There is much ado about wearable devices to track your fitness, calories, and sleep, but do they make any real difference in the wearer's daily habits? A new UK survey sponsored by Fitbit, a maker of such devices, says yes, that half of those who wear a tracking device report "strong behavior change."
A survey by the Trajectory Group questioned 1,005 people between the ages of 18 and 54 in April 2013, Mobihealthnews reports.
Findings showed that 25 per cent of adults between the ages of 25 and 34 said they "run their lives through their smartphone," and 25 per cent of those between 25 and 44 years old said motivational prompts through their smartphone have a big impact on their actions. The data comes from Fitbit Healthy Futures Report, a study on mobile device impact health and fitness in the U.K., Mobihealthnews reports.
Last January's Pew Internet and American Life Project found that seven in 10 American adults are self-tracking their fitness and health -- but only a fifth are relying on technology to do the job, with the other half keeping tabs "in their heads," the report said. The latest survey found that seven in 10 adults track their health in their heads.
The new survey found that 31 per cent self-tracked their health and fitness via computer program, website, or mobile device, while 23 per cent used paper.
Also when asked about their motivations for tracking their health, 46 per cent said to feel good, while 23 per cent said to look good, and 19 per cent said to perform well.
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Jawbone Up
While it's rather more fiddly than the Nike Fuelband, the UP gives you more control over your data, is a lighter and arguably more attractive device to wear on your wrist and is complemented by 10-day battery and an excellent app which links into several external services to share data on iOS. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/04/23/jawbone-up-uk-review-can-_n_3139321.html" target="_blank">It's not infallible, but it's an good option if you want to track your activity easily and effectively</a>.
Fitbit One Review
The Fitbit One clips to your clothes to measure the steps you take, stairs you climb, and the quality of your sleep. We prefer it to the wristband version, which lacks altitude tracking.
Nike Fuelband SE
The Nike Fuelband is one of the most attractive and intuitive fitness trackers on the market - and the new SE edition is the best one yet, adding Bluetooth LE for constant syncing with your iPhone, 'Session' markers and limited sleep tracking. It's not a complex gadget, and it's hurt by the lack of Android compatibility. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/06/20/nike-fuel-band-review-the_n_1612388.html" target="_blank">But it works, is stylish and has earned a legion of fans.</a>
Bose SIE2i Sports Headphones
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bose-SIE2i-Sport-Headphone-Green/dp/B00CM6J6JQ/ref=sr_1_cc_3?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1369748927&sr=1-3-catcorr&keywords=Bose+SIE2i+Sports+Headphones&tag=hptech-21" target="_blank">For £129.95 you might expect that these Bose headphones</a> would be Bluetooth enabled. Sadly, they're not - but they are totally water resistant, secure in the ear and have fantastic sound quality. They also come with in-line controls and a microphone designed for the iPhone, and a fitness armband to hold your music player safe when you work out.
iPod Nano 7th Generation
Apple's latest music player is small, thin, light, has a two-inch screen and is Bluetooth enabled. For our money it's still the best all-around music player if you're mainly using it for exercise - though we do miss the wearability of the 'mini wristwatch' style 6th generation.
FINIS SwiMP3 Waterproof Headphones
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/FINIS-SwiMP3-2G-X18-Firmware/dp/B00822529W/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1369748846&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=neptune+headphones&tag=hptech-21" target="_blank">The FINIS SwiMP3 headphones (£93)</a> are a stunning bit of kit which transmit music through your cheekbones via induction. It's one of the only pair of headphones you can wear in the pool, and if you're spending a lot of time underwater and need an Andrew WK boost on your 50th lap, it might make the difference. (£93)
Withings Smart Body Scale
If you want to get fitter, it's worth knowing the state of play before you start - and during your programme. The <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Withings-Black-Wifi-Body-Scale/dp/B002JE2PSA/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1369748900&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=withings+smart+body+monitor&tag=hptech-21" target="_blank">Withings Smart Body Scale</a> will give you that. It's able to accurately track your weight, body fat and various other stats, and sync them to your phone so you can easily monitor progress over time. They're pricey - but they might make the difference.
Adidas Boost
Many shoe companies boast about the energy-saving, world-changing, etc etc tech of their trainers. The Adidas Boost are the only pair in recent memory that we've been genuinely convinced by. Stunningly 'bouncey' (there's no other way for it), they return more energy to your legs as you run, conserving energy and give you a literal boost to make it that extra mile. Check they're suited for your gait through - they aren't great for those who need a little extra support.
GoPro HERO 3
Alongside being one of the most flexible, durable and tiniest sports cameras on the market, the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/GoPro-Hero-Edition-Camcorder-Black/dp/B009TCD8V8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369748816&sr=8-1&keywords=gopro+hero+3&tag=hptech-21" target="_blank">GoPro Hero 3 Black action camera (£349)</a> can record in up to 4K resolution. If you're getting fit on a bike, on skis, in the sea, on a board - or doing anything else which conceivably might be of interest to the outside world - you should get one.
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