Wearable Tech – Trackable Health

It’s no wonder why fitness bands have quickly become THE modern way to track fitness and activity.

It’s no wonder why fitness bands have quickly become THE modern way to track fitness and activity. They’re stylish, fun, and best of all —  they allow you to be your own motivation AND competition.

Wearables as a whole continue to get better with more break-through capabilities every day. They can now track anything from sleep, swim strokes, running/cycling distance, diet, and heart rate. Best of all? They come in all shapes and sizes so you can find one that is totally you.

The technologies that fuel fitness tracking are ever advancing, as developers and designers continually study device strengths and weaknesses and the behaviors of their users. Knowing what works and what doesn’t in regard to user experience and interaction, is the most important element in creating these tech devices and their sustaining value.

While trusted known brands like Fitbit, Garmin, and Jawbone hold a dominant portion of market share, other specialized products from Moov Now, Under Armour and Misfit are vying for consumer attention, too. It’s clear that the way to the athlete consumer’s heart (and health) is with good experience. Below are some brands helping users stay active in an easy, digital and accessible way.

Balancing The Public And The Personal

People rarely care to broadcast their miles or calorie counts to those around them. This is why many devices keep data displays and alerts discreet. Using vibration alerts or subtle display visuals can make users more comfortable wearing a device in public.

Keeping It ‘Glanceable’

Yes – it’s a (very new) word, and it means keeping things clear, concise and readable, all in one look. For example, the hyper-simple design of the Misfit Shine uses a series of small LEDs to show the level of activity. A brief glance down is all you need in order to see your information. Glanceability allows you to stay in the know while staying in the zone.

Non-Visual UI

There is continuing advancement and innovation when it comes to developing wearables that can communicate without visuals. As with many other devices, the Jawbone UP can serve as a morning alarm. However, rather than waking up to a jarring alarm clock, the band gently vibrates on your wrist 30 minutes before your set wake time for a more natural rise.

Streamline Profiles

There’s only so much physical real estate available and many times users prefer to keep their wrists watch-free. For such folks, case clip trackers and comfortable anklets are ideal options. Many companies like Pebble, Jawbone, and Misfit offer band alternatives, and for how small the Withings Go is (you can thread it onto your shoelaces!), it still packs a lot of recording n’ reporting punch.

(And Let’s Not Forget) App Compatibility

Devices aren’t the only part of the fitness tracking business that’s booming. Hundreds of apps have been developed to sync with wearable trackers, monitor and share progress, and provide tailored guidance for specific fitness results. Here’s a great roundup of some of the best apps out there to help with everything from tracing cycling routes to sensing workout intensity.

Push10 Values Health & Wellness

While the omnipresence of wearables might seem startling to some, we certainly believe it is a good thing. Healthy, happy living is important, and it’s important to Push10, too. Our team passionately believes in using technology to advance the strength and longevity of our two oldest machines — our brains and bodies. Now, run up that mountain, why don’t you?!