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Is getting in shape long overdue? Or are you looking to upgrade your workout routine? If that sounds right, it might be time for a fitness tracker. And when you're talking fitness trackers, one name stands above all others: Fitbit.

There's a reason that "Fitbit" has become common parlance for any kind of tracker. Fitbits come in a lot of shapes and sizes (and prices, of course) and have multiple functions. There's a Fitbit out there for you, whether you’re looking for something that truly just measures your steps or something more advanced with a heart monitor, GPS, and other built-in features. There are even Fitbits for kids.

If you need help choosing the best Fitbit to suit your health and lifestyle needs, we've pulled together some helpful information and a list of the top-rated Fitbit models.

What do Fitbits do?

At their most basic level, Fitbits were invented as a sort of wearable pedometer, originally existing just to track your steps. Of course they’ve become more tech-savvy (and more complicated) since then. These days, they come in a range of models, each of which offers its own unique combination of Fitbit’s technology and sensors. They can stand in as phones, push app notifications to you, and even pay for your Starbucks latte — plus they'll keep an eye on things such as heart health and sleep tracking.

What features do Fitbits have?

The most expensive Fitbit models offer a slew of features, mostly available through sensors. These involve keeping an eye on your heart beat variability, measuring your temperature around the clock, and even monitoring your stress levels as the company begins what will surely be a longer foray into the mindfulness aspect of health. A lot of the running and swimming Fitbits — yes, you can wear some of them in the pool and shower — also advise you when to take a recovery day.

How many exercise modes do Fitbits have?

You won't be starved of variety, let's put it that way. Fitbits have stacks of exercise modes, usually starting at 20. So whether you're a runner, cyclist, swimmer, yogi, weight lifter, boxer, or whatever else, the Fitbit will likely have you covered. They can automatically detect when you start working out, too.

What do Fitbits look like?

Fitbits have sleek, minimalist aesthetics, with bands that you can swap in and out and clock faces that you can customise for a display that suits your mood. Some are slimmer while others have a more Apple Watch-like, square display. Ultimately, they're designed to blend in with everyday life. There are no hefty runner-style watches or wrist-based eyesores.

How long does the battery last on a Fitbit?

It's a key point — especially if you need the convenience of something that will just run and run and doesn't require the hassle of daily charging. Fitbits tend to run for about a week — between six and eight days is fairly standard. Bear in mind that some features, like GPS, can run it down sooner.

How much do Fitbits cost?

There are a wide range of Fitbits out there that begin at under £100 and go up to a significant chunk of change. How much you want to spend might depend on why you’re using it (as a workout buddy versus an all-day companion) and what kind of features you want to be sure are included.

What is the best Fitbit?

There is a Fitbit out there that's perfect for you and your lifestyle. To help you find it, we have lined up a selection of the best models for every type of task.

These are the best Fitbit fitness trackers in 2024.

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

Are you looking for a full body workout at home? Or an exercise machine that just doesn’t take up too much space? Take it from us: A rowing machine is a solid choice.

There are plenty of rowing machines out there — plus, a variety of price points, sizes, and spec. Indeed, when it comes to purchasing a rowing machine, there are a lot of factors to consider. Air or magnetic resistance? Hi-tech features or just the basics? Built-in workouts or rowing solo?

Fear not, we're here to answer all of your questions and steer (or row) you in the right direction. Yes, we’ve done most of the work for you, so we can get you off the computer and onto your rower in no time. Thank us later when those muscles are bulging.

Why do you need a rowing machine?

Rowing machines give you a full body workout. It’s cardio-heavy but low-impact. That means less stress on your joints or over-worked muscles, and less chance of sustaining an injury. This makes rowing a safe and effective workout for people of all ages, sizes, and abilities.

There’s more — rowing is good as both a warm-up and warm-down, if you’re having an intense or lengthy workout. It also adds variety to the run-of-the-mill weights and jogging routine.

What are the types of rowing machine resistance?

Here’s a bit of jargon you need to know about when buying a rowing machine. Resistance is the thing that makes it hard to pull back those handlebars, and thereby works the muscles. But there are multiple types of resistance, which each have their own plus points and negatives:

• Air Resistance — As you pull, the flywheel spins and creates its own air resistance. The harder you row, the tougher the resistance. This simulates the experience of rowing on water — but these machines can be noisier than the magnetic resistance options.

• Hydraulic Resistance — This is a standard mechanism on low-cost, stripped-down rowing machines. They use pistons, which push against liquid or air to create resistance. It’s not as smooth or robust of a workout as you get with other rowers, but it does the trick if all you want is the basics. These machines are usually smaller and easy to store.

• Magnetic Resistance — This is the most common type that you'll find on home gym rowers. It works by placing a strong magnet at a varying distance from the flywheel, which can increase and decrease the resistance. These machines are quieter but don’t necessarily simulate an authentic rowing experience.

• Water Resistance — These use a small tank of water. As you row, the flywheel paddles through the water. Unsurprisingly, this is the closest you get to the real rowing-on-water experience. Once again, the harder you row, the harder the resistance. They make a “swoosh” sound as you go. These tend to be high-quality, high-cost, and generally bigger. They won’t fold away quite so easily — if at all.

Keep these categories in mind when shopping around.

What features do rowing machines offer?

Once you’ve got a type of resistance in mind, the next thing is to look at other spec — specifically the display screen and how tech-savvy it is.

Some will offer basic information, such as distance, calories burned, strokes per minute, and time — while other hi-tech models will offer pre-programmed workouts and Bluetooth connectivity that can hook you up to fitness apps. Ultimately, it’s about how serious you are about rowing, and how much you’re willing to spend.

