For many outside of the true fitness fanatics, items other than a pair of trainers, shorts or a t-shirt (and maybe some music) may seem an unnecessary luxury serving only to distract from the job at hand, or even confuse.

However, two weeks of testing the Fitbit watch will force a dramatic re-think on these Spartan principles.

Other than its comparatively modest price tag, there are four key principles behind a successful piece of wearable technology; features, practicality, software and design.

FEATURES

To sum up the Fitbit’s brilliance in one sentence; it has all the benefits of a fitness band, and at the same cost as the rest of the market, but with the added bonus of activity tracker functionality.

While the built-in GPS for pace and distance, a new intensity map to show after each workout, new active zone minutes to show how hard you’ve worked, Fitbit users can expect a whole host of extra useful data from the periods of time between each activity.

For example, the watch is able to work out when you’ve gone to sleep (including how deep or light your sleep is), meaning a more accurate analysis of your long term state of fitness.

PRACTICALITY

As you would hope from any wearable technology the unit is durable and hard-wearing.

During the simmering UAE summer months, runners, cyclists and swimmers alike all exercise at night and the handy backlight ensures that information remains highly visible.

Similarly, when exercising in direct sunlight or driving rain, the high-contrast display makes for easy viewing.

The watch is charged through a universal charging cable and synchronises easily with the app via Bluetooth, all the while remaining an incredibly slim and light device (39.35mm x 39.35mm x 11.24mm).

Technology can be intimidating at times but the Fitbit is user-friendly and easy to pick up. The all-important data is displayed logically and has space to breathe, rather than attempting to cram it all onto a single screen.

SOFTWARE

Syncing via the Fitbit iPhone app is fast, so it’s worth making this a daily task to keep up-to-date with your steps and sleep.

You can easily navigate through the app to a specific training session, then drop into a deeper level of detail comparing pace, 24/7 heart rate tracking, distance, calories burned, and a comfortable wristband.

There’s also a range of smart coaching options that breakdown your session achievements, or lack of them. This analysis adds value without confusing users with rafts of complex data.

More serious runners and those who enter regular competitions may find the level of analysis a little on the basic side, but for new runners or people buying their first fitness watch the Fitbit stands head and shoulders above its competition in terms of value for money in this department.

DESIGN

One of the key factors behind the unit’s success is that it is very stylish and comfortable – a rare feat for fitness watches.

It’s a fresh design that masks its technological advances, while providing a screen big enough to clearly see what is happening while out and about.

The dot-matrix style is not the most interesting interface in the world to look at but it does the job adequately and ensures that the battery isn’t drained too quickly (it lasts approximately seven days).

It also provides an array of vibrant colours, the black, storm blue, rosewood and granite reflective woven/black offerings should ensure that most runners find a good match.

CONCLUSION

The Fitbit Charge 4 looks almost identical to its predecessor, but the addition of built-in GPS makes a huge difference, providing a high level of analysis for the equivalent price of a top-range fitness band.

This value for money, coupled with its versatility across a range of sports, means that the needs of all fitness enthusiasts from beginner to semi-professional level are well catered for.

Far from being a distraction, smashing personal best times has become routine and running without the watch now just feels wrong.

Retail price: Charge 4 Dh699 and Charge 4 Special Edition is Dh799

We rate it: 9 out of 10 – Good-looking, comfortable and useful, this watch has redefined value for money.

Where to Buy: Available online and at all leading retailers across the region