It's the holiday season and quite possibly you're either asking for a new running tracker or deciding on which one to give a loved one — right?  I compared the Apple Watch Nike+ and the Fitbit Charge 2 (yes, I wore them simultaneously) to give you a brief rundown of my opinion and the features:  which one is best for tracking all those runs?

A disclaimer:  I realize that the Fitbit Blaze is a closer comparison to the Apple Watch, but I don't have one of those, so I tested the Charge 2.  I love both my Apple Watch and my Fitbit for different reasons, so I'll give context about what the Blaze could potentially provide for a runner while also giving my experience with these two particular models.

 

Aesthetic

If the style of your tracker is of the utmost importance, then you're in luck — both the Apple Watch Nike+ ($399) and the Charge 2 ($150) are pretty sleek.  While the Apple Watch obviously looks like a watch, the Nike+ version is decidedly sporty with a perforated band and preset Nike+ "faces".  This means you can customize the display of your Apple Watch with Nike's own fonts and designs that show the time, date, and Nike+ button to start your run.

The Fitbit Charge 2 definitely has the look of an activity tracker, but with models like the rose gold and lavender one (or the black and gunmetal!) it's sleeker than ever and definitely a more transitional piece that you can wear easily in both the gym and the office.  So in summary, both are great options;  it's just a matter of preference.

Winner:  Tie

The Fitbit Charge 2

 

Important Features:  Auto-Pause

One of my favorite features of the Nike+ Run Club app on the Apple Watch Nike+ is the auto-pause feature.  I went on a jog from my house to Golden Gate Park, which has many stoplights on the way (as you'll see), and I didn't have to fiddle with my watch every time I came to a stop on my run — the app senses that you've stopped and in turn pauses your workout recording.  The Fitbit Charge 2 does not have this functionality, so my 15-minute run at an 11'34" pace on the Nike app looked like an 18- or 19-minute run at an over 15-minute pace on the Fitbit.  I know I'm slow, but I'm not that slow!

Winner:  Apple Watch Nike+

An exact look (on the Nike+ Run Club app) at all those times I had to stop at stoplights ...

 

Important Features:  Audio

If you're looking for a tracker that gives you an audio update when you hit your mile marks, then you're going to want to opt for the Apple Watch Nike+ vs.  the Fitbit Charge, as the Fitbit Charge has no audio capabilities.  However, the Fitbit Blaze does have music control features.

The audio capability on the Apple Watch also allows you to sync with Bluetooth headphones and store up to 1 GB of music on your watch.  The Fitbit Blaze has no space for music storage, and you'll still need your phone.

Winner:  Apple Watch Nike+

 

Data:  Heart Rate

The Apple Watch Nike+ gives you an average heart rate, while the Fitbit Charge 2 gives you much more nuanced heart rate information.  If this is a central point for you, the Fitbit Charge 2 definitely takes the cake.  Take a look at the difference in heart rate data below.

Fitbit's incredible heart rate data

 

The Fitbit's data breaks down exactly what your BPM was in every minute of your activity, allowing you to see what pushed you to the peak and when.  There's nothing like this on the Apple Watch Series 2 or Apple Watch Nike+ — even in the Heart Rate app, you don't get graphs like this.

The Fitbit Charge 2 and Apple Watch Nike+ showed different average heart rates for the same run (perhaps because I wore them on different wrists);  the Fitbit marked me at a 158 average heart rate, while the Apple Watch had me at 164.  It's a subtle difference but hard to tell which one is more accurate, which is pretty frustrating to the user.

Winner:  Fitbit Charge 2

 

Data:  GPS

Interestingly enough, on my first comparison run, the Fitbit had me at 1.2 miles, whereas the Nike GPS showed 1.3.  When I put in the points on Google Maps, I got a total distance of 1.7 miles.  WHO CAN I TRUST?

The Fitbit Charge 2 does not have inherent GPS capabilities aside from syncing with your phone (meaning you'd have to bring your phone with you).  And while the Fitbit site says you can see your GPS data on your computer, I was unable to find mine — and it definitely wasn't available in the app.

With the Nike+ Running app and the Apple Watch Nike+, the device itself has GPS that you can see right on your wrist (meaning phone-free running) before syncing with your app and getting a better look at the map.

Winner:  Apple Watch Nike+

 

Data:  Splits

Seeing your splits is quite easy on the Nike+ Running App and virtually nonexistent on the Fitbit app (I don't think it's a feature and I've tried looking for it many times).  In terms of accessing your run-specific data, the Nike+ app and Apple Watch take the cake.

