The health and fitness industry has always been a dynamic space, keeping pace with the latest developments in technology to improve personal health and wellbeing. The conventional way of maintaining a healthy lifestyle involves meticulous planning to ensure that the right food, exercise, and rest form an integral part of everyday life. However, in recent times, wearable health trackers have become a game-changer in the way we monitor our fitness goals. A wearable health tracker is an electronic gadget worn on the wrist, such as Fitbit, Apple Watch, or Garmin, that tracks various physical activities during the day, including exercise, heart rate, sleep cycles, and much more.
History of Wearable Health Tracker
The history of health tracking gadgets dates back to the early 1980s when the first pedometer became commercially available. The device consisted of a spring-operated mechanism that kept track of every step taken by the user. Although the device was relatively primitive, it highlighted the potentials of technology in health tracking. In later years, new devices were developed, such as heart rate monitors, pulse oximeters, and GPS-enabled fitness trackers.
However, the wearable health tracker industry took a massive leap with the introduction of the first Fitbit in 2008. The device was designed by James Park and Eric Friedman to track daily physical activities, such as steps taken, distance traveled, and calorie burn. Fitbit became an instant hit with consumers worldwide, leading to an impressive rise of wearable health trackers taking the fitness industry by storm.
Today, there are a wide array of health tracking devices available, each equipped with advanced features to monitor all aspects of the user’s fitness routine. The devices come in various sizes, shapes, and colors, catering to the user’s lifestyle, fitness goals, and personal preferences.
How Wearable Health Trackers Work
A wearable health tracker works by collecting data on the user’s physical activities, heart rate, sleep, and other important health metrics using internal sensors. The data is then synced with the user’s smartphone, providing real-time data and creating a comprehensive record of daily activity. The device tracks information such as calories burned, distance traveled, steps taken, sleep patterns, and much more.
The data collected via wearable health trackers is presented in an easy-to-use way taking into factor the user’s health goals. This provides an excellent way to track and monitor progress towards the desired fitness goals and can create a sense of accountability, acting as an encouraging tool to be more active, sleep more, and monitor the food we eat. Wearable health trackers integrate with various health tracking apps such as MyFitnessPal, Apple Health, and Google Fit, making it easy for the user to monitor multiple aspects of their health routine.
Wearable health trackers are more advanced today than ever before. Many devices come with state-of-the-art sensors that can track activities such as swimming, cycling, and skiing, to name a few. These devices are gradually replacing the need for gym memberships or personal trainers as users can access a wealth of information without leaving their homes, saving them both time and money.
Benefits of Wearable Health Trackers
1. Goal Setting and Tracking
One significant benefit of wearable health trackers is the ability to set and track health goals. Instead of going through long-term lifestyle changes, users can set small and achievable goals, making it easier to maintain motivation. Goal setting also provides a foundation to keep pushing beyond current performance levels, which are key to continued progress.
2. Accountability
Wearable health trackers can also provide accountability for users. By monitoring progress regularly, users can see their improvement, which can be an effective motivator. Sharing fitness metrics with friends or colleagues can help maintain focus and keep each other accountable.
3. Tracking Daily Activity Levels
One significant benefit of wearable health trackers is the ability to track daily activity levels, such as steps taken, distance traveled, and calories burned. This data can be used to create a baseline for fitness levels and to help motivate users to move more.
4. Improved Sleep and Stress Management
Sleep and stress are two crucial factors in overall health and wellbeing. Wearable health trackers provide insight into sleep cycles, allowing users to identify patterns and make necessary adjustments to improve sleep quality. Additionally, some devices come equipped with stress-tracking capabilities that can help users manage and identify stress triggers.
5. Personalisation
Wearable health trackers provide users with a personalized approach to their fitness routine. Users can set goals and track their daily activities based on their fitness level, preferences, and interests. Furthermore, these devices can keep track of exercise routines, providing insights on which type of physical activity is most effective at achieving fitness goals.
Future of Wearable Health Trackers
Wearable health trackers have come a long way since their inception, and the future is looking even more promising. The global wearable market is expected to reach $54.5 billion by 2023, with the health and fitness industry remaining the major driver of growth. Technology such as AI and machine learning are set to make significant strides in wearable health trackers’ development. By expanding the tools to include emotion and mental wellbeing tracking sensors, wearable health trackers may become more advanced in assisting with overall wellbeing.
The implementation of these technologies will allow health trackers to provide personalized and accurate data on users’ emotional and physical state. Furthermore, with the increasing popularity of virtual and remote health consultations due to Covid-19, wearable health trackers may be a critical tool for telemedicine in the future.
Real-Life Examples of Wearable Health Tracker Success Stories
Wearable health trackers have been instrumental in many people achieving their health and fitness goals. Here are two real-life examples of how wearable health trackers have revolutionized fitness.
Example One: Enhanced Physical Performance
Mark, a middle-aged married father of two, had been struggling with obesity for several years. After being diagnosed with diabetes, his doctor recommended the use of wearable health trackers to monitor his fitness routine. Mark found it challenging to keep track of his daily calories intake and activities, but with a wearable health tracker, he was able to monitor his food intake and exercise routines. By setting achievable targets and tracking progress on the device, Mark managed to lose over 20 pounds and reduce his HbA1c levels by over 20%.
Example Two: Improved Overall Health and Wellbeing
Jane, a young working professional, struggled to maintain a healthy lifestyle due to the demands of her job. She was often too busy to hit the gym or prepare healthy meals. After coming across a wearable health tracker, Jane decided to start tracking her daily activities and nutrition. She was surprised to find that she was not getting enough sleep and was consuming too many calories from snacks during the day. By monitoring her daily activities, sleep, and food intake, Jane was able to create and maintain a healthy routine, resulting in an overall improvement in her general wellbeing.
Conclusion
Wearable health trackers have undoubtedly revolutionized the health and fitness industry. They provide users with accurate data on daily activities, heart rate, and sleep patterns, allowing for a personalized approach to achieving fitness goals. The devices are expected to become even more advanced in the years to come, with technologies such as AI and machine learning allowing for more advanced features, including emotion and mental well-being tracking. As wearable health trackers continue to evolve, the potential for telemedicine in the future will only continue to grow, making it an essential tool for overall health and wellbeing.
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