In case you haven’t been paying attention, the world has moved one step closer to fully integrating technology into the human form. Of course, I’m not talking about jacking directly into cyberspace, I’m talking about wearable technology, a.k.a. wearables. Popular forms of wearable technology today are smartwatches and Fitbit.

If you care less about style and more about how new tech can improve life. Specifically, in the gym or on the pavement. We’ve prepared this little article to show you 4 ways that you can use this tech for more consistent and productive workouts.

How can wearables improve fitness outcomes?

So maybe you have a hunch that wearable tech can help you meet your fitness goals, or that it can at least help you stay on track, but you don’t know exactly how. Or maybe you’re just looking for an excuse to justify the expense of a new gadget. Because let’s face it, these things are just about the coolest tech gadgets to hit the market since Atari. Whatever your reason, we’ve provided all the excuses you need to make the leap.

You’re not alone in your interest. Future markets are looking bright for wearables. According to market research organizations, wearable technology is blowing up in popularity. The team at ABI projects that this technology will top $60 billion by the end of 2022.

It can be a little confusing with so many companies and products popping up. The professionals behind Fitbug.com say that with so many new and different features, it’s important to read expert reviews and product analysis before committing your hard-earned dollars to a specific product. You need to make sure that whatever product you choose has the features you need to optimize your fitness experience.

So let’s have a look at how wearables improve fitness program adherence and outcomes.

Biometrics

Biometrics is really exciting. This is also called biofeedback technology. Which just means the ability to measure your vitals in real-time. Never before have we been able to look at our phone or watch and get a real-time report of all our important health statistics.

With access to several key health metrics, we can make well-informed decisions regarding our health and fitness program than ever before. For example, you can reliably maintain your target heart rate with more accuracy than previously available, which means more efficient calorie burn. You can track cardiovascular fatigue by getting a baseline of your heart rate each morning. An increased base rate means you’re fatigued and it’s time for a day off. Knowing this helps to prevent injury and burn-out, which is devastating to progress. Your wearable device could even save your life. The list of revolutionary decision-making made possible by these units are endless.

Performance tracking

Whether you meticulously track your performance or don’t have time for such details, wearable technology provides you with performance tracking anyway. In many cases, you no longer need to count reps, mph, or distance achieved. Your new biometric device will provide you with a smorgasbord of data concerning your performance, not only on any particular day but over time as well. This gives you unprecedented insight into the effectiveness of your diet and regime.

Scheduling

Our lives are increasingly more complicated. And with that comes discarded and forgotten goals. You don’t want to wake up one day and realize you completely dropped a health goal that you were aspiring to simply because you got busy and forgot. Don’t let your health fall to the wayside. Wearable tech often comes with a slew of tools and reminders to help you stay on track with all kinds of data-based motivational reports. This will help to keep you on schedule, or to get back on schedule.

Community accountability

Biometric wearables are highly interconnected devices. They help to create a community of like-minded individuals with similar goals. Whether you get connected through conventional forms of social media or create new circles of devoted gym enthusiasts, interconnectivity helps create a kind of community accountability and encouragement. When we report our performance accomplishments(and failures) with others in the community it helps to keep us accountable to our social group. We can even receive some much-needed support when we’re feeling discouraged. Social engagement has even been shown to increase life expectancy. And isn’t that why we’re doing fitness activities in the first place?

Now that you’re convinced(or have enough excuses), it’s time to pony up and start looking into the wearable fitness device that’s right for you. Make sure it has the features you’re looking for and that will benefit you most. Don’t forget classic concerns like comfort and battery-life when making your choice. And make sure you read up on the latest devices from reputable reviewers to make the most of your purchase. Slot your credstick, chummer. It’s time to enter the 21st century.