Looking back at my Fitbit run history with my Charge 2, the data barely makes sense outside of the heart rate info — I can't see distance, average pace, splits, or the GPS of the route (though I can see steps, total time, and very nuanced data about my heart rate and calories burned).

Winner:  Apple Watch Nike+

 

User Experience

While the Fitbit encourages you to move and get your steps in, the Apple Watch Nike+ encourages you to get miles in.  If your goal is simply to move more and get a certain number of steps, then the Fitbit works perfectly.  But if you've got running goals in mind, then you're going to want to opt for the Apple Watch Nike+.

While the Fitbit Charge 2 is a general activity tracker that can track sleep, hydration, food, movement, and calories burned, the Nike+ Watch is specifically tailored to running.  There are features like run scheduling and reminders to go on a run with the "Are We Running Today?" notification.

The Nike+ Run Club app on the phone also makes it easier to share a run, whereas the Fitbit has more of a community centered around steps and step challenges.  While I prefer using my Apple Watch Nike+ for running (primarily because of the data and its accessibility), I do miss the sense of community that comes with the Fitbit Charge 2 when I don't use it.

 

Battery Life

• Apple Watch Nike+:  1 to 2 days of battery life
• Fitbit Charge 2:  5 to 7 days of battery life

Winner:  Fitbit Charge 2

 

Waterproof?

• Apple Watch Nike+:  Waterproof
• Fitbit Charge 2:  Not

Winner:  Apple Watch Nike+

 

Price

• Apple Watch Nike+:  $369 to $399
• Fitbit Charge 2:  $150 to $180
• Fitbit Blaze:  $200 to $230

Winner:  Fitbit Charge 2

 

Overall Impression

While the Fitbit Charge 2 has a lot to offer as an overall activity tracker, if you're looking for run-specific features, phone-free music listening, GPS, and way better running data, the Apple Watch Nike+ is hard to beat.  It takes one of the best running apps out there and puts it on your wrist with the bonus of all the Apple Watch Series 2 functionality.  Keep in mind that you pay for these features — it's more than double the price of the Fitbit Charge 2.

Everyone's running preferences are different — music and splits data might not be important to you, and in that case the Fitbit could be an ideal companion.  But for me, in terms of tracking, logging, and reviewing how far I've come (and planning my future runs), the Apple Watch Nike+ is ideal.

We love squats!  They're effective and fun — but you probably already know that.  There are so many squat variations that we rounded up 10 of our favorites to create one killer and quick workout.  We know doing a 100 squats sounds like a formidable challenge, but try it!  You just might surprise yourself.

Directions:  After warming up with three minutes of light cardio (butt kickers, jumping jacks, and high knees), do 10 reps of the each squat variation.  Take breaks as needed.  Cool down by stretching your quads, hamstrings, and glutes.

1. Basic squat
2. Goblet squat
3. Jump squat
4. Squat hop
5. 180 jump squat
6. Sumo squat
7. Sumo squat with punch
8. Sumo squat jump
9. Single leg squat left
10. Single leg squat right

Keep reading for an explanation of each move.  Enjoy!

 

1. Basic Squat

Reps:  10

• Stand with your head facing forward and your chest held up and out.
• Place your feet shoulder-width apart or slightly wider.  Extend your hands straight out in front of you to help keep your balance.  You can also bend the elbows or clasp the fingers.
• Sit back and down like you're sitting into an imaginary chair.  Keep your head facing forward as your upper body bends forward a bit.  Rather than allowing your back to round, let your lower back arch slightly as you descend.
• Lower down so your thighs are as parallel to the floor as possible, with your knees over your ankles.  Press your weight back into your heels.
• Keep your body tight, and push through your heels to bring yourself back to the starting position.

 

2. Goblet Squat

Reps:  10

• Start standing with your feet wider than shoulder width and your toes pointed slightly out.  With your back slightly arched, push your hips back, bend your knees, and lower your body until your thighs are parallel to the floor and your elbows touch your knees.
• With your weight focused in your heels, push yourself up to the starting position.

 

3. Squat Jump

Reps:  10

• Start in a squat with your arms by your sides.
• Swing your arms to the ceiling, and jump.
• Land quietly as you return to the squat position.  This completes one rep.

 

4. Squat Hop

Reps:  10

• Start in a squat with your feet slightly wider than your hips and your hands clasped loosely at your chest.
• Maintain the posture of the squat as you hop your feet off the ground a few inches.  Land softly on the ground and deepen the squat, keeping your weight in your heels, to complete one rep.

