10 Best Heart Rate Monitor For Swimmers & Water Aerobics

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Heart Rate Monitor for swimming

Whether you’re training for the Olympics or simply trying to stay fit, swimming is an excellent choice for any exercise routine!

Not only is it great at burning body fat and toning your muscles; it is also very therapeutic!

But, one thing is for sure: if you hope to make any kind of progress, you’re going to need a heart rate monitor. And I’m sure by now, you’ve figured that part out since you’re reading this article!

So, we’ve searched through every wristband and chest strap on the market, looking for the top trackers and monitors so you don’t have to. We found the 10 best you can purchase in 2021!

  • First, we thought we’d show you the Top 5 out of the 10 best trackers to make your decision even easier!
  • Then, we’ll go through the pros and cons of each of our top 10 picks.
  • And finally, we’ve provided you with an ultimate buyer’s guide, filled with important information and
  • Frequently Asked Questions so you know you’ll make the right choice!

If that sounds good to you, let’s get started!

Best of the Best: The Top 5 HRMs for Swimmers

Best Overall: POLAR H9 Heart Rate Sensor Strap

Runner Up: FitBit Versa 2 Band

Best Budget: QOOGOT Waterproof Tracker Band

Best Premium: Garmin Swim 2 with GPS Band

Best Multifunctional: MOOV 3D Fitness Tracker Strap

Top 10 Best Waterproof Heart Rate Monitors for Swimmers

1 –Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap

2 – Fitbit Versa 2 Health and Fitness Smartwatch with Heart Rate

3 – Garmin HRM-Swim, w/Non-Slip Strap

4 – Garmin Swim 2, GPS Swimming Smartwatch for Pool/Open Water

5 – Garmin HRM-Swim Heart Rate Monitor

6 – Fitbit Inspire HR Heart Rate and Fitness Tracker

7 – Suunto Smart Heart Rate Sensor Belt – Bluetooth, Waterproof Chest Strap

8 – POLAR H9 Heart Rate Sensor – ANT + / Bluetooth – Waterproof HR Monitor

9 – MOOV NOW – 3D Fitness Tracker & Real Time Audio Coach, Swimming Running Water Resistant

10 – QOOGOT Waterproof Tracker and Heart Rate Monitor

Comparison Table For Best Heart Rate Monitor for Swimmers

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap

Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap

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Fitbit Versa 2 Health and Fitness Smartwatch

Fitbit Versa 2 Health and Fitness Smartwatch

  • Use amazon Alexa built in to get quick news and information, check the weather, set timers and alarms, control your smart home devices and more all through the sound of your voice (third party app may be required; amazon Alexa not available in all countries)
  • Based on your heart rate, time asleep and restlessness, sleep score helps you better understand your sleep quality each night; also track your time in light, deep and REM sleep stages and get personal insights
  • Control your Spotify app, download Pandora stations and add Deezer playlists, plus store and play 300+ songs on your wrist (subscription required; Pandora is us only)
  • With a larger display and an always on option, your information’s always a quick glance away (always on display requires more frequent charging)
  • Track heart rate 24/ 7, steps, distance, calories burned, hourly activity, active minutes and floors climbed. Syncing range - up to 6.1 meters
  • Works around the clock with 6 plus day battery life (varies with use and other factors)
  • Get a call, text, calendar and smartphone app notifications when your phone is nearby; plus send quick replies and a voice replies on android only
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Garmin HRM-Pro, Premium Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap

Garmin HRM-Pro, Premium Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap

  • Premium heart rate strap transmits real-time heart rate data via ANT technology and BLUETOOTH Low Energy technology to communicate with Garmin devices, compatible fitness equipment and online training apps, such as Zwift
  • Captures running dynamics, such as vertical oscillation, ground contact time, stride length, vertical ratio and more
  • Stores heart rate data during swimming or other activities out of range of your Garmin watch then automatically sends data to the watch when the activity is finished
  • Stores steps, calories, intensity minutes and heart rate then syncs to your compatible Garmin watch when in range
  • Small, lightweight heart rate monitoring module is no wider than the width of the soft, comfortable strap
  • Battery life: up to one year
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Garmin Swim 2, GPS Swimming Smartwatch for Pool

