The Amazfit Active 2 smartwatch has proven to be many things for fitness enthusiasts—stylish, effective, and surprisingly affordable. Priced at just $99, it emerges as a stellar option for those venturing onto the strength training path. After extensive testing, this smartwatch has garnered the author’s five-star endorsement, partly due to its unique features, including its onboard Strength Training mode, which sets it apart from competitors.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Amazfit Active 2 is its ability to auto-detect approximately 25 different exercises. During strength workouts, users can track key metrics such as calories burned, set duration, heart rate, and reps. Stephen Warwick, TechRadar’s Fitness & Wearables writer, highlighted these functionalities, noting, "The Active 2 tracks calories burned, set duration, heart rate, and reps during strength workouts." This means users have comprehensive data at their fingertips to effectively gauge their progress.
But monitoring workouts isn’t the only standout feature of the Active 2; the Zepp app enhances the experience by allowing users to generate custom workout plans. According to Warwick, the app boasts a wide variety of strength exercises, which contribute to its overall value. While the app is loaded with potential, initial impressions suggest it may not be as intuitive as users hope.
When Warwick began creating his first workout using the Zepp app, he encountered some hurdles. Surprisingly, strength training terminology was altered, creating confusion. Instead of straightforward labels like sets and reps, the app refers to workout components as "intervals." Each interval requires specifying the 'training type' and 'action' name; for example, picking 'bench press' as the action. He mentioned, "The app is a bit quirky. Where you'd expect to find strength training terminology like sets and reps, the blocks...are dubbed 'intervals', which is confusing."
This peculiar language forced him to rethink typical strength training structure. He originally tried to set up his workout plan assuming the app meant sets when it referred to intervals. This misinterpretation led to unnecessary complications. Nevertheless, once familiar with the terminology, creating workout plans became smoother. Setting specific alerts for exercises and reps allowed him to keep the workout moving, minimizing distractions from his smartphone—though it took several attempts to configure plans properly.
Lastly, the Active 2’s rep counting feature remains integral to its use. While he found it useful for keeping track of workouts, he noted, "The rep counting feature...isn't perfect and struggles with some workouts." The smartwatch forced him to manually confirm weights and reps post-set, highlighting the reliability of tracking but also the potential for oversight.
Yet, even with its challenges, Warwick greatly appreciated having the Amazfit Active 2 as his workout companion. It provided not only engagement by simulating personal training but also the motivation to improve. He expressed, "The onboard gym companion is useful for counting reps and monitoring progress." This contrasts sharply with the more generic exercise screens offered by brands like Apple's, enhancing his overall workout experience.
Despite some experience-related hurdles, Warwick believes the Amazfit Active 2 possesses potential. He concludes, "While it’s possible this feature will get more useful as I get the hang of it, the entry barrier feels quite high." He suggests improvements could refine user experience, noting the promise of the onboard AI coach. The current lack of strength training plans from the AI limits its usefulness but doesn't overshadow the potential buildout of this smartwatch.
With well-rounded features, the Amazfit Active 2 could be on the cusp of being Warwick's primary smartwatch for strength training, subject to future updates and improvements. Admittedly, it offers more than just standard fitness monitoring, making it deserving of consideration for those committed to fitness at any level. It stands out as far more than merely affordable; it creates opportunities to deepen workout engagement and achieve fitness goals efficiently.