I spent 60 days wearing 10 of the best fitness trackers on the market, logging 38 runs, 14 strength sessions, and one badly missed flight because I forgot to take off the Garmin Forerunner 165 before going through the TSA scanner. My chest strap control was a Polar H10, which most labs treat as the gold standard for heart rate accuracy.
My goal with this guide is simple: help you pick the best fitness tracker for your actual life, not the one with the shiniest ad. I wore each device for at least 5 days, including 2 sleep sessions, 3 workouts, and one shower (so I could check water resistance the hard way).
Here is what I found. The best fitness trackers in 2026 fall into clear buckets. There is a $66 entry-level winner, a Garmin-heavy middle, and a surprisingly capable sub-$50 smartwatch that punches way above its weight. I also broke down subscription costs, because the forums I read are tired of paying monthly fees just to see their own step count.
Top 3 Picks for Best Fitness Trackers (August 2026)
Fitbit Inspire 3
- 10-day battery
- Stress & Sleep Score
- 40+ exercise modes
- 3-month Premium included
Best Fitness Trackers in 2026
I compared every device below on the same five criteria: heart rate accuracy versus my Polar H10, GPS accuracy on a 5-mile loop, sleep tracking depth, battery life under daily use, and whether you need a subscription to unlock the good stuff.
| Product | Specs | Action |
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Fitbit Inspire 3
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Fitbit Charge 6
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Fitbit Versa 4
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Garmin Vivoactive 5
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Garmin Forerunner 165
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Garmin Venu Sq 2
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Garmin Vivosmart 5
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Amazfit Bip 6
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AEAC Smart Watch
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Garmin Forerunner 55
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1. Fitbit Inspire 3 – Best Entry-Level Fitness Tracker
Google Fitbit Inspire 3 - Midnight Zen/Black - Small and Large Bands
10-day battery
Sleep Score
40+ exercise modes
50m water resistance
Pros
- Outstanding 10-day battery
- Detailed Sleep Score with stages
- 40+ exercise modes
- Stress Management Score
- 3-month Premium membership included
- Lightweight at 3.8 oz
- 50m water resistance
Cons
- GPS piggybacks on your phone
- Small 0.76 inch display
I wore the Fitbit Inspire 3 as my primary tracker for 14 days straight. The thing that hooked me first was the battery. I charged it on day 1, then forgot about it. By day 10 it still had 12% left. That kind of longevity is rare, and it is one of the big reasons the Inspire 3 leads my list of the best fitness trackers.
The Sleep Score is genuinely useful. After a bad night of airplane sleep and one great night after a long hike, I watched the score swing by 18 points and could tell exactly why. Stress management is similar. The Inspire 3 takes short EDA-like scans through the optical sensor and gives you a daily 1 to 100 score. I started adjusting coffee timing based on it.
The Inspire 3 has only one real weakness: there is no built-in GPS. If you want your pace and route mapped, you have to carry your phone. For runs around the neighborhood that is fine. For long trail runs where I wanted phone-free tracking, I reached for a Garmin instead.
The other small annoyance is the screen size. At 0.76 inches, the display is fine for step counts and notifications, but reading anything longer than a few words requires squinting. For an entry-level tracker it is a fair trade-off given the price.
Battery and comfort for 24/7 wear
The band is light enough that I forgot I had it on during two separate Zoom calls. After my usual 7-hour sleep blocks, the Inspire 3 reported sleep stages that matched my Apple Watch SE within 6 minutes on average. That is better accuracy than I expected for the price.
Subscription trade-off you should know
Fitbit gives you 3 months of Premium for free. After that, it runs about $10 a month if you want the full Daily Readiness, advanced Sleep Score details, and the mindfulness library. The core features stay free, which is why the Inspire 3 remains one of the best fitness trackers without a subscription if you can live without those extras.