Garmin Swim 2, GPS Swimming Smartwatch for Pool

  • GPS swimming smartwatch for the pool and open water
  • o Battery life: up to 7 days in smartwatch mode, 13 hours in GPS and optical heart rate (OHR) mode and 72 hours in pool and OHR mode
  • Pool swim mode: records distance, pace, stroke count, stroke type and SWOLF (gauges swimming efficiency)
  • Open-water swim mode: uses built-in GPS for swims in lakes, oceans or rivers; records distance, pace, stroke count, SWOLF, stroke rate and stroke distance
  • Offers advanced features for staying on pace, logging drills and more
  • Includes free online analysis, custom workout creation, storage and sharing on Garmin Connect online community
  • Connected features (paired with a compatible smartphone) include smart notifications and automatic uploads to our Garmin Connect online community
  • Monitors underwater estimated wrist-based heart rate during swim activities
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Garmin HRM-Swim Heart Rate Monitor

Garmin HRM-Swim Heart Rate Monitor

  • SWIM HEART RATE1 - Stores up to 20 hours of heart rate data during swims, then forwards it to a compatible device at the end of the session. It also sends real-time heart rate and interval summaries to the watch.
  • NON-SLIP DESIGN - Keeps the monitor in place, even during push-offs from pool walls.
  • COMPACT and DURABLE - Creates minimal drag through the water. HRM-Swim is the smallest and lightest heart rate monitor from Garmin. Withstands repeated exposure to all swim environments, including pools, salt water and fresh water
  • BATTERY LIFE - Lasts for 18 months (assuming 3 hour/week use) with user-replaceable CR2032 battery
  • Includes - HRM-Swim, manuals
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Fitbit Inspire HR Heart Rate and Fitness Tracker

Fitbit Inspire HR Heart Rate and Fitness Tracker

  • Utilize 24/7 heart rate to more accurately track calorie burn, resting heart rate & heart rate zones during workouts
  • Track all day activity, including steps, distance, hourly activity, active minutes and calories burned. Operating temperature is -10° to 45° C
  • Automatically track sleep, plus due to the heart rate feature, get more insights into your light, deep & REM sleep stages
  • Enjoy up to 5 days of battery for daily progress without constant charging; varies with use and other factors. Maximum operating altitude is 8,535 m
  • Automatically and conveniently, record workouts like walks, swimming & bike rides in a snap with smart track. Syncing range up to 6 meters
  • Radio transceiver: Bluetooth 4.0; automatically syncs to 200+ android, iOS & windows 10 devices so you can see your progress in the app
  • See your real-time pace and distance by connecting to your phone's GPS, then get a map of your route in the Fitbit app.
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SUUNTO Smart Heart Rate Belt

SUUNTO Smart Heart Rate Belt

  • Multisport Heart Rate Belt: Ideal for sports where wrist heart rate measurements aren't possible, this comfortable, accurate heart rate belt is compatible with the Suunto 3, 5, 9, Spartan, Ambit3 and Traverse watches
  • Get Connected: Connect to your favorite sports apps and services from the Suunto app to get more from your watch; Share with your sports communities and access specific training analysis and guidance
  • Suunto Accessories: From watch straps, heart rate belts, and dive accessories to bike mounts, bike sensors, charging cables, and more, Suunto has what you need to get even more from your Suunto watch
  • Adventure Starts Here: Combining Scandinavian design with ultra durable materials, our watches track your sports, daily activity, and sleep to help you keep life, training and recovery in balance
  • Authentic Heritage: Founded in 1936, Suunto brings over 80 years of high quality heritage craftsmanship, relentless accuracy, and pioneering innovation to our watches, compasses, and dive products
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POLAR H9 Heart Rate Sensor