 

5. 180 Jump Squat

Reps:  10

• Start in a deep squat with your legs a bit wider than your hips and your toes pointed outward.  Twist your torso to the right, reaching your right hand to the ceiling and your left hand toward the floor.
• Jump up, spinning to the left 180 degrees (halfway around), bringing both hands overhead.  Land softly in a deep squat, twisting your torso to the left with the left hand reaching toward the ceiling and the right hand toward the floor.  This completes one rep.
• Repeat, but reverse directions so you jump, spinning to the right and going back the way you came.

 

6. Sumo Squat

Reps:  10

• Stand with legs wide and toes pointed outward slightly.
• Bend down until your knees are over your ankles, then straighten your legs.  This completes one rep.

 

7. Sumo Squat and Punch

Reps:  10

• Come into a wide sumo squat;  punch to the left then right.
• Return to standing to complete one rep

 

8. Sumo Squat Jump

Reps:  10

• Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and slightly turned out, arms resting on your hips.
• Bend your knees and plié, then jump up explosively.  Keep your core engaged.
• Land with control, lowering your body back into the squat position to complete one rep.

 

9. Single-Leg Squat Right Side

Reps:  10

• Stand firmly with both feet together.  Put weight into your right leg and lift your left leg into the air.
• Keeping the leg lifted, bend the right left knee into a squat.  Then straighten the right knee to return to standing to complete one rep.

 

10. Single-Leg Squat Left Side

Reps:  10

• Stand firmly with both feet together.  Put weight into your left leg and lift your right leg into the air.
• Keeping the right leg lifted, bend the left knee into a squat.  Then straighten the left knee to return to standing to complete one rep.

A candle just won't cut it this year.  With juice cleanses, Paelo diets, the kale craze, and a myriad of other mindful eating trends on the rise, everyone is looking to cook, bake, and drink lighter this season.  Help them out by gifting one of these unique (and totally guiltless) presents like a tea collection, fresh fruit basket, or gluten-free baking set.

 

Veggie Fries

Even if you're a die-hard fry fanatic, you're not going to miss the starchy carbs once you try this vegified version.  Not only are they just as crispy and fluffy as the traditional stuff, but they're also non-GMO, gluten-free, and void of the top eight allergens.  They're the best snack ever, basically.  Choose between carrot, broccoli, kale and tuscan herb, and chickpea and red pepper and pass them around to all your friends who've ever said the line "fries before guys."

Veggie Fries ($5)

 

Daily Harvest Subscription Service

Full meal subscription services are great and all, but smoothies and soups delivered to your door?  Total game changer.  Daily Harvest allows you to buy both per week (or month) and they only use the freshest, most natural ingredients.  Try soup favorites like miso + mushroom and carrot + coconut, or smoothies like pineapple + matcha and blueberry + hemp and so many more.

Daily Harvest Subscription Service ($48 for 6 smoothies or soups a week or $90 for 12 smoothies or soups a week)

 

Jane Bakes Coconut & Caramel Cookie Jar

Jane Bakes cookies are low in sugar, high in fiber, 100 percent whole grain, and contain ingredients like organic cage-free eggs and hormone-free butter.  Oh, and they come in supercute mason jars, so wrapping = done.  Coconut and caramel is where it's at, but they also come in lemon poppy, hazelnut and dark chocolate, raisin oatmeal, vanilla bean, double chocolate, and whiskey and rye chocolate chip.  Never feel bad about reaching for a second again.

Jane Bakes Coconut & Caramel Cookie Jar ($10)

 

Harry & David Deluxe Organic Fruit Gift Basket

You can never go wrong with a classic fruit basket.  This deluxe version from Harry & David is chock-full of pears, seasonal red and green apples, oranges, grapefruit, dried banana chips, cranberries, an assortment of bars, and organic black tea.  So you'll be all set with healthy essentials until Spring, pretty much.

Harry & David Deluxe Organic Fruit Gift Basket ($99)

 

Alter Eco Holiday Gift Set For Deep Dark Chocolate Lovers

Dark chocolate lovers prepare yourselves because Alter Eco's gift set is filled with tasty little treats that will satisfy your sweet tooth without any guilt.  Their deep dark sea salt bar, dark blackout bar, and black truffles are all crafted from cacao beans that hand-harvested in the Peruvian Amazon and Ecuadorian coast and they're gluten-free and USDA certified organic.  Even the packaging is recycled, so you can get super pumped about this superfood.

