court!
Garmin is known for its excellent GPS capabilities, which are perfect for outdoor pickleball games. The Venu 2 Plus also comes with built-in sports apps, including modes for cardio, strength training, and HIIT workouts, making it a great option for cross-training between matches. And let’s not forget, the stunning AMOLED display will have your friends asking about it.
Why Pickleball Players Love It:
- Gorgeous AMOLED display that’s stylish and functional.
- Tracks heart rate, stress levels, and respiration during gameplay.
- Includes fitness age tracking to see how you measure up against the competition.
Apple Watch Series 9
If you’re part of the Apple ecosystem (and who isn’t these days?), then the Apple Watch Series 9 is your best friend on the pickleball court. This fitness tracker does it all: tracking your heart rate, calories burned, steps, and more. But it’s also a full-on smartwatch, meaning you can take calls, send texts, and use Siri to set reminders—all from your wrist.
For pickleball, the customizable workout modes are a game-changer. You can set a specific mode just for pickleball and track your stats in real-time. Plus, the Series 9’s ability to track your blood oxygen levels helps monitor your overall fitness, which is key when you’re playing those long matches.
Why Pickleball Players Love It:
- Customizable workout modes tailored for pickleball performance.
- Blood oxygen monitoring to track your endurance and recovery.
- Built-in GPS and heart rate tracking during intense matches.
- Access to Apple Pay and smart notifications for added convenience.
Whoop Strap 4.0
The Whoop Strap 4.0 is not your average fitness tracker. It’s specifically designed for athletes who want to focus on recovery, strain, and sleep quality. If you’re serious about optimizing your pickleball performance, Whoop provides insights into how well your body is recovering after each match and whether you’re ready for another round.
Unlike most fitness trackers, the Whoop Strap doesn’t have a screen. Instead, it’s all about the data. Whoop tracks your heart rate variability (HRV), sleep stages, and even respiratory rate to help you train smarter, not harder.
Why Pickleball Players Love It:
- Focuses on recovery and ensures you’re ready for your next pickleball match.
- Advanced sleep tracking and heart rate variability monitoring.
- Data-driven insights for maximizing pickleball performance.
Amazfit Bip 3 Pro
On a budget but still want to track your pickleball game like a pro? The Amazfit Bip 3 Pro is a feature-packed fitness tracker that won’t break the bank. It offers heart rate tracking, sleep monitoring, and even SpO2 monitoring to measure your blood oxygen levels. And with over 60 sports modes, including pickleball, this tracker covers all your fitness needs.
The built-in GPS and impressive 14-day battery life mean you can track your pickleball performance for days without worrying about recharging.
Why Pickleball Players Love It:
- Built-in GPS for tracking your movement during pickleball matches.
- Over 60 sports modes, including one for pickleball.
- Affordable but loaded with features.
Polar Vantage M2
For data enthusiasts who love crunching the numbers, the Polar Vantage M2 is a fantastic choice. This fitness tracker is perfect for pickleball players who want to go deep into their stats. It tracks your heart rate, calories burned, and even your running power, making it ideal for players who also like to cross-train with running or HIIT workouts.
The Vantage M2 offers a personalized training guide based on your recovery levels and fitness goals, so you’re never overtraining (or undertraining).
Why Pickleball Players Love It:
- Personalized training guides to help you improve your game.
- Tracks heart rate, calories burned, and running power.
- Built-in GPS for accurate distance tracking.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
Last but not least, let’s talk about the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6. If you’re a Samsung user, this watch integrates seamlessly with your phone and other Samsung devices. It tracks your heart rate, calories burned, and steps while also monitoring your sleep and blood oxygen levels.
The real-time coaching feature is fantastic for players who want feedback during their workouts, and the built-in GPS ensures you’re tracking every step on the pickleball court.
Why Pickleball Players Love It:
- Tracks heart rate, calories burned, and sleep quality.
- Built-in GPS and real-time coaching for workouts.
- Seamless integration with Samsung phones.
Wrapping It Up
So there you have it! The best fitness trackers to help you monitor your pickleball performance in 2024. Whether you’re looking for an affordable option like the Amazfit Bip 3 Pro or want to splurge on the Apple Watch Series 9, there’s something here for every pickleball enthusiast. With these fitness trackers, you’ll be able to track your heart rate, monitor your recovery, and analyze your performance on the court like never before.
Ready to step up your pickleball game? Grab one of these best-selling fitness trackers on Amazon and start tracking your way to victory!