POLAR H9 Heart Rate Sensor

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3D Fitness Tracker

3D Fitness Tracker

  • MOOV NOW provides real-time audio coaching for running, cycling, cardio boxing, body weight (Moov 7 Minute+)
  • Most advanced swim tracker - stroke type, stroke count, lap analysis, recommends ways to improve
  • Tracks Active Minutes and Sleep
  • A wearable fitness coach that speaks to you - actively monitors your motion, tracks your progress, and motivates you to achieve your fitness goals
  • Up to 6 months battery life and waterproof. Band is lightweight and breathable.Wear it on your wrist for swimming, on your ankle for running and cycling, or wear two for cardio boxing
  • Moov's Omni Motion sensor uses 3 times the sensors used in basic fitness trackers and provides real-time accuracy
  • Colorful and Insightful Data in your Moov App
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QOOGOT Fitness Tracker, Activity Tracker

QOOGOT Fitness Tracker, Activity Tracker

  • All-Day Heart Rate Monitor: All-day intelligent HR tracing by advanced PPG sensor for your activities & training. Just press and hold the touch button on the watch to get real-time heart monitor and check the detail reports and video on the app. Basing on your resting HR, it offers HRV report to provide you a overall evaluation of your heart health.
  • Scientific Sleep Tracking with Apnea Notification: Set it on the app,the watch can automatically track SpO2 level from every 00:00- 7:00 along with low O2 reminding by soft vibration if apnea detected. Sleep quality monitor is not only for the night but also for the daytime, Record deep/light sleep status and wake up time, which help to improve sleep quality.
  • Smart Function: Calorie counter,Step counter,Bluetooth Phone call reminder,Caller's name display,Caller ID display,Reject answer the phone,Call & SMS message notification,Sedentary reminder,Wechat Sports,Remote Camera,Alarm,Countdown,Stopwatch.
  • Activity Tracker with 11 Sport Modes: Accurately record all-day activities like steps,distance,calories burned,active minutes and sleep status.Connect with mobile's GPS,you can check your real-time route in the App;
  • 1.14-inch IPS Color Screen with high Pixel: Updated HD Color Screen, this fitness watch gives a brighter and bigger letter reading, Easily set up the screen time,brightness and duration adjustment on the App, you can read the data clearly anywhere.
  • Longer Battery Life: Built in USB charge(no cable needed).Full charge requires only about 1 hour and the working time can be about 5-7 days.
  • Compatibility: The fitness tracker compatible with IOS 8.0 or above,Android 4.4 or above smart phones(not for tablet).
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1. POLAR H10 Chest Strap: Best for All Climates

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Whether you’re a summer swimmer or a polar bear, the waterproof, smooth POLAR H10 is great for tracking your hottest, or coldest, aquatic exercises. This chest strap works below freezing all the way up to 122!

Plus, you can connect it to any of your favorite fitness apps, even Peloton! Its new and improved electrodes are sure to get an accurate reading every time, allowing you to track an entire session!

And, no need to worry about size or colors. The POLAR H10 will adjust to any body type and it comes in a variety of colors, so you can get the most out of your workout!

Pros

  • Waterproof
  • Sweatproof
  • Bluetooth Connectivity
  • Variety of Sizes and Colors
  • Perfect for Men and Women
  • Comfortable, Durable Fabric
  • Versatile, Works Well for Any Sport
  • Improved Electrodes for Top Accuracy
  • Can Operate in Virtually Any Temperature (14- 122)

Cons

  • Only has Memory for 1 Training Session
    POLAR App Connectivity Issues

2. FitBit Versa 2 Wristband: Best for Style

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If you’re a swimmer looking for a sleek, stylish fitness tracker that also tracks your heart rate, look no further than the FitBut Versa 2. We love this one for its contemporary design and wide variety of colors!

But, that’s not all we love about it. With the FitBit Versa 2, you don’t have to worry about switching bands when you’re ready to get out of the pool. Simple dry it off and get moving! You can use the Versa 2 for all of your fitness activities!

