9 Ways a smartwatch could improve your health
Today, the rise of smartwatches like the Fitbit and the Apple Watch are revolutionizing health & wellness in an entirely new way by allowing us to take charge of our physical and mental well-being right from our wrists. How cool is that!
Fitness trackers and smart watches have evolved from the days of clip-on pedometers and the strap you wore around the rib-cage (which were very uncomfortable). Now, they’re much easier to use and basically, it’s like wearing a computer on your wrist — which means the potential for incorporating them into your health and fitness routine is nearly limitless.
57% of smartwatch owners started exercising more after purchasing a wearable device.
What's important is that you don't have to spend an exorbitant amount to take home a powerful device. The average smartwatch falls somewhere in the $200 to $400 price range, however, being a savvy shopper and a smart watch user myself, I have found a few budget friendly options which may help in your decision to take the plunge into some new tech for your health.
I LOVE the FitPolo smart watch, I OWN this one. I like the spacious face with easy to read data and it doesn't break the bank at only $39.99. Can we say WIN!
Here is another WIN that I own. If you are looking for a slimmer fit & look grab this AncWear Fitness Tracker Watch at only $19.99!
With savings like these you can own several different fitness trackers to go with different outfits and looks, plus they all have so many different tech functions.
Here are some ways to integrate the technology into your routine to help you achieve your health and wellness goals:
1. Track sleep
Many smart watches and fitness trackers can collect data about when you sleep and the quality of your sleep. You can use that information to make informed choices about how to get better sleep, which can benefit your overall health.
2. Monitor heart rate
Without a smartwatch or fitness tracker, you’re unlikely to have access to regular heart rate information. But that information can tell you a lot — like whether you’re pushing yourself too hard during your workout – or not hard enough – and need to adjust your activity level. Some newer watches can even detect irregular heartbeats, which can help you identify conditions such as atrial fibrillation, which can have serious health consequences if left untreated.
3. Track blood pressure
You can track trends in your blood pressure over time and better understand your readings through some smartwatch apps. Keep in mind this is intended for personal reference only and not for medical diagnosis or detecting or monitoring of any disease.
4. Track SpO2
Since smartwatches don't have a receiving sensor on the other side, they rely on a different technique called Reflectance Oximetry. In this, a sensor on the smartwatch measures the difference between the light emitted and reflected to determine blood oxygen level.
5. Eat healthier
Wearable tech can be an easy way to log meals throughout the day to make sure you’re making healthy choices. The goal is to get a better sense of what types of food you need more or less of each day — not about meticulously counting calories.
6. Stay hydrated
If you find yourself forgetting to sip water during the day, here’s a high-tech solution: Your smartwatch can send you a reminder to hydrate at regular intervals, so you are getting in a least 8 8oz of water each day.
7. Call emergency services
Some devices let you make emergency calls from your wrist. Some even have fall detection and can contact 911 and your emergency contacts if it detects that you’ve fallen and have been immobile for a certain amount of time. This can be a great option for seniors and others at greater risk for falling, as well as mountain bikers, hikers, skiers and others.
8. Measure your temperature
Some fitness trackers track your body temperature, which can let you know when you may be getting overheated or if you might be running a fever.
9. Set realistic goals
Once you get a sense of how many steps you take a day, how long you sleep and when your heart rate is highest, it’s much easier to set goals that feel attainable. Hitting 10,000 steps a day may feel impossible if you’re currently only getting about 4,000. But getting 6,000 steps in might feel more doable. By setting incrementally higher fitness goals, you can increase your overall activity consistently to improve your health.
Wearables are revolutionizing the trainer-client relationship as well as the doctor-patient relationship by providing insights into your well-being that drives actionable care supported by data. Apple Watches also monitor and record valuable heart-related information that’s saved lives. They also have the potential to detect chronic diseases, as well.
While smartwatches can help you monitor your health stats, it’s still important to see your primary care physician for routine checkups.
Let's put your smartwatch to the test....Check out the schedule for your next workout!
