www.chicagoshopping.com/electronics/chishop-nike-fuelband-and-fitbit-ultra-fitness-tracker-20120217,0,2654266.story

Chicago Shopping

Splurge or save: Fitness trackers

Darla Weaver, Chicago Shopping

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Chicago Shopping is here to take the guesswork out of selecting certain items for you by laying out all of the details to help you decide which one is the better buy.

Looking to step up your fitness game for the spring season? Adding a fitness monitor into the mix is a good way to track how much exercise you are getting each day. Whether you are going for a run along Lake Michigan or shopping up and down the Magnificent Mile, seeing how many calories you burned and how far you ran or walked can help you set goals for yourself and actually accomplish them.

The fitness trackers available now have gotten high-tech and do more than just measure your calories burned and distance covered. Now, they have the capabilites to even monitor your sleeping patterns and synch your progress to your computer to help you take control of your overall wellness.

One of the most hyped up fitness trackers is the Nike+ Fuelband that hits the stores on Feb. 22 for $149. However, available now is the Fitbit Ultra for $99.95, which can hold up against its upcoming contender. So, what's it going to be?

Here are the stats:

Nike+ FuelBand, $149, available Feb. 22

- Worn as a bracelet

- Tracks calories, steps and time

- Can set personal goals and track your progress on a computer and mobile app

- Four day battery life

- Water resistant, not waterproof

Fitbit Ultra, $99.95

- Worn as a clip

- Tracks calories, steps, distance and sleep

- Progress can be tracked on a computer and mobile app

- Five-to-seven day battery life

- Not waterproof

So, should you splurge or save?

Save. The Fitbit Ultra and the Nike+ FuelBand have many similar features, but the Fitbit Ultra takes the cake with its capabilities to monitor your sleep. Sleep is something that a lot of us can take for granted, but it is imperative to good health and fitness. Regulating a normal sleeping pattern will have you feeling more energized and motivated to get moving throughout the day, which will lead you to reaching your health goals.

Want to see two items in particular battle it out? Let us know at TheExperts@ChicagoShopping.com.