What is the latest on electronic fitness montoring devices such as the fitbug, the basis watch etc.
As there is a big amount of new devices coming on the market in the last months, I am looking for some feedback from the field about these: the bodybugg, the fitbug, the basis watch the suunto ehanced heartrate monitors etc. If one wanted to truly measure some critical parameters for dlients, which are the best ones doe you think?
Roland, what would you consider to be the “critical parameters” you’d like your clients to keep track of/measure on a regular basis?
Although I’m not familiar with Suunto’s products, I have had great experiences with Polar’s products (much like Michael). Polar used to be ridiculously expensive across the board, but nowadays they seem to have a wider range of products available. You can purchase a quality watch that monitors your heart rate with a transmitter for less than $100.
The bodybugg is another product I’m not familiar with, however I see more and more people using them. After checking out the company’s website it appears as if they have a fair amount of good research backing their products. As with any form of technology, it’s important that the data it’s measuring is both valid (measuring what it’s supposed to) and reliable (repeatedly measures the same way and gives the same results, a.k.a. the data is consistent).
After looking into the Fitbug I came to the conclusion that it’s quite similar to a product called the Fitbit One. I’ve been using a Fitbit for the past few months and have really enjoyed my experience with it. Here’s what I like most it:
-It’s compatible with a wide range of fitness apps such as MyFitnessPal, MapMyFitness, and Loose It!
-After purchasing it you have free access to a great website that tracks all of the data collected from your daily use of the Fitbit.
-It has a great battery life and can easily be recharged from any USB outlet.
-The clip/case that comes with it is compact and really helps keep it secured to your pocket/waistband/shirt/etc so that it doesn’t get lost when you perform daily activities or exercise.
Lastly, if the Basis watch interests you, I’d recommend you check out another innovative product that’s in its last stages of development. It’s called the Amiigo Bracelet. You can find out more by checking out this link: http://www.indiegogo.com/amiigo
Let me know if you have any questions about anything I’ve mentioned. Best of luck to you finding the right technology to measure your definition of a client’s “critical parameters!”