People like to use fitness tracking information in a number of ways. The number of calories burned as shown by a fitness tracker is commonly used to reach a personal goal for weight loss or other training. The information can also be used to assess how hard a person is working in comparison to some other activity. However, many people wonder how accurate the calories calculation of fitness activity monitor is.

The Calorie burned:  A Unit of Measurement

A calorie is a unit of energy. The calories that are talked about in terms of human diets and exercise are actually kilocalories, but they are usually simply called “calories.” Simply staying alive burns a certain number of calories because bodily functions such as keeping the heart pumping require energy. Methods of estimating the number of calories required by a person doing absolutely nothing include the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR).

Calories are burned above and beyond the BMR and RMR when a person performs activities. How strenuous the activities determine how many calories are burned. However, fitness levels determine how strenuous a person perceives an activity to be, which may or may not be a good gauge of how many calories are being burned.

How Fitness Trackers Calculate Calories

Fitness trackers attempt to calculate the calories being burned by using a set of variables, some that are pre-set and some that are input by the user. Factors that affect the number of calories burned include age, gender, weight, body composition, and exercise intensity. Heart rate is also a key piece of information when it comes to these calculations.

Some of these factors are easy for a person to provide, such as their age, gender, and weight. However, things like body composition, or the percentage of fat that a person has, are not things that are widely known. Exercise intensity is also difficult to pin down because different people perceive activities differently.

When a factor is not easy to figure out or the device is not designed to measure it, manufacturers set their activity trackers to assume a number. This number is based on scientific research, but it is typically an average or the most common number. This means that while it will be accurate for many people, there are those for whom the number will be wrong.

The less the activity tracker has to assume, the better. This means that the more information that is input into the system that is specific to the user, the more accurate the readout will be. As general classes, activity trackers that measure heart rate are more accurate than those on gym machines, which in turn are more accurate than apps or online calculators.

While the basic information that goes into calculating calories burned is usually the same, some fitness trackers arrive at those measurements by estimating other information. Pedometer-based fitness trackers use a combination of distance covered and steps are taken to estimate the speed, and therefore the exercise intensity, when calculating calories. The information on speed is added to the information that the user inputs, such as weight and age, in order to reach the estimated calories burned.

Fitbit One Activity tracker

The Fitbit One is a high-end fitness tracker that also functions to monitor sleep cycles. It is essentially a smart pedometer that measures activity by counting the number of steps users take. Since some activities are not easily estimated by this type of technology, the associated website where users can input their other fitness efforts is essential to its success.

The Fitbit One must be worn on the body in order to track activities, but it can be worn in a number of different ways. The flash drive-sized tracker has a clip on the back for hooking onto a belt, waistband, bra or other clothing. It can also be placed in some pockets. A wristband is included for wearing the Fitbit One during sleep.

The special accelerometer on the Fitbit One measures movement patterns. In combination with the number of steps taken and the speed of these steps, the device calculates calories. An included altimeter tracks when the user is climbing stairs, which increases the number of calories burned per step. The Fitbit One is 95-97 percent accurate in calculating the number of steps a user takes. Calories accuracy is not listed for the device.

Buy Fitbit One activity plus sleep tracker, it is on sale now!

Lifetrak C200

The Lifetrak Core C200 is a wearable activity tracking device that resembles a watch. It actually functions as a watch as well so that users don’t have to wear both the activity tracker and a watch. The Lifetrak C200 measures steps taken, distance covered, calories burned and heart rate.

The Core C200 requires no setup, which is a bonus for some users. However, this means that the device is assuming certain values, which can mean that it is less accurate than a device that requires personalized information about the user. However, the fact that it measures heart rate is also important. In most cases, devices that measure heart rate are more accurate than those that rely on other figures.

Calories accuracy for the LifeTrak C200 is not a listed spec. However, given that it measures exercise intensity by using steps and distance, which is an individual measurement, in addition to exercise or activity the Lifetrak series activity trackers allow for a more comprehensive calorie count by factoring in calories burned simply through living, this is a great tool to compare against the daily calorie intake. The device will also provide a more accurate calorie count by calculating the heart rate reading whenever it is taken.

