In just a few years, wearable technology has completely changed the way we are living. Fitness enthusiasts are always looking for ways to easily track their fitness progress, and what better way to do so than through wearable tech? With the ability to track various goals and health aspects such as heart rate, sleep hygiene and stress, wearable technology is becoming increasingly popular and will continue to shape the future of fitness.
What is wearable technology?
Wearable technology is any form of electronic device, worn on the user’s body. It can take various forms, from smartwatches and smart glasses to VR/AR headsets, medical devices and clothing. A variety of wider gadgets are being developed every day to keep us better connected and help us to actively pursue a healthier lifestyle. Wearables have the potential to keep up to date with your daily activities and seamlessly integrate with your other electronic devices.
How is biometrics used in wearable technology and what are the benefits?
Biometric monitoring devices, also known as BMDs, are sensors embedded in wearable technologies. They have the ability to collect different types of data, including:
- Step counter
- Heart/respiratory rate monitor
- Calorie counter
- Goal setter
- Connectivity
- Muscle fatigue/symmetry
Each device comes with its own benefits but generally, wearables have a wide range of features that allow for increased productivity. They also encourage task accuracy, wireless readability, and accountability as it reminds you to stick to your workout schedule. All of this and the ability to stay connected whilst being hands-free.
How is wearable technology shaping the fitness industry?
From detecting specific molecules in food to help us take control of our diets, to enabling new ways for disabled and older people to engage in physical activity, wearable tech is providing endless opportunities to improve our quality of life.
For the first time, wearable technology is allowing us to monitor nutritional intake in real-time. In 2018, a study conducted by Tufts University School of Engineering involved designing a 2mm x 2mm piece of wearable tech in the form of a sensor, that attaches to the tooth and transmits radiofrequency waves to detect glucose and salt in food whilst it’s being eaten. As well as this, nutrition monitoring patches have been created, measuring key dietary biomarkers which send the relevant information to an app; allowing people to precisely track their body responses to various foods.
Similarly, research suggests that people are more likely to engage in physical activity if a competitive element is included, making it like a game. Virtual reality-based exergames, otherwise known as VREs, stimulate cognitive and motor responses at the same time. The benefit of this is that they are accessible to all, encouraging everyone to participate in physical activity regardless of their ability.
New wearable technology
The demand for wearable tech is ever-increasing. Just this week, music artist Jessie Ware is calling for a new piece of wearable technology that allows hard-of-hearing people to experience live music in the same way as others, through vibrations.
Luxury brands have also been tapping into smart tech recently. Smart ring brand Oura have recently partnered with Gucci to release The Gucci X Oura Ring. This is a piece of wearable tech, in the form of a ring, that has sensors for various measurements, including heart rate, temperature and respiratory rate.
Some popular monthly searches in the UK for wearable technology include:
- Oura smart ring - 400
- Wearable tech for period pain - 100
- Wearable health technology - 80
Find out more
At Curated, we’re always exploring the latest trends. You can learn about the latest trends in health and fitness here. Want to find out more? Get in touch with our team today – we’d love to hear from you.