Other features include the number of resistance levels – around 10 is standard — and whether or not the rower folds up for easy storage.

How much does a rowing machine cost?

That’s the big question, of course. We’ve included models across a range of price points. It’s possible to pick up a rowing machine for under £100. It’s also possible to spend well over £1,000.

For anything above a very basic model, prepare to spend at least a few hundred pounds. But it’s worth the cash if you want a durable, full-body workout machine — and in the comfort of your own home.

What is the best rowing machine?

We have lined up impressive models from top brands like NordicTrack, WaterRower, and XS Sports. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your workouts up a notch, we’ve compiled a list of the top rowing machines for everyone.

These are the best rowing machines in 2024.

There’s never a bad time to start a new fitness routine or improve on an existing one. And while we can’t all afford a personal trainer to get us through the reps and work towards those goals, remember this is the 21st Century — there are other options. Most notably, enlisting the help of a fitness tracker.

It doesn’t matter if you’re buying a tracker for the first time or upgrading your current model, the benefits of these little training buddies are wide-ranging. You might be looking to shift a couple of kilos or work towards a marathon. Either way, a fitness tracker can help. In fact, you don’t need to be training at all to see the benefits. They’re great for providing rolling data on all kinds of wellness and health metrics, such as sleep and body composition.

The tricky business is picking one that suits you. We all have different lives and schedules, and each fitness tracker is made for different lifestyle requirements. And with so many brands and models, you want to find one that suits you — not to mention your budget. Fortunately, we’ve done some research and put together this roundup of fitness tracker options, along with some helpful pointers.

Do you need a fitness tracker?

Actively monitoring your fitness progression isn't just for athletes or people training for their local parkrun. It's a factor of wellness that people are building into their daily groove. The best fitness trackers are the ones that will keep you in check throughout your workout as well as the rest of your day. The positive impact that these high-tech bracelets and other wearable fitness gadgetry can have on your lifestyle as a whole is pretty incredible.

What can fitness trackers do?

Fitness trackers have gone way beyond just step counting and heart rate monitoring. Depending on the spec, fitness trackers can monitor and feedback on your sleep, blood oxygen, energy levels, stress, body temperature, menstrual cycles, BMI, and more. In terms of actual fitness, they can give your workout plans, track calories burned and fitness progress and coach you towards smashing your personal best. Fitness trackers with GPS can also track runs and set routes for you. Oh, and you'll also get smartphone compatibility, including text and call notifications.

What's the difference between a fitness tracker and a smartwatch?

A fitness tracker is essentially a bracelet with sensors that send data to your phone to provide an expanded picture of the data it collects, and usually requires a phone for GPS and music, too. A smartwatch is essentially your phone, but on your wrist. It has GPS built-in and can download apps, from the likes of Spotify to Tinder. With something like an Apple Watch, you can send voice messages or take calls, or have a full conversation via iMessage.

But for people strictly focused on black and white fitness metrics or people who want a hands-off tracker that doesn't require a super-involved setup process or daily charging, we'd make the case that a fitness tracker without high-end connectivity is the smarter, more cost-effective choice.

We've included a selection of both fitness trackers and smartwatches on this list.

Are fitness trackers waterproof?

Any respectable tracker should be able to accompany you on a run in the rain without breaking down. At this point, almost every tracker goes past splash and sweat resistance to hit a 5 ATM rating, meaning the device can withstand pressure equivalent up to 50 metres (164 feet). These should be fine to wear in the shower, in the ocean, or in a hot tub.

Swimmers have a bit more to consider than the waterproof rating. Look for a tracker with built-in GPS that can not only follow you underwater, but accurately track your laps and pace. Dedicated modes for pool swims and open water swims are ideal. Even the most rugged, most swim-friendly watches and trackers probably aren't suitable for extreme water sports or activities that involve high-velocity, deep submersion.

What is the best fitness tracker?

There are a whole lot of models out there for you to consider, with something for everyone and every budget. We have taken stock of everything on the market to bring you a selection of the very best devices, including fitness trackers from top brands like Apple, Samsung, Fitbit, and Garmin.

These are the best fitness trackers in 2024.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 20 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 20 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Morning morsel

These words are something you might eat for breakfast.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are singular versions of common types of breakfast foods.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Cereal.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for December 20

• Loop

• Cheerio

• Crunch

• Puff

• Pebble

• Charm

• Flake

• Smack

• Cereal

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 20 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Types of hits on the green

• Green: Athletes known by one name

• Blue: Exchanging the ball on the pitch

• Purple: Spokespersons for college sports

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Golf shots

• Green: Mononymic athletes

• Blue: Passes in soccer

• Purple: College mascots

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #88 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Golf shots - CHIP, DRIVE, FLOP, PUTT

• Mononymic athletes - ICHIRO, LEBRON, SERENA, TIGER

• Passes in soccer - BACKHEEL, CROSS, ONE-TWO, THROUGH

• College mascots - BRUTUS, BUCKY, OTTO, SEBASTIAN

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 20 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Mix or blend of ingredients

• Green: Defines sentence purposes

• Blue: Esoteric groups of dudes

• Purple: Words that sound like complaints

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Concoction

• Green: Types of Sentences

• Blue: Kinds of Bros

• Purple: Complaint Homophones

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #556 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Concoction: COCKTAIL, COMPOUND, MIXTURE, SOLUTION

• Types of Sentences: COMMAND, EXCLAMATION, QUESTION, STATEMENT

• Kinds of Bros: CRYPTO, FINANCE, PHARMA, TECH

• Complaint Homophones: GROWN, MOWN, WHALE, WINE

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 20

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for December 20 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 20 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Quick, bright, and gone in an instant.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter F.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

FLASH.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 20

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.