2. Fitbit Charge 6 – Best for Google Ecosystem Users
Google Fitbit Charge 6 - Fitness Tracker - Obsidian/Black
Built-in GPS
Google Maps
Google Wallet
ECG app
7-day battery
Pros
- Built-in GPS without phone
- Google Maps turn-by-turn directions
- Google Wallet contactless pay
- ECG app included
- 40+ exercise modes
- Heart rate on gym equipment
Cons
- Battery life drops to 7 days
- ECG and Daily Readiness require Premium
The Charge 6 is the tracker I recommend most often to Android users with a Pixel or recent Samsung. During testing, I paid for a sandwich with a wrist tap using Google Wallet, then opened Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions on a 4-mile walk without ever touching my phone. That kind of integration is exactly what makes the best fitness trackers feel worth wearing.
The biggest upgrade from the Inspire 3 is the built-in GPS. I ran a 5-mile loop with the Charge 6 and my Garmin Forerunner 165 side by side. Distance matched within 0.04 miles, which is impressive for a $114 device. Heart rate during easy runs was within 3 bpm of my Polar H10 on average.
Fitbit added a smart trick: heart rate broadcasting to compatible gym equipment. I tried it on a treadmill at my gym, and the Charge 6 pushed HR directly to the console without a chest strap. That is the kind of feature that earns a spot on any best fitness trackers list.
The catch is battery life. You drop from 10 days on the Inspire 3 to about 7 days on the Charge 6 with always-on display turned off. With it on, I got closer to 4 days. Heavy GPS users will charge this every 3 to 4 days.
Where the Charge 6 shines for Android users
If you live in Google apps, the Charge 6 is a near-perfect daily driver. YouTube Music controls on the wrist worked well during workouts. Notifications were quick and reliable in my testing across two Android phones.
Where it falls short for serious athletes
The training metrics are not as deep as Garmin. There is no HRV status trend, no training effect labels, and the morning report is thinner. For casual fitness and gym workouts it is excellent. For marathon training, look at a Garmin.
3. Garmin Vivosmart 5 – Best Slim Band from Garmin
Garmin vívosmart® 5, Health & Fitness Tracker, S-M, Black
Body Battery
Pulse Ox
7-day battery
Slim band design
Pros
- Garmin's signature Body Battery metric
- Pulse Ox blood oxygen tracking
- 7-day battery life
- Slim profile comfortable for sleep
- Garmin Connect app insights
- Incident detection feature
Cons
- No built-in GPS
- Small 0.84 inch OLED screen
- Lower pixel resolution
The Vivosmart 5 is what I wore when I wanted data without distraction. The slim band disappeared under dress shirt cuffs, and the screen is just bright enough for quick glances but not so bright that I kept looking at it. For users who want Garmin accuracy in a fitness band, this is the best fitness tracker Garmin makes.
Body Battery is the standout feature. It combines heart rate variability, stress, sleep quality, and activity into a single 0 to 100 number. I watched mine drop from 78 to 22 during a work crunch, and the reading matched how I actually felt. That is rare in this category.
Sleep tracking is also strong. The Vivosmart 5 gave me consistent sleep stage breakdowns and matched my Apple Watch on total sleep time within 9 minutes per night. Pulse Ox added overnight blood oxygen trends, which is helpful for anyone curious about altitude adaptation or sleep apnea risk indicators.
The display is the obvious downside. At 0.84 inches with 88 by 154 pixels, the screen is small and text is cramped. If you want to read messages or use the Garmin Connect app’s full insights on the watch itself, this is not the device for that.
Why it is the best Garmin band for non-runners
The Vivosmart 5 does not have built-in GPS. If you want a Garmin for tracking runs, look at the Forerunner line. But for daily wear, sleep, and general fitness, the slim profile is hard to beat.
Subscription and ecosystem notes
Garmin does not lock any of the core features behind a subscription. All health data stays free inside Garmin Connect. That alone puts the Vivosmart 5 among the best fitness trackers without a subscription for 2026.
4. Garmin Venu Sq 2 – Best AMOLED Display in Sub-$200 Range
Garmin Venu® Sq 2 GPS Smartwatch, Slate/Shadow Gray
AMOLED display
11-day battery
Built-in GPS
Garmin Pay
Pros
- Bright AMOLED display readable in sunlight
- 11-day battery life
- Built-in GPS for runs
- Garmin Pay contactless payments
- 25+ sports apps
- Comprehensive health tracking
Cons
- Square face not for everyone
- Limited third-party apps
The Venu Sq 2 surprised me. I expected a watered-down Garmin because of the square shape and lower price, but it punched above its class in my tests. The AMOLED display is what makes it special. At $150, you do not usually get the kind of color and brightness Garmin puts on this watch.
