As technology evolves a simple device such as a pedometer has been amped up to not only measure the number of steps you take in a day but also all of your activity, food intake and offers gentle reminders it is time to move. Activity trackers are quickly becoming a new motivational tool to improve and maintain health.
Metrics and Analysis
Currently there are several main contenders in the activity tracker, Fenix, jawbone, Fitbit and Nike. Each has its own appeal and metrics used to measure various things. Beyond steps measured the various trackers can record glucose, weight and body fat percentage, blood pressure, mileage and effort, heart rate, posture and sleep. Each of these metrics is used to give a complete report of health and effort. This information can then be shared with medical professionals to help them have a much more informed position in which to see your overall health and activity.
Future activity trackers are expected to measure more and more making connective health a reality. What is being tracked now helps doctors work with patients much more effectively but the future of activity tracking will be able to monitor many more things that require blood testing and only are effective for that moment when the blood was drawn not an expansive amount of time such as the trackers keep.
Simplicity and Effectiveness
The devices are quite simple. They are a bracelet style device that attaches securely and with minimal programming keeps track of your movement. It can be set to vibrate when it is time to move and be used as an alarm clock to get you up in the morning. They all connect to computers either directly or via Bluetooth so information can be stored and printed. The calorie counting is still a little behind times with a lot of manual input still required. As use increases and technology advances this portion of the trackers will improve.
The vast majority of people report that the activity trackers do help increase their fitness. Many report is makes them really pay attention to how much activity they are actually getting versus what they think they are getting. They are also helping people to improve realistically their goals for fitness. Programming the devices to increase activity at realistic intervals has been the largest advantage for those changing their lives.
One objective: Extend Life Expectancy.
The little extra nudge and reminders to get up and move will extend life expectancy. While easy to ignore the buzzing reminder that it is time to move, studies show that more people are responding to the reminders than ignoring them. One of the top brands claims their users report a 42% increase in activity wearing the tracker. These numbers will only increase with time as technology of the trackers is incorporated in the health care system.
As activity trackers stand today there is plenty of evidence that if used properly they can change your life for the better. They take away the guessing of knowing how much activity you have gotten and can weigh your calories in and out to help you reach goals or maintain weight.
Discover our selection of the best Activity Trackers and Wearable.
