Sometimes little things mean a lot. And in the case of health and fitness, whether it’s a Fitbit or a heart rate monitor, any gimmick or gadget that gets you going in the right direction can be helpful.
Wearable fitness tracking devices and apps that can be downloaded onto your portable devices can give you a boost in the New Year, if you’re looking to boost your health and activity levels. Some of the suggestions are pricey while others don’t cost a dime.
“These wearable gadgets and apps offer convenience and accountability,” Brett Rabbat, a certified personal trainer from Boca Raton, Fla., tells Newsmax Health.
“For example, my clients have a Beach Body app that allows me to monitor their progress once they log in. They can perform their fitness routine anywhere they go and I can compile and analyze their results.”
Here are the 10 top choices recommended by healthcare professionals:
Fitbit Ionic: This smartwatch company just launched a major update to its Fitbit OS software with 14 new apps that include TripAdvisor, Uber, The New York Times as well as its standard tracking and sleep monitoring applications. Cost: $299. Fitbit Alta HR is a less expensive alternative that not only measures daily exercise but also sleep. Cost: $149.
Under Armour Gemini 3 RE Smart Shoes: If you don’t want to strap on wearables to measure your fitness progress, UA has come up with an “invisible” option — built in recording equipment . The sports apparel company has integrated a fitness tracker right into the soles of the shoes so you don’t need a smartwatch to record your data. It features Bluetooth connectively so you can track your runs on an app. Cost: $100 per pair.
Couch to 5K (C25K): This back-to-basics running program has helped millions get off the couch and cross the finish line for their first 5 K. It takes about 30 minutes a day, three times a week for nine weeks and you can easily share your progress with friends and family. Within the app you’ll see two separate graphs that monitor both distance and pace, giving you the ability to analyze your performance as you progress. Cost: Free for a few workouts and then $4.99.
Cures A-Z: This free phone app with an optional $2 upgrade is the brainchild of the renowned integrative doctor, Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum. “It’s like having holistic doctor n your pocket guiding you to the best treatments to use for a wide array of health conditions,” he tells Newsmax Health. Cost: Free.
Kardiaband: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently paved the way for the first medical device accessory for the Apple Watch. It’s called the Kardiaband and is made by AliveCor. The Kardiaband is an electrocardiogram reader (EKG) which can detect abnormal heart rhythm and atrial fibrillation. Cost: $199 initially, and requires a subscription to AliveCor’s premium service which costs $99 annually.
Omron Evolv: This clinically verified, wireless blood pressure monitor is light enough to take with you anywhere you go. It’s also easy to use so you can measure, record and share your blood pressure data with family and your physician using the Omron Connect App. It’s compatible with iOS and Android devices and features Advanced Accuracy technology. Cost: $75.
MyFitnessPal: This app has been consistently ranked one of the best in the industry for years. It features easy-to- use step and calorie counters with a data base of over 5 million foods, a barcode nutrition scanner and a recipe importer. Again, this app is compatible for both Android and iOS devices. Cost: $9.99 monthly or $49 per year.
Samsung Gear Fit 2 Pro: If you are looking for a simple activity tracker that doesn’t pretend to be a smartwatch, this is the gadget for you. It features a continuous heart rate monitor, pedometer, an exercise tracker as well as a stopwatch and timer. It’s also water resistant which makes it great for swimmers. This slim wearable is perfect for fitness enthusiasts who don’t want all the fancy extras. Cost: $199.
JBL UA Sport Wireless Heart Rate Headphones: The folks at Under Armour teamed with the audio experts at JBL to develop a set of in-ear Bluetooth headphones with a twist: they have a built-in heart rate monitor. Cost: $149.
Coros LINX Smart Cycling Helmet: Now you can ride safely while still listening to your favorite tunes. This smartly designed helmet wirelessly connects to your smartphone so you can listen to your own music, take phone calls, talk to fellow riders and hear navigation data. The LINX also features as SOS emergency alert system and a handle bar mounted Smart Remote for hands-free audio control. Cost: $159.