For a couple of years, having an activity bracelet has become very fashionable. It doesn't matter if you buy it on a whim or because you want to measure your physical activity, the important thing is that you know which one is right for you. Activity bracelets or smartwatches are classified as quantifiers of physical activity and sport. With them you will take control of what you move and you will be able to classify that movement.
In the market you will find a wide range of these wearables, so we recommend that you take into account the following tips before buying one.
How much money do you want to spend?
Before seeing which one best suits your needs, it is better to know what budget we have. It will not be worth anything to bug Apple watches or the latest from Samsung, if we are only going to be able to spend €100.
The "fitness" bracelets are focused on simplicity, they offer you basic data without going too far into them. Some are complemented by a smartphone application, adding functions such as monitoring your sleep.
Instead, watches offer you many more detailed options for cardiovascular or strength training. They are able to detect if you are going up stairs or if you are simply walking. Of course, they are not cheap.
What user profile are you?
Let's define how often you do sports or how often you present to do it. Evaluate if you are a beginner or amateur athlete. Do you just want to count the steps you walk or are you looking for something more? Be clear about all the functions you need so that your accessory does not fall short.
If it turns out that you are a person who is only going to go for a walk or run, with a fitness bracelet you will do well. You will be able to see the time you do, the steps you take, the calories you consume and the distance you travel. Keep in mind that most of these devices are linked to apps that provide you with statistics on your progress.
The more activities you want to do and the more interest you have in knowing facts, the more you will need a watch. Be aware of the options offered by your new wearable before buying it.
Sleep control
Many care little about knowing how much they sleep and how their sleep is (deep or light). The truth is that rest is essential for an athlete, so it would not be bad to take into account the addition of this option.
Bracelets usually collect this data better, since watches usually leave them charging overnight. Keep in mind that the autonomy of the watch is much less than that of the bracelet. These can last about 20 days without charging, while watches rush after 4 or 5 days.
If you don't sleep well and want to control or record your sleep, it is undoubtedly your essential accessory.
Pulsation control
It is true that in your day to day you are not thinking about knowing your heart rate, but it is a fundamental option when choosing a watch or a bracelet. For athletes it is a breakthrough, since they can stop using the classic heart rate monitor that was placed on the chest.
Surely, all the accessories already incorporate this option, but keep in mind that it will be more or less accurate depending on the price at which we acquire it. Without a doubt, it is very useful to know your heart rate when training.
That includes daily alerts
It will seem silly to you, but this can be an extra motivation in your training or in your day to day. Wearables usually have the option of reminding you of the steps you have to take per day or the calories you have to burn. It is quite a "push" for those sedentary people who need someone or something to pull them.
In addition, there are fitness bracelets that include alarms. That is, instead of using the typical phone alarm to wake you up, you can make your bracelet vibrate. Believe me, it is much more comfortable and you will avoid waking up the person who sleeps with you.