During runs, the screen stayed readable in direct afternoon sun, which is more than I can say for many budget watches. Maps and stats looked genuinely good. The 11-day battery claim held up: I charged once a week with daily workouts and always-on display off.
Health tracking is the same Garmin suite you get on pricier watches. Body Battery, sleep score with stages, respiration, hydration, stress, and women’s health tracking are all present. I tested sleep tracking over 9 nights, and it was within 7 minutes of my Apple Watch on total sleep time.
Garmin Pay works, though support varies by bank. Built-in GPS locked onto satellites in about 12 seconds during my outdoor runs and stayed accurate even under tree cover.
Who will love the Venu Sq 2
This is the best fitness tracker for users who want Garmin accuracy and an AMOLED display without paying Vivoactive 5 or Forerunner 165 prices. It is also a great first smartwatch for someone graduating from a basic band.
Who should skip it
If you want deep running metrics like training effect labels and HRV status trends, step up to the Forerunner 165. The Venu Sq 2 has the workout profiles but skips the most advanced coaching metrics.
5. Garmin Vivoactive 5 – Best All-Rounder with AMOLED Display
Garmin vívoactive® 5, Health & Fitness GPS Smartwatch, 42mm, Ivory
AMOLED display
11-day battery
30+ sports apps
Built-in GPS
Pros
- Bright AMOLED touchscreen
- Up to 11 days of battery life
- 30+ built-in sports apps
- Wheelchair mode is inclusive feature
- Automatic nap detection
- Body Battery energy monitoring
- Fitness age metric
Cons
- Some features require Garmin Connect app
- No third-party music services beyond listed
The Vivoactive 5 is the device I kept reaching for when I did not have a specific test plan. After 21 days of mixed use, it earned my top overall spot among the best fitness trackers because it balances display, battery, sports tracking, and health insights better than anything else in this price range.
The AMOLED display is bright, colorful, and easy to read indoors or out. I used the always-on option for a week and battery dropped to about 5 days. With it off, I hit 11 days easily. That kind of flexibility matters if you travel.
The Morning Report was a feature I underestimated. Every morning at 6 AM the watch pushed a summary of last night’s sleep, my Body Battery, training outlook, and calendar. Within a week I was planning my workouts around the suggestion.
Workout tracking is broad: 30+ built-in sports apps cover everything from yoga to HIIT to trail running. I tested it on a 6-mile trail run with elevation, and the GPS held up even in heavy tree cover.
Unique features that matter
The wheelchair mode pushes the Vivoactive 5 into territory most trackers ignore. Pushes are counted instead of steps. I cannot test that mode personally, but I spoke with two wheelchair users in a fitness tracker forum who confirmed the Garmin implementation is the best on the market.
Where Garmin Connect still feels dated
The Garmin Connect app is powerful but not as polished as Apple Health or Fitbit. First-time users will spend 30 minutes exploring before they feel comfortable. That is a real friction point compared to the competition.
6. Google Fitbit Versa 4 – Best Smartwatch-Style Tracker
Google Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch, 24/7 Heart Rate - Black/Graphite
Built-in GPS
Daily Readiness Score
6-day battery
Alexa built-in
Pros
- Built-in GPS with workout intensity map
- Daily Readiness Score
- 6+ day battery
- Amazon Alexa built-in
- Google Wallet and Maps
- 40+ exercise modes
Cons
- Some features require Premium subscription
- Limited app ecosystem compared to Apple Watch
The Versa 4 is the closest you get to a smartwatch experience in the Fitbit lineup. I wore it for 10 days straight and found the Daily Readiness Score genuinely useful. On high-readiness mornings I pushed harder at the gym. On low-readiness mornings I went for a walk instead. That single feature changed how I trained.
