Phones vs Wearables: Which is Better for Fitness Tracking?
Summary
In this article, we discuss the accuracy of fitness tracking devices, specifically phones and wearables. We examine a study that claimed phones were just as accurate, if not more, than wearables at tracking fitness, and a subsequent test conducted by Brent Ros which found that there wasn’t a huge difference in accuracy between devices, whether they were on the wrist or in the pocket. We also explore the importance of heart rate monitors in fitness wearables to accurately track caloric burn during exercise.
Table of Contents
- The Flawed Study
- Brent Ros’ Test
- The Importance of Heart Rate Monitors
- Conclusion
The Flawed Study
A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania claimed that phones were just as accurate, if not more, than wearables at tracking fitness. However, Brent Ros points out that the study was flawed and conducted his own test with new gadgets to compare their accuracy at step counting. He found that there wasn’t a huge difference in accuracy between devices, whether they were on the wrist or in the pocket.
Brent Ros’ Test
Brent Ros tested the wrist-worn trackers for false positives and found that they were subject to a lot of them. He argues that step counting is a poor metric for measuring fitness levels and that caloric burn is a much more useful metric. He suggests that the new breed of fitness trackers is better at tracking caloric burn and setting themselves apart from phones and accelerometer-based trackers.
The Importance of Heart Rate Monitors
The transcript discusses the importance of having a heart rate monitor in fitness wearables to accurately track caloric burn during exercise. The Fitbit and Basis Peak, which have built-in heart rate monitors, were found to be more accurate in calculating caloric burn during a 10-minute bike ride compared to other trackers that relied solely on motion detection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, step counting is not as important as caloric burn and until phones can monitor vitals through pockets, wearables with heart rate monitors are necessary. It is important to consider the accuracy of the devices before choosing which one to use for fitness tracking. Heart rate monitors in fitness wearables are crucial for accurately tracking caloric burn during exercise.
