Fitness bracelet

Today, an increasing number of people prefer to lead a healthy and athletic lifestyle. With the help of the latest technologies, a huge number of diverse, multifunctional devices have been created that can help a person in organizing his life, including not only her active period, but also her rest time.

Fitness bracelets or so-called “smart” bracelets are intended for fixing indicators of some physical parameters of a person with active sports and rest.

The market of fitness bracelets is represented by a huge number of models that differ in their purpose, characteristics, and design. There are the simplest models that have the basic basic functions — a heart rate monitor and a pedometer, models that calculate the distance traveled for a certain period and calories burned, and models with a “smart alarm clock” function for tracking the duration and usefulness of sleep.

The design of fitness bracelets is very diverse. Basically, they look like bracelets that are worn on the hand. A large range of colors in which the bracelets are made, as well as their various forms, make it possible to simultaneously use them as a stylish accessory.

In addition, fitness bracelets differ in characteristics such as:

• the duration of work time;
• presence / absence of the display;
• degree of water resistance;
• battery life;
• the presence / absence of illumination;
• way to display data, etc.

Not every person who wants to keep fit, has the opportunity to regularly visit the fitness room and practice under the constant supervision of the coach. A large number of people play sports on their own. Someone runs in the morning, someone plays, for example, football / volleyball, part of the female population attends dances, yoga and pilates, and older people prefer walking.

To have an idea of ​​the number of loads received and the reactions of the human body to them, similar devices are used. A fitness bracelet (or fitness tracker) counts the steps taken by its owner and the corresponding distance, counts burned calories, and also has the ability to measure a person’s pulse rate, pressure, temperature, and sweating.

Such a device with a smart alarm function can analyze the quantity and, most importantly, the quality of sleep.

Let us consider in more detail the fitness models of bracelets created for various categories of users. Smart models register various data that is transferred to a computer (either a tablet or a phone) and analyzed.

In addition to the basic functions, the alarm clock function in the fitness bracelet is very convenient for many. Many, probably, in their life faced with a situation when the next morning, after what seemed to be a long enough sleep, their state of health left much to be desired.The bracelet with the alarm function, according to the results of the obtained data and analysis of the sleep phases, determines the optimal time to complete sleep and wakes its owner or signals the optimal time to fall asleep. Bracelets with alarm function provide its owner with excellent well-being after a rest and timely execution of all planned cases.

TOCategories of people who want to bring their figure back to normal with the help of diets will fit a bracelet, among the functions of which is the function of a personal nutritionist. He will tell his owner what food, in what quantity and in what period of time is best to use to achieve the goal. In addition, the bracelet will promptly remind you of the need for fluid intake.

Some “smart” bracelets can serve as an organizer - the bracelet will alert you about calls and messages, remind you of upcoming meetings and monitor the status of your email.

Bracelets designed for active sports, help its owner to correctly adjust the level of physical activity, taking into account the data obtained. Also, sports bracelets serve as a motivating factor, since they provide for the possibility of setting goals (a certain load for a fixed time, intensity of training, the number of calories that must be worked out).

With the help of fitness bracelets for swimming it is possible to determine the method of swimming, counting the number of swimming pools, total distance covered, pulse, calorie consumption. Such fitness bracelets are waterproof and can withstand immersion for a large number of meters.

A huge range of fitness trackers also provides models for children.

Children's models are made mainly in the form of bright-colored bracelets with a dust- and moisture-proof sheath. As well as adult models, some of them provide for the possibility of immersion in water to a depth of about 50 meters.

Bracelets are equipped with a display. The menu allows you to choose which mode to display information. With the help of such bracelets you can also observe the physical activity of the child during the day, for example, the distance that the child traveled during the day.

The bracelet is controlled by a smartphone, where you can not only record the results, but also set new tasks for the child, which must be completed within a certain time. If all tasks are completed within the time limit, the child receives a reward, which serves as a motivation for further actions.

Manufacturers of fitness bracelets also took care of the beautiful half of humanity. Along with the models with the most ordinary design, they were created that are able to complement and beautify the image of a woman, while performing all the functions envisaged. Models of various materials - metal, plastic and even wood, which can be worn on the wrist and in the form of a pendant or bracelet, will appeal to women who want to look fashionable and stylish.