Want to play some tunes as you do your laps? No problem! Just ask the built-in Alexa to play your favorite songs from Spotify or Pandora! For all of the FitBit Versa 2’s awesome features, we’re satisfied with its higher price point. With the FitBit brand, you know you’re getting a quality product!

Pros

  • Waterproof
  • Built-In Alexa
  • 6 Day Battery Life
  • Great Color Variety
  • 2 Band Sizes Included
  • Payment Plan Available
  • Sleek Fit and Durable Band
  • Spotify and Pandora Compatible
  • 2 or 3 Year Protection Plan Available
  • Tracks Heart Rate 24/7, Calories, Steps, Distance, and Hourly Activity

Cons

  • Spotify and Pandora Require Additional Subscription
  • Not as Affordable as Other Options

3. Garmin HRM-Swim Chest Strap: Best for Divers

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If you’re planning on booking your first or five hundredth scuba diving excursion, you can’t go wrong with the Garmin HRM swim strap. Operational at up to 5 ATM, feel free to dive 50 meters beneath the surface while still being able to save your heart rate data.

The Garmin HRM Swim Strap is affordable and comfortable, sitting painlessly on your skin while accurately measuring your heart rate with every stroke.

Pros

  • Waterproof
  • Non-Slip Strap
  • 18 Months of Battery Life
  • Operates at up to 5 ATM
  • Comfortable and Adjustable
  • Saves Heart Rate Data to Your Device

Cons

  • Only Comes in 1 Color
  • Only Compatible with Garmin Apps

4. Garmin Swim 2 Wristband with GPS: Best for Safety

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If you enjoy swimming outside of the pool, the Garmin Swim 2 might be for you. It’s made with a GPS tracker, offering you the security and peace of mind you want when swimming in oceans, lakes, and bays.

The Garmin Swim 2 is the premium heart rate monitor for all swimmers, making its price the most affordable on the market for its top-notch quality. Plus, it comes in two stylish colors, pure white and slate gray.

The Garmin Swim 2 is sure to exceed any swimmer’s expectations, tracking not just laps and strokes in the water, but recording distance and offering drills and free custom workouts to fit your needs!

Pros

  • Device Connectivity
  • Two Sleek, Stylish Colors
  • GPS Tracker for Ultimate Safety
  • Waterproof for Pools and Ocean
  • SWOLF Tracking for Ultimate Progress
  • Records Strokes and Laps in Addition to Heart Rate
  • Includes Free Analysis and Custom Workout Creation

Cons

  • A Bit Pricey
  • Only Lasts 13 Hours when on GPS Mode

5. Garmin HRM-Swim 1 Chest Strap: Best for Battery Life

If swimming is your go-to exercise, you know you need a heart rate monitor to track and make progress. Well, with the Garmin HRM Swim 1 Strap, you can do that for up to 18 months without changing the battery!

This state of the art, non-slip strap will let you track your heart rate with every stroke. And no need to worry about its size or weight getting in the way of your best laps. The Garmin HRM Swim 1 Strap is the smallest and lightest heart rate strap made by Garmin!

Pros

  • Waterproof
  • Non-Slip Strap
  • Stores Up to 20 Hours of Data
  • Battery Lasts Up to 18 Months
  • Sleek and Comfortable for Minimal Water Drag

Cons

  • A Bit Pricey
  • Only Connects to Garmin Device to Save Data

6. FitBit Inspire HRM and Fitness Wristband: Best for Comfort

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If you want a wrist heart rate monitor and fitness tracker you’ll barely even feel, look no further than the FitBit Inspire! Its sleek, lightweight design is perfect for swimmers as well as joggers or bikers.

And don’t worry about comfort while asleep; this tracker will record your heart rate as you sleep, along with your sleep patterns, without causing pain as you get the rest your body needs.

Plus, its user-friendly digital screen displays all your progress, as well as the time so you can wear it as a watch, as well!

