Do you constantly check your pedometer? Are you a big fan of smart watches and fitness bands? The market for wearable health devices is on the rise. Yet, research indicates that most digital devices for gym buffs are anything but accurate. At the same time, manufacturers claim that engagement, not accuracy, is the most important aspect.
What Can You Expect from Wearable Health Devices?
Fitness wearables are becoming more and more popular each day. From smart glasses and smart watches to fitness bracelets, there are dozens of options available. Some are quite basic and can only measure your heart rate, while others track a variety of health metrics, such as sleep duration, calories, macros, and steps.
Most people use wearable health devices to stay motivated and record their progress. The idea of “10,000 steps a day” has contributed to the growing popularity of fitness wearables. With these gadgets, you’ll know how active you are, how many calories you burn, and how well you sleep. The problem is that there haven’t been enough studies to prove their accuracy and overall performance.
Do Fitness Wearables Live Up to Their Promise?
About half of customers stop using these gadgets after one year, and a third after six months. The motivation you get from wearing these devices doesn’t last too long. Additionally, most users don’t notice any long term changes in blood pressure, weight loss, and overall fitness.
Studies indicate that fitness wearables can have error margins of up to 25 percent. That’s because your energy expenditure and physical performance depend on way too many factors, such as your diet, daily macros, training method, and individual metrics. Additionally, personal data generated by these devices is often sold to third parties, leaving digital traces that can reveal your identity.
If you need a quick boost of motivation, use these gadgets for fun. However, it’s not a good idea to plan your diet and workouts based on the readings provided by fitness wearables.