Most models of fitness bracelets have approximately the same set of basic functions. These include:

• pedometer function;
• sleep tracker;
• distance tracker;
• tracker calories burned.

Also fitness bracelets are able to measure some physical indicators, for example, pulse, pressure, body temperature at rest and for comparison with physical activity.For people who need to control their weight, a fitness bracelet with the function of tracking the dietary mode and the ability to calculate the energy value of each consumed food will be useful.

In the proposed assortment of fitness bracelets, there are also models with organizer functions that have:

• built-in alarm clock;
• the calendar;
• notify their owner of all incoming calls and messages;
• reminded of the planned activities.

The ability to set different goals and monitor their achievement can serve as a good motivation for the bracelet owner. In addition, models have been created that additionally have functions that have no direct relation to their main purpose, but nevertheless are a nice addition to them - for example, with the function of a remote control player or camera control of a smartphone.

The shape and size of fitness bracelets are designed for maximum convenience. The wearer can wear a fitness bracelet as an accessory either on the wrist or on the neck.

Now let's see how this small device is capable of performing such a large number of functions, for which not so long ago it was necessary to use several devices.

Most of today's modern devices are equipped with a 3-axis accelerometer, the task of which is to track the movement and acceleration of the device in three directions. The accelerometer consists of two small electrical boards with an electrical charge, and a counterweight is installed between the boards. If there is no movement, the counterweight is in the middle. When moving, the counterweight is in contact with the plates, creating a three-dimensional picture of movement. To determine the pulse rate, two integrated electrodes are used.

Some models also have a gyroscope that measures rotation and serves to improve orientation. There are models equipped with an altimeter that captures the change in height over a certain period. The performance of all sensors are summarized and analyzed.

The “smart alarm clock” function, which is present in a large number of fitness bracelets, is implemented as follows: using sensors, including the accelerometer and heart rate monitor already mentioned, the device analyzes the state of the body of a sleeping person. As soon as the device detects that the person is in the sleep phase suitable for the awakening, a signal is triggered (usually it is not a loud and sharp sound, but a vibration), and the person gradually awakens.

Calories are calculated using a heart rate monitor and accelerometer. When analyzing the cardiac activity of a person, the heart rate monitor calculates the approximate number of calories burned during his physical activity. Accelerometer records physical activity. For these purposes, additional information about the owner is also required: gender, age, height, weight.

In addition, special software has been developed that can calculate the difference between calories consumed and spent on the basis of data entered by a person. The accuracy of the data produced in this analysis is constantly being improved by the developers.

The algorithm for processing information obtained using sensors, as well as its statistical representation, depends on the settings set by the manufacturer of each specific model.

Fitness bracelets are very simple and convenient to use. The owner will need to install a special application on his smartphone or iphone, connect the two devices with each other and synchronize. For this purpose, some models require the creation of an account and the use of bluetooth. After performing all these simple actions, you can use the bracelet, and the data obtained from it will be reflected on the smartphone.

One of the most popular models of the Fitbit brand are Fitbit Surge, Fitbit Charge HR, Charge, Flex, One and Zip. All these models are distinguished by their individual design, set of functions and price. Let's look at each of them in more detail.

Fitbit Surge is the most expensive model of the above, since its feature set allows you to consider it as a “smart” watch. In addition to the functions of measuring heart rate, number of steps, distance traveled, movement speed, energy consumption, amount of fat burned, activity time and sleep tracking, this device also displays information about incoming calls and messages.

Distinctive features of this model are:

• Built-in GPS module, with which the owner can track your route.
• Compatible with Apple iOS and Android.
• Connection interface - Bluetooth v 4.0.
• There is a special application for synchronization with a smartphone.
• The tracker is made in the form of a bracelet with a plastic display.
• The metal case has a dust / moisture protection.
• The operating time in normal mode is about 7 days, in the active mode - 10 hours.

