It takes stamina and energy to run a business. Not only that, but study after study shows that improved fitness actually helps to increase brain power – and helps maintain that mental edge longer in life. That is why it is important for your body to be strong and fit. With a healthy body you will be able to perform at your best — and potentially turn your own performance into better business performance for your company.
Luckily today, with the Internet of Things becoming a reality, you can manage your health and fitness effortlessly — and better than ever before.
The relatively new field of wearable tech can help you understand how your body is performing, so you know to rest, eat better, or get more exercise. In other words, wearable tech can help you get and stay more fit and healthy.
Wearable tech for fitness purposes refers to any device, accessory such as a watch, or article of clothing that monitors various body functions and conditions such as heart rate or breathing, and sends you back information so you can make better decisions about your health and fitness.
Data about your body is gathered through sensors or other electronics that are contained in the wearable tech device. That data is transmitted wirelessly (through WiFi or a mobile phone network) back to an app or software that interprets the data. Lastly, the interpreted information is available to you — often in real time or with very little delay.
And the best part? Wearable tech is become more affordable. Some wearable tech items still in early stages of experimentation may be expensive but small fitness trackers can be had for under $25 — well within the budget of startup entrepreneurs.
If you want to dip your toe into the water of wearable tech for health and fitness purposes, start with a simple fitness tracker like Jawbone Up, Garmin or Fitbit. The trackers, often worn on your wrist, may track your activity levels, body conditions such as heart rate, and sleeping patterns, and help you log your diet and meals so you can stay on track nutritionally.
Another category of wearable tech are smartwatches. Smartwatches can be used along with a mobile phone as a communications device. But some smartwatches can also track fitness, health signals and activity levels.
More advanced wearable tech may include articles of clothing. Current items on the market include socks, T-shirts and sports bras with sensors embedded to help you monitor your body conditions during exercise in much more detail than a simple fitness tracker can do. For instance, wearable tech socks can monitor your walking or running gait to help you avoid foot, ankle and leg injuries.
When looking for wearable tech for fitness and health purposes, keep a few things in mind:
Is it comfortable? If it isn’t comfortable and you don’t wear it, it can’t help you perform at optimal levels.
Is it waterproof? If you want to swim with the item on, can it stand up to that?
What apps does it use, and on which platforms? Smartwatches may connect with your mobile phone, so compatibility is important.
How many functions does it measure and what level of information do you get receive? While an entry level fitness tracker may be fun, be sure it is capable of giving you the kind of information about heart rate, for example, that you are expecting. Not all devices are made equal — so compare features.
How easy is it to use? If an associated app is too complex to master, chances are the device will just sit in a drawer.
Is the cost worth it? Finally, remember to consider cost. While my remarks about wearable tech becoming affordable hold true, it’s also true that some wearable tech can run into the hundreds, even thousands, of dollars.
Bottom line: technology today not only helps with business functions, but it can help us as owners with our personal performance. And that in turn may translate into better business performance.
used with permission from SBA.gov
by Anita Campbell
