It used to be that to get an effective workout you’d hit the gym or go running. Just you and yourself, without the bother of technology. Some could say that it was our most “silent time of the day”. Then came along the iPod that replaced the walk-man to enable us to feel more empowered and motivated during our workouts. After that we got to the smartphone phase. During that phase – still on going – we would not go anywhere with out the phone. At the gym or on the trail we had to use the best fitness apps to design and track our workouts, and a large portion of us fitness geeks try to stay social while training by “checking in” or comparing results with our friends. Today, we are slowly, but surely, creeping into the age of the “internet of things” with the smartphones taking a back seat, while adding on more technology based features to our workout-experience.
Global wearable device shipments will increase more than 400% by 2017, reaching 116 million units, up from 27 million in 2014.The internet of things is the future of getting into shape and staying at your optimal fitness level. 2015 is your time to be a better athletic and more fit version of yourself with the help of at least one of these five wearables for fitness over-achievers.
In the spirit of fitness, one of the more lovable fitness quotes that is not too over board: – “The more you train, the more people there are who are weaker than you”.
1. Atlas Wristband
This is by far the best wearable if you are a gym-rat. As we wrote in our story about the Atlas Wristband, with this wristband you will be able to have a better experience doing your strength training, as it automatically senses which type of exercise you are doing and records your reps and sets. It’s technology is so advanced that it can differentiate between a regular push-up and a triangular one!
Swim much? Finally a wearable that helps you get in better shape than yesterday. The Atlas is water resistant at up to 50 meters and can count the number of laps, strokes, and muscles getting worked on! Of course it would not be complete without being able to calculate the amount of calories you burn. Bonus: it also acts as a teacher – evaluating your form as you train.
2. LifeBEAM Smart Hat
Are you a big runner? Workout a lot in the sun? LifeBeam has you covered with a “smart hat”. It may be much more simplistic than the aforementioned Atlas, but sometimes less is more. The LifeBEAM smart hat brings intelligence to your training. Whether going for a run, TRX training, playing a sport, or even hiking, it can send precise measurements of your heart rate, steps, and calories to your favorite smartphone or smart watch/wristband.
3. FitBit Charge
As most of you probably know, this is one of the more popular wearables for multiple uses throughout the day. With the Charge you can lead every aspect of your day with it, including the time you spend getting that extra hour of sleep. The most exciting features from the Charge that will enable you to be the best you can be in the fitness realm are its sleep monitor (you do realize how important sleep is, right?), tracking your daily moves from walking to the office to your lunch break movements, and of course its display and features on the mobile app.
We are big fans of the dashboard in the app, which makes purchasing this wearable very worthwhile – the dashboard lets you input, and displays info regarding your food intakes, and record workouts.
4. Basis Peak
Basis is another great option for anyone that wants to better understand how well they sleep, and take their fitness to the next level. What’s to like about it? You don’t have to squint at the screen on your wrist to analyze all the data, rather with Peak you can slide from screen to screen to see a different statistic on each one. Like the Atlas Wristband, Basis Peak also automatically detects walking, running, biking, and sleeping so that you can focus on switching from exercise to exercise without having to deal with changing your options.
Technologically speaking, this is a superior wristband that alongside its 4-day battery life, tracks your skin temperature, heart rate, motion, and perspiration.
5. UP3 (Jawbone)
They claim that they have the world’s most advanced fitness tracker – and they may be onto something. With their Heart Health Sensor measuring resting heart rate – a leading indicator of your overall health and fitness level – you are never in doubt on the standing of your fitness level. Like the aforementioned wearables, with the UP3 workouts are automatically recognized and logged. You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of your sleep. All this, in an impossibly small, water-resistant design with a full week of battery life.
