Gadgets for fitness freaks

With fitness becoming an addiction, digital healthcare has revolutionised the arena.

Most common gadget among the fitness buffs is a running pedometer, a device that senses the body motion and counts the number of steps as one walks, jogs, or runs during the workout.

Although all pedometers count steps, they may use different methods such as piezo-electric accelerometers, a coiled spring mechanism or a hairspring mechanism.

The top features in a pedometer are calorie estimates, clocks, timers, stopwatches and speed estimators, 7-day memory and pulse rate readers. As each count of the footstep is converted into distance by knowing the length of your usual stride, for several people, this is a great way to monitor their progress in exercising and even a motivating tool. A quick look at a few top brands:

Omron HJ-112 Digital Premium Pedometer ($22) is a functional gadget that can be worn in a belt, bra, or anywhere perpendicular to the ground. It not only counts everyday steps but also tracks aerobic moves separately. It has a dual sensor technology has the capability to track time and calories burned with a 7-day memory. The only problem is that they are somewhat bulky and less accurate when placed in the pocket.

Yamax Digiwalker SW 200 ($25) is considered the gold standard by pedometer researchers who use it as their most accurate reference. The Japanese pedometer has a step counter much less than the 3 per cent error margin, as mandated by Japanese law. The drawback of this model is that it is only a step counter with activity time and doesn’t do calories. But for basics, this pedometer has great value as it only has a basic reset button.

Being a little less sensitive to body positioning, the New-Lifestyles NL-2000 ($50) pedometer offers better accuracy and for this reason, it is touted as a better gadget for obese and overweight people.
The piezoelectric strain gauge and accelorometer properties of the product lends it accuracy to step counts and calorie expenditure calculation.

It has a 7-day automatic memory and is small, silent and sleek. The disconcerting feature is its high price and the lack of a distance tracker.

Fun tools for fun folks

The top features in a pedometer are calorie estimates, clocks, timers, stopwatches and speed estimators, 7-day memory and pulse rate readers.

source: deccanchronicle