Friday 27 September 2013

Five Fashionable Fitness Bands- Published in Anokhi Media



Here is the Link - http://anokhimedia.com/blog/five-fashionable-fitness-bands

We all love to get compliments and look great. But do we really make the effort to stay fit and exercise daily?

Like many others, I have been a couch potato for the past few years. I love munching fast food and avoiding the visit to the gym. A few days ago, I decided to get my life on track. A friend of mine who is a trainer suggested that I try out a fitness wearable device.

I bought a Fitbit Flex and wasn’t sure if it would make a difference. Soon, I realized I was wrong. With a daily target, the device prompted me to take that extra step every day. Boy, I was getting active. Whether I was working at home, shopping for groceries or playing in the park, I felt great whenever I could track the number of steps every day and achieve the target for the day!

There might be many others like me who still hesitate to take the first step so I decided to write about five trendy wearable fitness brands available on the market.

Fitbit Flex
Cost- $99.95 CDN



This sleek and stylish wrist band is perfect for fitness freaks.

The Fitbit can track the steps, distance and calories burned during the day. It also helps one track the sleep patterns at night and silently wakes you up in the morning with its vibrating alarm system. It can wirelessly sync the data into a smart phone or tablet using Bluetooth. One can even get into a competitive mode by adding friends with Fitbit Flex and compare the number of steps taken in a day or week. The wearable device can set a daily goal (example - 10,000 steps) which can be changed through the accompanying software as you get fitter. Available in five different band colours with large and small sizes, this waterproof device is a perfect personal motivational tool to get fit!

Nike + Fuelband
Cost- $149 CDN



The expensive yet incredible looking device from Nike is another popular wearable device among fitness freaks. Unlike the Fitbit Flex that lacks a display, this trendy device helps one see the time, steps, distance, calories and activity levels with the simple push of a button. Although the Fuelband lacks sleep tracking features, it tracks the movement pattern and can compare the activity/fuel levels by the end of the day, week, month or year.

Available in three adjustable sizes, the fuelband can connect you with friends to compare fuel levels. The data can be easily synced via a desktop app (PC or Mac) or iOS devices. The band charges quickly by plugging directly into a USB port without any cable or special adapter.

Jawbone Up
Cost- $129.99 CDN



Jawbone Up has features similar to Fitbit Flex like tracking daily movement, calories and sleep. It lacks a display monitor and does not work with personal computers. The model is only designed for iOS and Android phones. In-spite of all its drawbacks, this waterproof device is still liked by many customers for its gorgeous look, features like silent alarm system and mood tracker.


Available in three different sizes and various colours, the battery stays for ten days once charged.

Basis B1
Cost- $199 CDN



It is one of the most expensive wearable fitness devices in the market. The device has distinguished features compared to its competitors that justify its price. It might look like a trendy wrist watch at first but once you get to know its features, you might just fall in love with it. Apart from tracking steps, calorie and sleeping pattern, it monitors the heart rate, skin temperature and your perspiration.

Available in two colours (black or white), Basis could make a perfect match for any outfit. The waterproof watch can provide details by minute about the body and its progress. The major drawback is that unlike most desirable devices, it lacks a mobile app and one has to sync the data only on a computer.

BodyMedia FIT LINK Armband
Cost- $149 CDN



The BodyMedia is a square, plastic modular device worn on the arm instead of the wrist. It features two LED lights that indicate charge and memory status. The device has sensors that monitor the skin’s electric conduction levels, which are affected by sweat. It provides analyzed data of skin temperature and sleep cycles in form of graphs and charts. Customers don’t like that fact that the device is water resistant but not water proof. Smartphone app is compatible with iOS and Android but it needs a subscription.

The monthly fee is a major turn down to the device. One can track calories, steps and total minutes of physical activity on daily basis. This device is a great choice for activities including walking, weight lifting, yoga, running, strength training and dancing. It is for those who wish to track nutrition instead of progress in a specific area.

Now that I’ve got your interest what are you waiting for? Get off that couch and go purchase your trendy fitness wrist band of choice today!


BY SMRUTI DAS
Anokhi Magazine's GPS Editor Smruti Das, enjoys writing on a variety of topics from fashion to fitness. Born and raised in India and now settled in Toronto, Smi is a globe- trotter with a love for swimming, Bollywood and shopping (Yes!)