June 2023
Exploring Fitness Wearables
In recent years, the popularity of fitness wearables has skyrocketed as people increasingly prioritize their health and well-being. These electronic devices are worn on the wrist or incorporated into other wearable accessories, offer a range of features that enable individuals to track their fitness progress, monitor vital signs, and maintain a healthier lifestyle. In this article, we will delve into what fitness wearables are, discuss the pros and cons of using them, and present a selection of the some options available on the market today.
These devices combine sensors, wireless connectivity, and advanced algorithms to track various aspects of physical activity and health. They can monitor heart rate, sleep patterns, steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned, and even provide real-time coaching and feedback during workouts. Some wearables also offer additional features such as GPS tracking, music control, and smartphone notifications.
Pros:
Objectively driven insights. Data is constantly being collected to inform the user about personalized insights into their own health and fitness, and can help the user make better decisions about training volume and intensity.
Measure progress. “What doesn’t get measured does not get improved” - Peter Drucker. Steps taken, max and resting heart rate, and caloric expenditure are examples of some of the motivating insights available to push the user to challenge themselves to progress and improve their “scores”.
Connectivity. Fitness wearables often integrate with smartphones, allowing users to consolidate their health data in one place. This makes it easier to analyze trends, share progress with friends or healthcare professionals. Many corporations are offering massive discounts on health insurance to their employees through consistent use of a fitness wearable.
Cons:
Reliance on technology. We spend an unprecedented amount of time on screens as it is, and know the negative effect extended screen time has on our health. These devices always keep us “connected”, and reliant on their utility rather than our own critical thinking. These are designed to be a tool to aid in your decision making, not the authoritative force behind your life purpose. It is wise to remember that in practical use if you have one now, or buy one in future.
Limited accuracy. Even with advances in technology, there are discrepancies and mistakes in the data these devices provide. Treat the data as a guide, and a ballpark estimate, not an exact science. Side note: battery life on these devices are usually 1-3 days, so charging can be seen as an inconvenience and con.
Cost. If you do not currently own a fitness wearable, this is obviously a con because you will have to dish out $150-300 for one of these devices, sometimes with monthly usage fees associated.
Top fitness wearables to look into:
Apple Watch: Known for its fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, and seamless integration with iOS devices. The Apple Watch offers a multitude of features like ECG, blood oxygen level monitoring, and fall detection. The fall detection is still a bit glitchy, sometimes calling 911 preemptively. If you struggle with getting disconnected from notifications, this is not the watch for you, as it links with your phone at all times.
Oura Ring: Different from the wrist wearables, as you wear this on your finger. Offers in depth sleep analysis, and accurate HRV and activity tracking. More versatile in wearing options, and less clunky as the wrist wearables.
Whoop Band: Wrist worn device, that is known for its accuracy in HRV, activity tracking (strain), and recovery analysis to give you data driven recommendations on your training.
Fitbit: With advanced fitness and sleep tracking features, the Fitbit Versa 3 stands out for its long battery life, built-in GPS, and compatibility with both Android and iOS devices.
Garmin: Designed for serious athletes, the Garmin boasts extensive training metrics, advanced performance analytics, and detailed mapping features. This watch is specifically designed for long distance running, cycling, and swimming. Side note, Garmin offers the state of the art satellite mapping, with thousands of golf courses downloaded to help with distance management on the course.
Samsung Galaxy Watch: Very similar to Apple Watch. Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 offers features like body composition analysis, sleep tracking, and advanced workout detection.
Preview of Programming Focuses this Month
Conclusion of 12 week Squat, Press, and Deadlift cycle. 1RM test week June 5th-9th
Notable workouts: “Lynne”, “Open 19.1”, “Semi Finals Event 7”, “Annie”, “TBD Hero WOD”, and “Clovis”.... (just kidding).
Community Highlights/ Announcements
May’s PR Board, congrats on all the hard work paying off
Please welcome our newest coach Parker!
Parker Mooren
Parker has been involved in competitive sports since she was eight years old. She was a three sport athlete in high school and continued her athletic career at Chadron State College as a heptathlete/decathlete in track and field. In her off season, she took up CrossFit and fell in love with that as well. She is a Certified NCSF personal trainer and holds a CrossFit L1 certification. She is also a Head Track Coach at the Middle School level, and also programs the weight training for “Team Filly” a program for the high school girls at Natrona County High School. She has a passion for working with young athletes; making sure they are using correct form and technique, and of course watching them make gains. Parker is an energetic, positive person who’s love for health and fitness is infectious.
Upcoming Events
Bring a Friend Friday June 2nd! Great chance to invite friends and family to join in for a fun and inclusive partner workout this Friday.
307 ATHLETE YOUTH COURSES
Next Sessions
#2304: June 12 - July 12 *No class July 3 & 5 (4 weeks)
#2305: July 17 - Aug 16 (5 weeks)
Ages 8-11 & 12-14
Sign up at 307athlete.com
307 Athlete also provides strength and conditioning coaching to specific sport teams (football, baseball, basketball, soccer, etc.), reach out to sambirdstrength@gmail.com for inquiries or questions.Memorial Day Murph - In all classes Friday May 26th
Local Competitions
Average Joes (Sheridan, WY) June 10th (Go Chad and Aaron!)
TFX Throwdown (Thornton, CO) June 10th
Summer Slam (Rapid City) June 17th
USA Weightlifting Competition (Thornton, CO) June 24th (ask coach Erin for more details)
Iron Games (Cedar City, UT) August 24-26th (Effie, Kyree, Mariah, Caroline, Barb, Leah)
Disclaimer
This website does not provide medical advice. The information provided is purely for educational purposes. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for medical advice. Please seek your medical provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.