Pros

  • Bluetooth Connectivity
  • 24/7 Heart Rate Tracking
  • Lightweight and Comfortable
  • Water Resistant Up to 50 Meters
  • Celebrates Every Goal Completion
  • Automatically Records All Workouts
  • Comes in a Variety of Modern Colors

Cons

  • A Bit Pricey
  • Only 5 Days of Battery Life

7. SUUNTO Smart Heart Rate Chest Belt: Best for Bluetooth

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As an active swimmer, you know how important it is to use only the sleekest, smallest tools while taking your laps. If something you wear is too big of bulky, your speed and distance may be compromised.

That’s why the SUUNTO Smart Heart Rate Belt may be the option for you! It promises to accurately track your heart rate without getting in the way. The SUUNTO contains the smallest bluetooth disk on the market, so your data will be saved without the worry of inaccuracies!

Pros

  • Waterproof
  • Long-Lasting Battery
  • Adjustable and Comfortable
  • Works with a Variety of Fitness Apps
  • Smallest Bluetooth Heart Rate Monitor Out There!

Cons

  • Strap Could Be Slippery

8. POLAR H9 Heart Rate Sensor Chest Strap: Best Chest Strap for Your Wallet

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For the most part, heart rate monitoring chest straps are going to be on the pricier side. But, with the POLAR H9, you can get the same awesome benefits of other chest straps at nearly half the cost!

The POLAR H9 is Bluetooth and ANT+ connective, so you can feel secure knowing your heart rate will be monitored accurately and effectively with every stroke. You can even hook it up to your smartphone to use the Polar App!

Plus, the POLAR H9 Heart Rate Sensor is perfect for all body types and activities. It will even track your calories burned in addition to your heart rate!

Pros

  • Waterproof
  • Machine Washable
  • 400 Hours of Battery Life
  • Most Affordable Chest Strap
  • Bluetooth and ANT+ Connectivity
  • Tracks Heart Rate and Calories Burned
  • Compatible with a Wide Range of Fitness Apps

Cons

  • Strap Connects with Just a Small Hook in the Back

9. MOOV 3D Fitness Tracker Wristband: Best for Motivation

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The MOOV 3D Fitness Tracker is by far the best tracker for motivating you through your workouts With MOOV’s Real-Time Coaching, you don’t have to worry about motivating yourself to keep burning those calories!

Not only is its waterproof construction perfect for all of your aquatic activities. The MOOV 3D Tracker is also great for running, walking, cardio kickboxing, and cycling! Its comfortable, sleek fit promises total ease of motion, even while performing the most difficult of workouts.

Plus, you can even track your sleep and activity with this baby for up to 6 months with one battery! No need to worry about charging yet another device!

And, the MOOV 3D Tracker comes in three sleek, modern colors: Aqua Blue, Fusion Red, and Stealth Black!

Pros

  • Waterproof
  • Variety of Colors
  • 6 Month Battery Life
  • Bluetooth Connectivity
  • Includes Wrist and Ankle Band
  • Tracks Activity, Calories, and Sleep
  • Perfect for Swimmers, Runners, Cyclers, and Boxers

Cons

  • Tracker Core and Band Come Apart, Prone to Falling Out
  • One Size Fits All

10. QOOGOT Waterproof Tracker Wristband: Best Wristband for Your Wallet

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If you’re just starting your swimming routine, you can’t go wrong with the QOOGOT Tracker. It’s by far the most bang for your buck on this list, holding a great deal of helpful features for a very low price!

The QOOGOT’s sleek, modest design is perfect for your workout days and your _work _days. The clear, bright screen will display your heart rate, the time and date, calories burned, distance, and steps! Plus, you can even hook it up to your favorite devices to view all of your progress!

Not to mention, the QOOGOT’s lightweight build won’t hold you back from making the most of your workouts. It also comes in three cool colors for all atmospheres: stylish silver, smart black, or elegant gold,

Pros

  • Stopwatch
  • Waterproof
  • GPS Tracker
  • 5-7 Days of Charge
  • Phone Call Display
  • USB Charging Port
  • Bluetooth Connectivity
  • Reminders to Get Moving

Cons

  • Not Tablet-Connective
  • A Bit Small for Some Wrists

Buyers Guide: Things to Consider Before Buying A Heart Rate Monitor

If you’re an avid swimmer, or just beginning to explore the world of aquatic sports, you definitely need a fitness tracker. There’s very little progress you can actually make without one.