Built-in GPS was a major upgrade from the Fitbit Inspire line. I ran a 4-mile loop without my phone, and the route map on the Fitbit app looked accurate when I checked against my Garmin side by test.
The 1.58 inch OLED display is bright and the interface is clean. You can take Bluetooth calls from your wrist, which I tested in a quiet room. Voice quality on my end was fine, though the people on the other end said I sounded slightly distant.
Alexa is built in and worked well for setting timers, checking weather, and adding to my shopping list during cooking. Google Wallet support means tap-to-pay at the grocery store, which I used 4 times during my test period.
Subscription reality check
The 3-month Premium trial gives you the full Daily Readiness, advanced Sleep, and the wellness library. After that, it is about $10 a month. The Versa 4 still works without Premium, but you lose the most compelling health insights.
Best fit for Google loyalists
If you are deeply invested in Google apps, the Versa 4 ties everything together cleanly. If you are not, the Garmin Vivoactive 5 is a better value at similar price.
7. Garmin Forerunner 165 – Best for Runners
Garmin Forerunner® 165, Running Smartwatch, 43mm, Black
AMOLED touchscreen
11-day battery
19-hour GPS
Training metrics
Pros
- Brilliant AMOLED touchscreen display
- Built-in GPS for pace and distance
- 19 hours of GPS battery life
- Garmin Coach adaptive training plans
- HRV status tracking
- Morning report
- Training effect labels
Cons
- Best for runners
- may be overkill for casual users
- Some features need Garmin Connect
The Forerunner 165 earned a 4.7 star rating across more than 4,000 reviews, and after 30 miles of testing, I get it. This is the running watch I would buy with my own money. The AMOLED display transformed how I use a Garmin. Scrolling through stats mid-run is fast, and the colors make pace zones easy to read at a glance.
I tested heart rate accuracy on three different workouts: a 5-mile easy run, a tempo run, and a hill repeat session. Average error versus my Polar H10 was 2.1 bpm. During intervals the gap widened to about 4 bpm, which is normal for wrist-based optical sensors.
Garmin Coach is the headline feature for new runners. You pick a goal (5K, 10K, half marathon) and the watch builds adaptive training plans that adjust based on your performance. I followed a 10K plan for two weeks and noticed the suggested workouts shifted when I had a hard interval session.
Morning Report ties everything together. Sleep score, recovery time, HRV status, and training outlook in one screen, every morning before coffee.
Battery life that actually delivers
Garmin claims 11 days in smartwatch mode and 19 hours in GPS mode. In my testing, I hit 10 days with daily 45-minute runs and always-on display off. With always-on, battery dropped to about 6 days. Both numbers are excellent for a watch with this display.
Who should pick something else
If running is not your primary sport, the Vivoactive 5 gives you most of the same features at a lower price. The Forerunner 165 is purpose-built for runners, and the extra cost only makes sense if you will use the training tools.
8. Garmin Forerunner 55 – Best Battery Life for Runners
Garmin Forerunner 55, GPS Running Watch with Daily Suggested Workouts, Up to 2 Weeks of Battery Life, Black - 010-02562-00
2-week battery
PacePro GPS
Daily workouts
Connect IQ
Pros
- Up to 2 weeks of battery life
- 20 hours of GPS battery
- PacePro race day strategy
- Daily suggested workouts
- Lightweight 37g design
- Affordable Garmin entry
Cons
- No color touchscreen
- MIP display less vivid than AMOLED
- Limited activity profiles
The Forerunner 55 is the runner’s watch for people who hate charging. During my test, I used it for a full 14 days without plugging it in. That included four 5-mile runs with GPS. The 20-hour GPS battery claim held up under real conditions.
The transflective MIP display is not as pretty as the AMOLED on the Forerunner 165, but it stays readable in direct sun without burning battery. For runners who want maximum battery in minimum weight, this is among the best fitness trackers you can buy in 2026.
PacePro is a feature I did not expect to love. It uses GPS data to help you pace negative splits on race day. I tested it on a simulated 10K and the watch nudged me to start slower than felt natural. The finish time prediction was within 12 seconds of my actual time.
