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Devices for measuring physical activity - this long and quite mysterious name hides very small but useful gadgets. They are helpful for both sports enthusiasts and people who are slimming. What are the most popular devices for measuring physical activity? What exactly are they for?
Measuring physical activityUntil recently, it was the domain of specialists who supported people professionally practicing sports. Today, most sports enthusiasts have heard of such devices. And people who cannot imagine their life without exercise and competition, follow their results on a regular basis, thanks to monitors to measure physical activity. Small gadgets in the form ofbands, watches or clipsattached to clothes will be precisely listed, among others kilometers traveled and calories burned.
Physical activity monitors: why should you use them?
Physical activity can be measured in terms of calories burned, distance traveled and heart rate. The data obtained in this way allows to determine the effectiveness of training and will facilitate the improvement of the achieved results. For people who are passionate about running or Nordic walking, it is difficult to cope without a device measuring the distance traveled and the time in which they have covered a given route. Increasing speed or the number of kilometers run is an integral part of working on yourself and setting yourself new sports challenges. Therefore, if we take sport seriously, a device measuring physical activity becomes extremely helpful.
Mobile devices aimed at active people are also very useful in determining the number of calories burned, and thus facilitate weight loss. Burning adipose tissue is most effectively achieved through cardio exercises, i.e. those that we perform for a long time and require moderate effort from us. The best example of this type of exercise is the aforementioned running, but also e.g. cycling or Zumba. In order for cardio exercises to be effective, we must make sure that they really force us to moderate activity, i.e. keep our heart rate at 120-150 beats per minute. And here the right device that tracks the heart rate value during exercise will be helpful, thanks to which we can constantly control the intensityexercise.
What is the difference between a pedometer and an accelerometer?
The simplest devices for measuring physical activity are pedometers and accelerometers. The first one counts the number of steps we have taken and allows us to determine the distance covered during the whole day - when moving around the city or doing household chores. Accelerometers also help estimate the pace of movement. These devices most often work in conjunction with GPS, so they are not adapted to use in closed rooms, but the latest models are devoid of these limitations.
Almost every gadget that measures physical activity is equipped with a heart rate monitor. Sometimes it is built into the main unit, other times it is attached to it in the form of a special belt.
Functions of devices for measuring physical activity
The latest devices, in order to most effectively motivate to lead an active and he althy lifestyle, in addition to the most important functions, control the hours of sleep and the nutritional value of the food consumed by the user. The most popular functions of devices for measuring physical activity are:
- counting steps;
- counting stairs climbed;
- measure distance;
- measuring speed;
- counting calories burned;
- analyze your sleep depth based on your motor activity at night;
- synchronization with the phone;
- alarm clock;
- meeting new people / competing with other device users;
- bluetooth / NFC / ANT + connections to the computer.
Almost every gadget used to measure physical activity is compatible with a special program that, installed on a computer or phone, will allow the user to keep a log of physical activity, nutrition diary, drawing up tables and charts, tracking their results and controlling the lifestyle they lead . Devices for measuring physical activity are modern diaries, the purpose of which is to help us lead a he althy lifestyle.
Bands, watches, clips - what is worth investing in?
Devices for measuring physical activity that use the function of a pedometer, accelerometer or heart rate monitor are available on the market in the form of watches, bands and clips that are attached to clothes.
Additionally, they sometimes contain separate heart rate monitors. In addition to the basic functions, manufacturers compete in enriching the product with other features, such as water resistance or a touch screen. An important aspect of these gadgets is also their appearance. Which activity tracker should I choose?
It will help in making the assessmentyou an overview of the various devices in the photo gallery above.