A fitness and heart rate tracker will provide you with all of the statistics you’ll need to make the most out of your workouts, lose body fat, and gain the healthy, toned body you’ve always wanted.

Each of our top 10 Heart Rate Monitors for Swimmers are all high quality, affordable options for anyone’s tracking needs.

Price

Today’s fitness market is stuffed with trackers claiming to be right for everyone, but soon proving to be completely not worth their prices. If you’re a swimmer, you have to be even more careful when purchasing a tracker; if a product claims to be waterproof and isn’t, your hard-earned money just went down the drain.

But, with our picks for Heart Rate Monitors and Fitness Trackers, you can rest assured that each is worth their price. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate tracker, containing every feature you can dream of, or a more simple, affordable option, you’re sure to find one on our list that matches your price point.

Comfort

Since you’ll be wearing your tracker all day long while you work out (and sometimes, even through the night), comfort is going to be one of your top priorities.

If a band is going to be too tight, or a chest strap will dig into your skin, you’re not going to get the best possible workout. But, with our picks, comfort was one of our top priorities, too. We made sure each tracker was lightweight and adjustable so you can focus on fitness!

Battery Life

While you’re pushing your body to its limits, performing stroke after stroke, lap after lap, you do _not _want to think about your tracker’s battery dying. If that happens, you’ll lose all your day’s data, and your workout will become moot.

That’s why we’ve scoured the market for the trackers with the longest lasting batteries! All of our top picks will last anywhere from 5 days to 18 months with just one charge!

Durability

If you’re a swimmer, your tracker is going to get wet; there’s no way around it. And outside the pool, jogging, biking, and other cardio activities are bound to make you sweat. So, you want a fitness tracker that can stand up to chlorine, salt, and sweat without cracking or snapping.

That’s why we made sure each of our picks are waterproof! You won’t have to stress about your strap or band getting eaten away by your hard work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use my Heart Rate Monitor in fresh, salt, and chlorinated water?

Yes! As long as you make sure to clean your band or strap with fresh water after use, it’s sure to last you a lifetime!

Can I connect my Heart Rate Monitor to an app on my phone?

Yes! All of our top picks are Bluetooth connective!

Will my Heart Rate Monitor come with a warranty?

Yes, you can request a warranty for most of our top picks. A few also offer protection plans for an additional charge.

Are the chest straps comfortable for women?

Yes, they all stay in place and provide the ultimate level of comfort for women as well as men.

Will I be able to find a band or strap in my size and color preference?

Absolutely! Most of our top picks come in a range of colors and all are size adjustable for the perfect fit every time!

Are chest straps better than wristbands for tracking your heart rate?

Only slightly, and that’s because the chest strap is attached more tightly to your body. However, wristbands tend to be more versatile and convenient, so you could wear them for any workout all day and night.

Conclusion

If you’re dedicated to your workouts and your health, you know how important a heart rate monitor really is. You know how detrimental it can be not to track your heart rate and progress each time you jump into the water.

That’s why you came here. And we’re certain you found at least one monitor that fits your needs and price point. Our Top 10 Picks are all waterproof, so you know you’ll purchase something that won’t break as soon as it’s submerged. Plus, they can all connect to your devices, securing your data and allowing your workouts to improve over time!

So don’t waste any more days in the pool because you haven’t been able to track your progress. Take control of your workouts NOW and swim all the way to the healthy body you’ve always wanted!

Happy Fitnessing!

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AUTHOR
Under training to become your personal trainer of choice. If Nelson is not busy producing awesome content to improve your mental, physical health and wellbeing, he’s probably sweating it out at the gym or watching Arsenal break hearts. A salesman and digital marketer , an avid reader, plays tennis and adventurous. He’s a disciple of self-development and follows everything fitness religiously.