Wearable Fitness Technology — Q&A : SimplyGym

Wearable technology is becoming increasingly popular, especially in the health and fitness market. But what is wearable fitness technology and how does it help? Who is it for and what is available? Our fitness gurus at Simply Gym Cwmbran sat down with us to answer our questions…

What is wearable fitness technology?

Wearable fitness technology encompasses gadgets that you wear which track and monitor various aspects of your life and feed information back to you through advanced electronic technologies.

These wearable gadgets transmit valuable insights through the internet or your smartphone into how healthy you are, how you are progressing and where you could improve. You could track steps, how you sleep, your heart rate, speed, calories burnt and even your posture.

Who is it for?

Wearable technology is not exclusively for elite athletes. Using technology to monitor your training can help you improve your health and optimise your performance, no matter your level.

Professional athletes are able to dedicate time and resources to track their data and pursue the smallest improvements, it’s their job. For those looking to improve their everyday health and fitness the key is to not become obsessed with statistics. Technology should aid your training, not replace it. Build a personal programme based around what you want to achieve and your wearable technology will show you where and when to make improvements.

What is available?

Wearable technology comes in all shapes and sizes. We already have watches, clip-ons, Smart Glasses and even clothes, to name but a few.

What is the best item available?

Answering this questions is near-impossible due to the range of gadgets available. The “best” item for you will depend entirely on what you are trying to achieve.

If you are looking to improve your health by tracking your heart rate, weight, sleep or activity a smart watch could be for you. We are big fans of FitBit’s range of smart watches and wristbands. FitBit even produce Smart Scales which track weight changes and monitor your BMI and body fat percentage.

Gadgets such as the ‘Gymwatch’ or KuaiWear’s coaching headphones contain built in sensors which can detect whether you are doing an exercise correctly, providing audio feedback and data as you exercise. There is also technology available that will help to fix your posture.

Lumo’s range of shorts and leggings also contain sensor technology and will track your stride length, pelvic rotation, and more. They are even machine washable!

Smartphone apps such as Strava can use GPS to track your route and performance whilst running or cycling. Some even compare your performance to other users, so you can see how you are getting on. There are apps out there for gym workouts and other sports too.

If you are a swimmer, the ‘Garmin Swim’ will track and upload your distance, stroke count and even your stroke efficiency.
Think about your requirements and do your research, there will be something out there that is perfect for you.

What are the benefits?

Wearable technology can improve your wellbeing, through real-time tracking and notifications on how and where to improve. It is also extremely convenient and easy to use. You literally just have to wear a gadget and connect it to your smartphone, or an app and you can get going.

We recommend that you spend time learning exactly how your device works, so that you can reap the maximum benefits from it.

What does the future hold?

It is still early days for the wearable technology market, but over the next few years fitness technology could change the way we live as continued innovation looks for ways to improve our wellbeing.

As part of your welcome to Simply Gym we will help you to develop a personalised exercise programme and would be more than happy to show you how you could incorporate wearable technology into your training.

If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to email cwmbran@simplygym.net