Fitness Trackers, also known as activity trackers, fitness bands or activity monitors, have become a popular way to stay motivated, monitor physical activity and keep a log detailing the ins and outs of the activities you do.
But what really is their importance in our purpose of leading a more active and healthy lifestyle. In this article we will review the functions of these bracelets and which one to choose if we have decided to incorporate these gadgets to our exercise routines.
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Basic functions
Among some of the data that can be recorded with the use of an activity wristband are: steps, distance walked or run, calories burned, idle time, etc. These bracelets can be incorporated into virtually all our sports and daily activities; although not all are resistant to be submerged in water the vast majority are designed to withstand sweat and rain.
Synchronization with smart devices
A very important element is the software used by the activity bracelet, thanks to new technologies it is possible to synchronize data with applications for mobile, tablet or PC; in these applications users can find more detailed descriptions of the physical activities they develop.
The apps provide additional useful features:
- They allow adding friends who use the same brand of activity tracker, this gives them the possibility to share information and even compete with each other.
- They keep historical records that help to know the improvements in performance or increase in physical activity.
- They allow you to set challenges, which encourage the user to maintain a certain pace of physical activity in order to meet the goal that has been set.
- They provide assistance in controlling food consumption or water intake, thus serving as a very useful tool if you want to control your weight or follow a certain dietary regime.
Advanced functions
There are specialized bracelets that allow you to track your heart rate, monitor your sleep, measure your ascent and have GPS systems that allow you to see the route you have traveled.
Price
The price of Fitness Trackers is directly related to the amount of functions they can monitor, each year models implement new features and improvements in order to provide greater benefits to users. Although it is possible to find some models for prices below €100, there are models with prices close to €500.
Brands
In the world of activity monitors there are different brands, each one offering basic functionalities and particular features, some of the most recognized brands are:
- Fitbit: The American company Fitbit.Inc markets a wide range of devices for monitoring physical activity, since they came on the market to date they have launched thirteen different models, the most recent is the Fitbit Charge 2 The devices have applications for iOS, Windows and Android systems.
- Garmin: Based in Switzerland, Garmin is another American company specialized in the development of GPS technology, its equipment is used in aviation, motoring, navigation, libre activities and sports. Smart watches and activity monitors have gained space in the taste of those who practice sports activities. They have specific models based on the sporting activity practiced: running, swimming, climbing, golf and multisport. The Garmin Connect App is available for iOS and Android.
- Misfit: Founded in 2011 this company specializes in wearable technology that works with sensors, the Fitness Trackers have attractive designs and various functions among which stand out: sleep monitoring, calorie counting, step recording. The app is available for iPhone and Android.
- Jawbone: This American company has a line of activity monitors called UP, it is considered that these bracelets are special for sleep monitoring, they have 3 models: UP Move, UP2 and UP3, each one exceeds its predecessor in functionalities, highlights its rechargeable battery that offers a duration of 10 days.
- Xiaomi: This Asian company that develops technology applicable to different areas, also has two models of activity bracelet called Xiaomi Mi Band and Xiami Mi Band 2, noted for its low cost and battery life. The application can be used on iOS and Android devices.
- Samsung: This South Korean conglomerate, one of the most recognized manufacturers of technological devices in the world, has two activity band designs: Gear Fit and Gear Fit 2 The application is only available for Android, but the company is preparing one for iOS devices.
- Polar: One of the first to launch into the exciting world of Fitness Trackers and has achieved sales successes with models such as the Polar Loop 2 or the new Polar A360.
There are other brands of fitness Fitness Trackers on the market, such as Moov Now. Sporting goods companies such as Nike and Adidas also have devices for monitoring sports activity.
How to choose a wristband
There is a great variety of bracelets or physical activity monitors, the number of brands and designs increases every day, this diversity makes the process of choosing one can become an increasingly difficult task. Here are some tips you should take into account:
Define the purpose
It is very important to be clear about what is expected from the activity bracelet, remember that there are models that only count steps, heart rate or sleep control, while there are other models that can monitor multiple sports or with integrated GPS systems, which are very useful for those who practice cycling or running. The user must analyze and define how much data is important to him or what type of information he wants to obtain from the physical activity performed.
Deciding on the design
Although most have the wristband design that wraps around the wrist, there are some designs that allow the device to be removed from the wristband and carried in the pocket, for example the Misfit Ray that can even be worn around the neck like a necklace.
Some, such as those from Samsung, have touch screens but others simply have screens with LED lights that light up when any of the bracelet's functions are activated.
Water resistant
A check should be made on whether the wristband is waterproof, especially if it is possible to submerge it without damaging it, mainly for those who do swimming activities. Most are water resistant which means they can withstand sweat or rain. Among the waterproof models is the Garmin Vivoactive HR.
GPS and Heart Rate Monitor
Because these two elements require special technologies, it is important to consider whether we need our band to have them integrated, most bands have technologies for heart rate monitoring but very few are capable of integrated GPS, it is important to note that having GPS system the cost of the bracelet will be higher.
Applications and other details
Although most Fitness Trackers have their own applications, there are many people who use third-party applications that they would like to synchronize with the band, it is important to inquire about compatibility, also sometimes the functionality of the applications are not the same for Android platforms and iOS platforms, which could generate a certain degree of frustration.
Another important aspect is battery life, some bands require charging every five to 10 days via USB and others use watch batteries that can last around six months. Be informed: some companies allow you to try the wristbands for a period of time for which you cancel a relative amount of money.
Which one to buy?
After having decided the type of band that meets our requirements and needs, it will be necessary to establish a budget; this to facilitate the search for the activity bracelet. There are some that for their features are on the list of those you should consider.
Fitbit Charge 2
It offers a great amount of information in real time about the activity you are doing. It monitors heart rate, calories burned, records steps, distance traveled, minutes of activity and sleep quality. It can be purchased for a price of around 160.00€.
Misfit Ray
The best for those looking for simplicity, it can be purchased for a price of approximately 97.00€. It monitors steps, distance, calories, duration and quality of sleep. Motion reminders can be activated and it vibrates to alert of text messages or calls.
Moov Now
A personal trainer and activity tracker, it can be purchased for a price of 67.00€. This bracelet tracks progress and talks during the session to provide assistance when running, cycling or performing any of the sports activities it monitors. It can be used for swimming.
Garmin Vivoactive HR
With a price of 241.00€, it is equipped with GPS, touch screen, can monitor heart rate, calories burned, determine distances traveled and can be used in the pool as it allows to monitor time and number of strokes used when running a certain stretch.
Samsung Gear Fit 2
With a 15 touchscreen display and built-in GPS, Samsung s activity wristband allows you to monitor steps, sleep quality and time, distance traveled and heart rate, among other functions. It can be found for a price of 197.00€.
Although there are many brands and models of Fitness Trackers, the above are the most popular among users thanks to their functionalities and their prices remain in a fairly affordable range. It will always be possible to get activity monitors at lower prices, but the important thing will be to find out about the quality and functions it is able to offer.
Polar A360
The Polar A360 is a mix between an activity tracker and a high-end heart rate monitor. So we can enjoy vibration alerts when you receive calls, messages, calendar alarms and notifications from social networks or when it is able to detect that you have been inactive for a long time.
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