{"id":9381,"date":"2020-02-12T08:30:05","date_gmt":"2020-02-12T13:30:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/healthyhorizons\/?p=9381"},"modified":"2020-02-06T09:15:49","modified_gmt":"2020-02-06T14:15:49","slug":"fitness-trackers-faq","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/healthyhorizons\/workout-wednesday\/fitness-trackers-faq\/","title":{"rendered":"Fitness Trackers FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"
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How Fitness Trackers Work<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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All trackers use sensors to monitor your movements, often connecting and syncing wirelessly with a computer or mobile device to store data about your day-to-day activities. The types of activities monitored vary by tracker but can include number of steps taken, hours of sleep, heart rate, skin temperature, and perspiration levels.<\/p>\n

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Most trackers use an accelerometer to help measure your steps and other up-down, side-to-side, and front-to-back movements.<\/p>\n

Additional sensors may include:<\/b>
\n\u2022 Heart rate monitor to track your pulse during exercise and throughout the day
\n\u2022 Gyroscope to determine whether you\u2019re standing, sitting, reclining, swimming, cycling, etc.
\n\u2022 GPS to track your location
\n\u2022 Magnetometer to detect specific movements and determine which direction you\u2019re moving in
\n\u2022 Barometer to determine your altitude, which is used to calculate how many flights of stairs you climbed this morning to get to your office<\/p>\n

Some activity trackers let you sync with external heart monitors, smart bathroom scales, and other devices that offer more precise readings. When paired with the companion software or mobile app (or even third-party apps, in some cases), trackers can give you insight into the habits that make up your lifestyle.<\/p>\n

Other models offer smartwatch-like alerts for incoming calls, texts, instant messages, and e-mail. And they can provide motivational support in the guise of challenges, badges, interaction with online friends, and a vibrating alert when it\u2019s time to get up and go. They can even share data remotely with your doctor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Check Our Fitness Tracker Ratings for More<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Fitness Tracker vs. Smartwatch<\/h3>\n
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Fitness trackers are designed to accommodate a range of requirements. If you simply want to know how many steps you\u2019re taking each day, opt for a basic model that costs less than $100.<\/p>\n

If you want details on the speed, pace, and stride associated with your steps, along with your average heart rate and insights into how much (and how well) you\u2019re sleeping, you\u2019re going to need something more advanced. Some models can even provide data tailored specifically to the routines of avid swimmers, golfers, skiers, weight lifters, or marathon runners.<\/p>\n

But, if you\u2019re really into both productivity and fitness, check out our\u00a0smartwatch ratings. These devices often offer more in the way of these features, though\u00a0they tend to be more expensive.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what fitness trackers measure:<\/b>
\n\u2022 Steps taken
\n\u2022 Heart rate
\n\u2022 Duration of exercise
\n\u2022 Active minutes
\n\u2022 Sleep time (sometimes divided into regular and REM)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Fitness Tracker Ratings by Consumer Reports<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Features to Consider<\/h3>\n
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Once you\u2019ve decided on the functions you want, you can refine your options based on personal taste.<\/p>\n

Style
\n<\/b>Many trackers are designed to be worn on the wrist, but some can be worn as pendants or clipped to your clothing. In the past, devices tended to look purely functional, but manufacturers are now more conscious of style. Look for a greater variety of materials, shapes, and colors\u2014and some models created in collaboration with\u00a0bona fide fashion designers. Choose a look you\u2019ll feel comfortable wearing every day.<\/p>\n

Display<\/b>
\nThe more advanced trackers reveal their data\u2014using words, numbers, and symbols\u2014on a watch-face-like display. Others share that info via a simple LED light display or only via an app. When you sync the data onto your\u00a0smartphone\u00a0or\u00a0computer, the tracker\u2019s companion app not only archives the information but also helps you interpret and analyze it. Before you make a final decision, preview the tracker\u2019s companion app in the Apple App Store or on Google Play to make sure it lives up to your expectations.<\/p>\n

Compatibility<\/b>
\nBefore you pull out your wallet, make sure the device is simpatico with your cell phone or computer. Some trackers sync only with Apple\u2019s iOS; others, only with Android. And most do not work with Windows.<\/p>\n

Accuracy
\n<\/b>Trackers are not foolproof. They use sensors and algorithms to parse footsteps, punches thrown, stairs climbed, hours slept. That means there\u2019s some degree of imprecision. If you need hard data, you may want to pursue a function-specific device. In general, heart rate monitors that strap to your chest and transmit info to your activity tracker are more precise than the in-device sensors applied to your wrist.<\/p>\n

Battery Life<\/b>
\nDepending on the sophistication of the device, battery life can stretch from one day to several months. The battery in a tracker with a color touchscreen and an armada of sensors will need to be charged more frequently than one in a simple band with a few LED lights on its face. It\u2019s also worth noting that not all trackers are rechargeable. Some run on the coin cell batteries often used in cameras and calculators.<\/p>\n

Water<\/b>
\nHow often do you encounter water when you work out? That\u2019s an important consideration, too. Some trackers are just splash-proof. Others can withstand a hardy shower\u2014indoors or out. But if you\u2019re going to wear your tracker in the pool, it should be waterproof.<\/p>\n

Fitness Tracker Information<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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