An overview of the main features of Fitbit Surge can be viewed in the following video:

Fitbit Charge HR ranks second for the price following Fitbit Surge. This model has almost the same functionality as the previous one:

• It can perform the function of an alarm clock, counting calories expended, measuring distance, tracking sleep phases.
• The product has a heart rate monitor, a step counter,
• Able to notify about calls and messages, and also has a clock.
• Connection interface - Bluetooth v 4.0.
• Has a display with LED dial.
• The normal working time is 7 days.

Fitbit Charge differs from previous models in that it does not have a heart rate monitor function, but it does have a function of counting overcame floors, both during descent and during ascent. Fitbit Charge model supports the function of counting steps, distance traveled and calories burned, has a clock and an alarm function, and also tracks sleep phases.

Also, the device transmits information about incoming calls. Fitbit Charge can work with smartphones on Android OS, IOS and even Windows Phone 8.1. Connection interface - Bluetooth v 4.0. The model is made in the form of a bracelet with a display. The case is not waterproof. The normal working time is also 7 days.

The main functionality of the model Fitbit Flex is to track the physical activity of its owner. Fitbit Flex has a function of counting the steps taken (and the result is calculated with very high accuracy) and calories expended, the tracker can monitor the body's water balance, tracks the sleep phases, but at the same time wakes up not when the deep sleep phase is completed, but in owner time

This model is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows Phone and connects using Bluetooth v 4.0. The model is made in the form of a bracelet, the display is missing. Offline time - 5 days.

Fitbit One has the ability to monitor distance traveled for a certain time and calculate calories burned, just like Fitbit Charge can calculate floors and has a sleep tracking function. Reports incoming calls and messages.

Compatible with Apple iOS and Android, connects via Bluetooth v 4.0. This model differs from the previous ones in that it is designed as a key fob with a display. It has a clip for mounting.Thus, it can be worn on clothes, hooking it in a convenient place for the owner. Hours without recharging - up to 10 days.

Fitbit Zip is the most affordable option from the above devices. He works on batteries, the life of which is about six months. Fitbit Zip is counting the number of steps, calories burned per day and the activity of its owner. Compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, OS X, also connect via Bluetooth v 4.0. All received data is displayed.

I would also like to draw attention to the fitness tracker Povit, model P-8134, located in a very affordable price category. This model is equipped with the most necessary functions for maintaining health:

• calorie counter;
• sleep monitoring function;
• pedometer.

The model is also made in the form of a bracelet with a display.

To select a suitable model of a fitness tracker, its potential owner must first decide for what purpose he wants to purchase it. If a person wants to simply monitor and control his physical activity during the day, as well as keep his weight stable, then models with basic functions will suit him: a pedometer, a heart rate monitor and a calorie meter.

If we are talking about intensive training with the achievement of a certain result, then fit models with broader functionality, allowing not only to track their actions, but also to set the tasks and time of their execution.

People who are engaged in swimming, when choosing, be sure to pay attention to whether the bracelet has sufficient protection from moisture. It is recommended to pay attention to the presence of the display, as well as the size of the device and the length of its strap.

Of course, having a fitness bracelet on your hand will not make you fit and healthy quickly. But with his successful and optimal choice, you will receive an indispensable and loyal assistant with whom you can achieve your goals.

Most people who own fitness bracelets note that these modest-sized devices have had a significant impact on their daily lives.

Simple and easy to use, they are to the liking of young active people who purposefully play sports and are interested in achieving results and their continuous improvement in this direction, and older people who are watching their health and want to stay in good shape for a long time. According to reviews of the female population, they are pleased with the diversity in terms of the design and colors of the models offered, and for children this device can also become a favorite entertainment.

It is also worth noting some of the problems faced by some users. Sometimes bracelet owners have difficulty synchronizing a bracelet with a smartphone (iPhone, tablet, computer). In most cases, this is due to the lack of necessary applications and is easily solved by their installation.

Some users point out some errors in the results obtained by the fitness bracelet. As a rule, this occurs because the device mistakenly recognizes the actions of a person.

Currently, the direction associated with the development and production of this sports accessory is actively developing, and new, improved models that meet the most demanding requirements appear on the market.