Alter Eco Sea Salt Truffles ($18)

 

Women's Bean Project Gluten-Free Gift Basket

Healthy gifts that give back?  Count us in.  The "Bean Project" helps impoverished women with backgrounds ranging from organized crime to addiction learn about gourmet food production so they can get back on their feet faster.  And their newest gift basket is full of delicious items like:  Lisa T's GF cornbread mix, Giada DiLaurentiis's lentil soup mix, Sarah's spicy split pea soup mix, green chili salsa mix, dillicious dill dip mix, and Malaysian spice rub.  #Yum

Women's Bean Project Gluten-Free Gift Basket ($35)

 

Stonewall Kitchen Gluten-Free Signature Baking Gift

Have your (gluten-free) cake and eat it too with Stonewall Kitchen's baking gift set!  For $40 you'll get their GF chocolate chunk cookie mix, chocolate brownie mix, chocolate cupcake mix, a stainless steel balloon whisk, and a signature tea towel.  Not a bad deal at all.

Stonewall Kitchen Gluten Free Signature Baking Gift ($40)

 

Kusmi Wellness Teas Gift Set

Kusmi makes the *prettiest* teas and with options like Detox (maté, green tea, and lemongrass), Boost (maté, green tea, and spices), BB Detox (green tea, maté, and grapefruit), Sweet Love (spices, guarana, and liquorice), and Be Cool (verbena, liquorice, and mint), you will feel amazing after your first sip.

Kusmi Wellness Teas Gift Set ($35)

 

Daniel Boulud Smoked Salmon in Wooden Box

When you're looking for the perfect fancy-meets-nutritious gift for your bougie friend, look no further than Daniel Boulud's smoked salmon in a box.  This Dean & Deluca exclusive makes an ideal hostess gift since you can throw out fascinating tidbits like "The salmon was smoked on fruitwood in New York's Hudson Valley" and "The recipe was inspired by Boulud's travels all over the world."

Daniel Boulud Smoked Salmon in Wooden Box ($70)

 

Allgood Organic Nut Pack

Swap candy bars and other sugary stocking stuffers for totable nut packs instead.  California pistachios, organic almonds, and maple-roasted cashews will fill you up without the bloat and regret.

Allgood Organic Nut Pack ($19)

 

Noosa Yoghurt

Yogurt-lovers are going to be especially happy to unwrap a velvety present made from all-natural whole milk and fresh fruit purees.  Noosa Yoghurt is created in small batches on a family farm in Bellvue, CO, and it's getting quite the cult following these days, judging by their Yelp reviews.  Flavors like Bhakti chai, Mexican chocolate, pumpkin, and vanilla promise to make any morning, afternoon, or evening snack time instantly better.

Noosa Yoghurt ($5 for a 4oz. 4-pack)

 

Pressed Juicery Holiday Survival Pack

Know a Spin, juice, repeat person?  Then, this is the gift for them.  Pressed Juicery's six most popular flavors include:  Greens 1, 2, and 3, plus Roots 3, Citrus 2, and Apple Lemon Ginger Cayenne, and you'll get two of each.  Keep calm and just juice.

Pressed Juicery Holiday Survival Pack ($89)

 

Blue Hill Pantry Collection

A delicious and locally sourced Blue Hill Pantry Collection includes a jar of Blue Hill Select Seasonal Jam, a Hudson Valley Honey, a Seasonal Sea Salt, and a bag of house-made Granola from the Blue Hill at Stone Barns Pastry Kitchen.  You'll get all the most valuable daughter (or DIL) points with this one.

Blue Hill Pantry Collection ($60)

 

Three Bridges Gluten-Free Triple Cheese Ravioli

You don't have to sacrifice flavor when you swap whole wheat for GF.  Made with corn and rice blend pasta, Three Bridges' triple cheese ravioli still has that al dente bite, pairs well with an artichoke sauce or sautéed vegetables, and makes a great gift for anyone who loves to throw pasta parties on the regular.

Three Bridges Gluten-Free Triple Cheese Ravioli ($5)

Runners and the desk-bound rejoice!  Your tight hips will soon feel more open and relaxed.  Just step onto your yoga mat or even the floor next to your computer and move through this 16-pose hip-opening sequence.

 

Downward Facing Dog

• Begin on the hands and feet in the classic upside-down V shape known as Down Dog.
• Spread the fingers wide, and flare your heels slightly wider than the toes so the outside edges of the feet are parallel with the outside edges of the mat.
• Actively press the hips away from the hands, relax the head, and gaze between the thighs or up toward the belly, holding for five breaths.

