Times are changing and technology is getting smarter. From smartphones to smart shoes, we are living in an age in which technology is incorporated into everything. While the action of working out may seem like a primitive concept, there’s a lot of science that goes into it, especially if you’re working with an educated fitness professional.
The great thing about all of this new technology is that it actually opens a gateway for non-fitness professionals to understand their workouts and their bodies a little better. From heart rate sensors to equipment sensors, there are plenty of ways for fitness enthusiasts to keep track of all their physicality. The latest in fitness technology may have you feeling like you’re in a scene from iRobot, but could also make a difference in your fitness routine.
Smart Phones:
Let’s start with the most simple of the latest tech. Most people already own a smartphone, so it only takes some app exploring to become familiar with what your phone has to offer. The iPhone, for example, comes with a pre-installed app known as the Health App. The Health App senses and records your walking and running distances, your steps, and flights of steps climbed.
It also can keep track of your nutrition, health records, and sleep patterns. The problem is that it isn’t always accurate, especially for those of us who don’t keep our phones nearby 24/7. If your smartphone doesn’t come with a pre-installed health tracker, you can always download one.
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Sensors & Heart Rate Monitors:
Another simple piece of tech that has been around for a while is the Heart Rate monitor. With a heart rate monitor, which is typically worn around the ribs at the base of the sternum or at the wrist, you can drasticallychange your workout results by simply knowing your heart rate and resting heart rate. While the heart rate monitor is typically simple, there have been major improvements and upgrades that have been made, which are evident in the FitBit and Apple Watch, which we’ll get into a bit later.
The difference between a monitor worn around the wrist and one worn at the chest is accuracy. The chest strap monitor works by reading the electrical signals that the body creates as the heart works. The wrist monitors take optical readings, calculating heart rate via light signals, sending light into the skin and reading the light that comes back. Electrical signals tend to be more accurate than optical. When exercising, the wrist tends to see quite a bit of movement. That movement creates more data, which shouldn’t be read in the final calculation, but is.
Other Monitors & Tracker Accessories:
You can opt to purchase a separate Heart Rate monitor for your workouts, but they’re typically incorporated into the most advanced wearable technology. This means you can get your heart rate readings from your TomTom Spark 3, your Apple Watch Series 3, your FitBit Alta HR, or even your Samsung Gear Fit 2 Pro.
They collect data from all activities, including sleep, however, each accessory has its pros and cons so it’s wise to do research to find the best one for your lifestyle. The Apple Watch Series 3, for example, is waterproof, so for a swimmer, it would be perfect. The TomTom Spark 3 is at a lower price point and does just about everything the Apple Watch does, so if you’re on a budget it may be better for you.
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It doesn’t stop there. What’s even cooler is that there are now Heart Rate sensing earbuds, which connect to any music player or phone via Bluetooth. JBL and Under Armour have teamed up to make a version called the JBL UA Sport Wireless Heart Rate Headphones, which givesaudio updates for heart rate and distance and connect to the FREE Record platform that keeps detailed records of each of your workouts. Other companies that make Heart Rate headphones include Jabra and Bose, but I hear the JBL/UA’s top the list because they actually stay…in…your…ears.
Equipment/Activity/Stat Sensors:
If you’re not interested in wearing your tech, but would still like to track it all, there’s an option for you! Your sports equipment can wear it for you. Of course, you wouldn’t be able to track your Heart Rate, but you could track sports specific data like distance, total kicks, and speed. Zepp makes an Equipment tracker, available for tennis rackets, golf clubs, baseball bats, and footballs. You attach the tracker to your piece of equipment, download the app, and see all of your data in one place, including video clips with insights!
Wearable Tech:
Now, finally, the most advanced technology comes in the form of fitness apparel. You can find sneakers, the Under Armour Gemini 3 RE Smart Shoes to be specific, with built-in sensors. These shoes record running metrics and store all data via Bluetooth and app. The best part? Unlike a smaller wearable tracker, you’re less likely to lose your shoes. If the UA Gemini 3s aren’t really your style you can always opt for the shoe inserts by Digitsole or the sensor socks by Sensoria.
Are you a cyclist? Well, you’re in luck because Coros has designed a helmet that has built-in headphones, giving you access to music and GPS directions without complete noise blocking. The Coros Linx helmet also tracks mileage and has a feature that sends alerts to loved ones in the event of an accident. Amazing.
The options are really limitless here, as technology has found ways to make wearable tech that is almost invisible. No matter your flavor, preferences, or lifestyle, there’s something for you. Shorts, tanks, apps, or the conventional monitors, there are vast options for every fitness enthusiast who wants to make improvements to his or her own fitness routine.
Jasmine Danielle is a Los Angeles based dancer and fitness trainer. She received her BFA in Dance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has studied with FiTour, the National Federation of Personal Trainers, and the Equinox Group Fitness Training Institute. Jasmine is currently a Group Fitness Instructor for Equinox, Everybody Los Angeles, and Sandbox Fitness. Her fitness modalities include, ballet, dance cardio, barre fitness, TRX, treadmill interval training, cardio kickboxing, jump rope, indoor cycling, and metabolic conditioning.