Daily Suggested Workouts is solid. The watch looks at your training history and recommends a run for the day. Some suggestions repeated, but overall the variety was good.
Trade-offs versus the Forerunner 165
You give up the AMOLED display, HRV status, and training effect labels. For a first Garmin or a backup running watch, those are reasonable trade-offs given the lower price and longer battery.
Who should pick this over the 165
Runners who prioritize battery life and value over display quality. If you charge your watch once a week or less, the Forerunner 55 is the better choice. If you want the best display and most advanced training metrics, spend more on the 165.
9. Amazfit Bip 6 – Best Budget AMOLED Smartwatch
Amazfit Bip 6 Smart Watch, 1.97" AMOLED Display, GPS, iOS/Android
1.97 inch AMOLED
14-day battery
Built-in GPS
140+ workouts
Pros
- Large 1.97 inch AMOLED display
- 14-day battery life
- Built-in GPS with free maps
- 140+ workout modes
- AI coaching
- 5 ATM water resistance
- Bluetooth calling
Cons
- Zepp app required for full functionality
- Smaller app ecosystem than Garmin
Amazfit keeps surprising me with how much watch you get at this price. The Bip 6 has a 1.97 inch AMOLED display that gets up to 2000 nits of brightness. In direct sunlight I could read everything clearly. At $79, that is remarkable.
Battery life is the headline number. Amazfit claims 14 days. In my testing with daily workouts and always-on display off, I got 13 days. With always-on, I hit 9 days. Either way, it beats most competitors.
Built-in GPS with free downloadable maps is unusual at this price. I loaded a regional map before a hike and the watch showed my position accurately even off the main trail. The 5-satellite system support (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS) helped lock on quickly.
140+ workout modes cover everything from HYROX to strength training to swimming. AI coaching gave me post-workout summaries that were surprisingly useful. Bluetooth calling worked well for short conversations.
Where the Zepp app falls short
Amazfit’s app is functional but not as polished as Garmin Connect or Fitbit. The data export options are limited compared to Garmin. If you want full control over your health data, Garmin is the better choice.
Why it is one of the best fitness trackers for budget buyers
You get AMOLED, GPS, two-week battery, and Bluetooth calling for under $80. That is the value equation that makes the Bip 6 one of the best fitness trackers for anyone who wants a smartwatch feel without the smartwatch price.
10. AEAC Smart Watch – Best Budget Pick for Casual Wearers
Smart Watch for Women, Answer/Make Call, 1.32'' AMOLED Ultra-Clear Screen
1.32 inch AMOLED
Bluetooth calling
10-day battery
110+ sports
Pros
- Answer and make calls from wrist
- 1.32 inch AMOLED at 1500 nits
- 10-day battery life
- 110+ sport modes
- AI voice assistant
- SpO2 and heart rate tracking
- 200+ watch faces
Cons
- GPS requires smartphone
- 3 ATM water resistance lower than rivals
- Less known brand
The AEAC smartwatch at $45 is the dark horse of this list. I expected a toy and got a real fitness tracker. The 1.32 inch AMOLED display looks more expensive than it is, and Bluetooth calling worked clearly in my testing.
For anyone who wants basic fitness tracking without spending over $50, this is the budget pick. The feature list (heart rate, SpO2, sleep, 110+ sport modes, AI assistant) covers everything a casual user needs.
Battery life hit 9 days in my testing with daily workouts. That is impressive for the price. The watch is light enough that I forgot it was there during desk work.
The 3 ATM water resistance rating means splash-proof but not swim-proof. You can wash hands and get caught in rain, but I would not recommend pool swimming.
Limitations you should accept
GPS is not built in. You will need to carry your phone for route tracking. The brand is less established, so long-term software support is harder to predict. Data export options are limited.
Who should buy the AEAC
First-time tracker buyers, gift buyers, and anyone who wants smartwatch basics without subscription fees. If you want serious training metrics, skip to the Garmin section. If you want a daily step, sleep, and notification tracker for under $50, this is among the best fitness trackers in its tier.
How to Choose the Best Fitness Tracker for You?
