Wearable Feedback Technology
One of the biggest developments in fitness technology is wearable feedback. You attach these mini-computers to your wrist your torso, your shoe or anywhere else that has a strap or a strip. These devices are made by Garmin, Polar Training Computers, Fitbit Ultra, Fuelband and Nike Sportband.
The value of this technology is that you get constant feedback on your activities. They track distance, pace and calories burned with the more sophisticated models recognizing all of the patterns of the owner.
The technology behind wearables used to be quite inaccurate and the devices themselves used to be really bulky. Now they are svelte smart digital computers. Even keychains are no longer bulky. AlternativeKey.com has an awesome new compact alternative keychain. You put key blades inside and you have a convenient sleek new key holder.
The great thing about fitness trackers is that they can help save you hundreds of dollars that you would otherwise have to spend on a personal trainer to help you reach your workout goals.
It is not just the usual running and walking and other pedometer style of feedback devices that are available. For instance, Motorola makes MotoACTV Golf Edition that keeps track of all of your activities. It is an android powered watch that acts as a virtual caddy which can help track your scorecard, clubs and key statistics.
Another cool item is Nike’s Fuelband that helps you keep track of the calories that you burn during any kind of workout. You input the number of calories you want to expend and the bracelet keeps trace of it all day. The digital lettering on the band turns green when you meet your goal. You can also sync it to your iPhone or PC.
A similar item is the Jawbone which is a water resistant polymer band that can be worn all day long. It automatically records all calories burned, distance covered and active versus inactive time for the entire day. You can wear this one in the pool and add an accurate calculation when it comes to figuring out how many calories were burned as a swimmer. These calories are often estimated because until recently there have been few tools that have been useful as digital recording devices in water.
The Fibit Ultra works as a basic pedometer but it also helps keep track of all of the steps that you take and adjusts for extra calorie expending as you are climbing hills or stairs. This type of accurate calorie counter is good for people who like their technology to be very simple.
2.