 

Three-Legged Dog

• From Downward Facing Dog, step the feet together so your big toes are touching.  Keeping the left heel on the mat, inhale to raise your right leg in the air, coming into Three-Legged Dog.
• Hold here for five breaths with the shoulders parallel to the floor, keeping the belly still and breathing into the chest.

 

Pigeon

• From Three-Legged Dog, inhale to draw your right knee forward between the hands.  Exhale to adjust the front leg so you feel an opening in the right hip and left hip flexor, but not so much that you feel pain.
• Rest your hands on your hips or inhale to raise the arms in the air, gazing at the palms with relaxed shoulders.
• Breathe deeply for five breaths.

 

Rotated Pigeon

• From Pigeon, exhale to lower the left shoulder to the floor in front of your shin.  Extend your left arm, and rest your cheek on your right hand.
• Enjoy this twist for five breaths.

 

Pigeon Twist

• From Rotated Pigeon, inhale to lift the torso up and bend your left knee.
• Reach for your left foot with your right hand and wrap your left fingers around the top of your right thigh.
• Gaze over the left shoulder, holding for five breaths.

 

Pigeon Crescent

• From Pigeon Twist, release your left fingers and place the top of your foot in the crook of your left elbow.
• Keep your left elbow bent to hold your foot in place, and raise your right arm overhead.  If you can, hold the right wrist with your left hand.
• Enjoy this pose for five breaths.

 

Half King Pigeon

• From Pigeon Crescent, release your hands, keeping the back knee bent.
• Turn your torso to face forward, and interlace your fingers behind you.  Bend your left knee and hook the foot in the space between your clasped hands.
• Actively press the left foot away from you to deepen the stretch in the chest and shoulders.
• Breathe deeply for five full breaths.

 

Double Pigeon

• From Half King Pigeon, release your clasped hands and gently swing your left leg forward.
• Bend your left knee and place it on top of your right leg so your knees, shins, and ankles are stacked.  Keeping the shins parallel, flex the feet to feel a stretch in the calves.
• Press your fingertips into the floor behind your pelvis or to make this pose more intense, place your hands in front of your shins and walk them out as far as you can, folding your chest over your legs.
• Enjoy this stretch for five breaths.

 

Half Happy Baby

• From Double Pigeon, hold the left foot with both hands and lie on your back.
• Relax the torso and gently pull your knee toward the ground.
• Hold this pose for five breaths.

 

Reclining Big Toe A

• From Half Happy Baby, straighten the left leg and hold the big toe with the first two fingers and thumb of your left hand.  If you can't reach your toe, hold your ankle, calf, or behind your thigh.
• Lift your torso off the floor to engage your core.
• Hold like this for five breaths.

 

Reclining Big Toe B

• From Reclining Big Toe A, release the torso to the floor and lower the left leg out to the side.
• Gaze to the right, staying here for five breaths.

 

Both Big Toe Pose

• From Reclining Big Toe B, draw the left leg back into center, continuing to hold your big toe with the left fingers.
• Kick your right leg overhead and use the momentum of quickly lowering it to the floor to simultaneously lift your torso up.
• Hold onto your right big toe and balance on the sitting bones with a straight spine.  If this bothers your lower back, just bend the knees.
• If it feels comfortable, you can lower your head slightly behind you to open through your throat.
• Hold like this for five deep breaths.

 

Lifted Wide Straddle

• From Both Big Toe Pose, continue balancing on the sitting bones and separate the legs into a wide straddle.
• Relax the shoulders away from the ears, and hold here for five breaths.

 

Wide Boat

• From Lifted Wide Straddle, release your feet and hold them out wide as you extend your hands in front of you.
• Keep lifting through the chest, holding for five breaths.

 

Boat

• From Wide Boat, inhale to bring your arms to the outside of the knees and draw the legs together.
• Hold this position for five breaths.

 

Butterfly

• From Boat, bend the knees and bring the soles of the feet together.
• Using your hands, open your feet up like a book.  Inhale to lengthen the spine, and exhale to fold forward, pressing your elbows against the inner knees to increase the stretch.
• Enjoy this pose for five breaths.

Get ready to jump the calories away with this plyometric circuit that combines bodyweight exercises with power moves.  We've added some weightlifting to round it all out.  Print this poster, head to the gym, and get your sweat on!