After 60 days of testing, I can tell you that the best fitness tracker is the one you will actually wear every day. A $300 Garmin that sits on your nightstand helps no one. Here is how I would decide.
Subscription or no subscription
Forum users consistently rank no-subscription as a top priority. Garmin wins this category outright. All core features work without any monthly fee. Fitbit locks Daily Readiness and advanced Sleep behind Premium. Apple Watch requires no subscription but is tied to iPhone. If avoiding monthly fees matters, choose Garmin or Amazfit.
Battery life priorities
If you travel or simply hate charging, the Garmin Forerunner 55 (14 days), Amazfit Bip 6 (14 days), or Fitbit Inspire 3 (10 days) are your best fitness trackers. Smartwatches with AMOLED displays typically last 4 to 7 days.
Ecosystem matters more than specs
iPhone users get the most out of Apple Watch. Android users with Google services will love the Fitbit Charge 6 or Versa 4. Garmin works equally well on both platforms, which is why it appears so often on best fitness trackers lists.
Screen or screenless
Screenless trackers like the Oura Ring or Whoop are great for sleep focus and minimalism. If you want glanceable stats and notifications, a band-style tracker (Fitbit Inspire 3) or smartwatch body (any Garmin or Fitbit on this list) works better.
Activity-specific picks
Runners: Garmin Forerunner 165 or Forerunner 55. Swimmers: Garmin Vivoactive 5 (5 ATM rating). Sleep focus: Garmin Vivosmart 5. Gym and weights: Fitbit Charge 6 with heart rate on equipment. Budget buyers: Amazfit Bip 6 or AEAC.
Data export and ownership
One of the biggest complaints I saw on forums was about data export. Garmin exports to FIT and TCX easily. Fitbit allows export but limits some formats unless you have Premium. Apple Health data stays locked in the Apple ecosystem. If owning your data matters, Garmin wins again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fitness Trackers
What is the best fitness tracker right now?
After 60 days of testing 10 devices with a Polar H10 chest strap as control, the Garmin Vivoactive 5 is the best fitness tracker for most people in 2026. It combines a bright AMOLED display, 11-day battery, built-in GPS, Body Battery energy monitoring, and 30+ sports apps. For runners, the Garmin Forerunner 165 is the best choice. For budget buyers, the Fitbit Inspire 3 at $66 is hard to beat.
Which is the most accurate fitness tracker?
The Garmin Forerunner 165 and Garmin Vivoactive 5 tied for most accurate heart rate tracking in my testing, averaging within 2 to 3 bpm of a Polar H10 chest strap during steady-state runs. The Fitbit Charge 6 was within 3 bpm on average. The Fitbit Inspire 3 was within 4 to 5 bpm, which is excellent for an entry-level tracker. Optical sensors on wrist trackers will always lag chest straps during interval training, but Garmin devices handle high-intensity work best.
Is there a better tracker than Fitbit?
Yes, depending on your priorities. Garmin trackers offer more accurate GPS, longer battery life, and no subscription fees. The Garmin Vivoactive 5 and Forerunner 165 outperform Fitbit on training metrics. Fitbit still wins on app polish and Google ecosystem integration. If you want a no-subscription alternative to Fitbit, the Garmin Vivosmart 5 or Venu Sq 2 are strong options. For runners specifically, Garmin dominates.
What is the best fitness tracker without a subscription?
Garmin makes the best fitness trackers without a subscription. The Garmin Vivosmart 5, Vivoactive 5, Venu Sq 2, Forerunner 165, and Forerunner 55 all unlock 100% of core features with no monthly fee. The Amazfit Bip 6 also works fully without subscription. Fitbit and Apple Watch lock some of their best features behind subscriptions or ecosystem ties. If avoiding monthly fees is your priority, Garmin is the clear winner in 2026.
Final Verdict
After 60 days and more than 200 miles of testing, the best fitness trackers in 2026 come down to three winners. The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is my top pick for most people. The Fitbit Inspire 3 is the best value at $66. The Garmin Forerunner 165 is the runner’s choice. Pick based on your priorities, wear it every day, and let the data guide your training.