By adding the heart rate data, it can probably be assumed to be reasonably accurate for the average person.  Remember to get the heart rate throughout the day and more frequently during a workout in order to have more accurate Calorie counting.  People who are considerably over or under the “assumed” weight, body composition or age may find it less accurate.  Also note that your body is always burning calories, even when sleeping or not in motion, the Lifetrak all day calories counter accounts for these calories burned, so don’t be surprised to see calories burned number on the device even you are not wearing the device.

See Best price online and on sale now, purchase Lifetrak Core C200 here

Lifetrak C400

The Lifetrak C400 actually comprises two models, both of which are expected to available for purchase in June 2013. The Lifetrak C400 Fit and Lifetrak C400 Pace offer the option to include personal information such as weight, gender, and age. Combined with the heart rate monitor on the C400, this should make it more accurate at calculating calories.

The other major difference between the C200 core and C400 models is that the Lifetrak C400 comes with Bluetooth LE capability. This can be used to send the data from the C400 activity tracker to any Bluetooth-enabled device.

Read more information and buy Lifetrak C400 here

The post The Accuracy Of Calories Burned In Fitness Activity Monitors appeared first on LifeTrak Life.

The basic monitor of the great LifeTrak series is already available in the market and the Bluetooth version which is the LifeTrak C400 Fit and  LifeTrak C400 Pace are expected to hit the market by June 2013. Like the C200, the C400 can accurately monitor physical activities, height, weight, heart activities, and calorie tracking.

Thought they almost function similarly, they also have distinct differences. With the Bluetooth enable C400 series, you can easily transmit data wirelessly. You can do this through the Bluetooth application. You can send it to similarly Bluetooth enabled devices such as smart phones and computers. Through this connection it is easy to monitor and interact with  health related applications that are available for different smart phones. There is not much information on the Apps for this device from the official Smart Health website. We will update you once the information is  available.

The C400 series will be available in the market this June 2013. It is priced at $99.99. It is also available in major sports and fitness stores, online shops and also available to purchase online here.

To learn more about the device,  please come back and visit us often. Meanwhile  check out how the Smart Health LifeTrak C200 can be very useful for you.

***** Updated information *****

Salutron releases the New Move C300  instead of their C400 series,  The Move C300 has the same specification as C400 fit with Bluetooth smart connectivity and sync with Azumio ARGUS App. it  is now available for purchase.

The post The new LifeTrak C400 Pace and LifeTrak C400 Fit appeared first on LifeTrak Life.

The new Lifetrak R420 review

If you are a fitness freak and want to ensure that you remain fit for the rest of the year, then one of the things that you must opt for is the LifeTrak zone R420. Designed to improve efficiency and accurately track your heart rate, this is a device that is a must-have for regular gym goers. In this article, we take a look at the top features of the Zone R420, so that you can form a detailed opinion on the equipment.

Top Features of the LifeTrak Zone R420

There are a number of features that make the LifeTrak Zone R420 a premium heart rate monitor. In this segment, we go over some of the prime features that the equipment is enforced with. These are:

Accurate Heart Rate Monitor: The one of a kind LifeTrak R420 is the perfect gadget for monitoring your heart rate as you work out. Since this is designed as a watch, one can easily carry it about while on their walks or runs. The Zone R420 watch is synced to a BLE chest strap that has to be worn in order to pick up the heart rate and display it. This mechanism is imperative when it comes to maintaining accuracy.

ECG Wave Reference:

The second feature that the R420 continuous heart rate monitor has is that it can detect and display the ECG wave that corresponds to your heart rate. As well all know the intensity of the workout is the factor that matters the most when it comes to melting the fat off. It is for this reason that the ECG wave reference function is helpful, primary as one can see the peak of the heart rate curve and measure their intensity. This is also a good equipment for those who are interested in HIIT workouts as the entire heart rate graph can be displayed at the same time.

Can be Connected to Apps: One of the best things about having apps is that one can truly track their fitness progress. With the R420, you can carry out the following functions:

Transfer Date from the R420 to your smartphone or laptop with the push of a single button

Use the Bluetooth Option to transfer the heart rate analysis onto your computer.

These two functions are undoubtedly the best features of the heart rate monitor as they allow for total app syncing.

Compatibility:

The device also shows greater compatibility than any other monitor out there. Whether we are talking about Apple Health or Google Fit, the R420 can be synced to most fitness apps out there. Over and above that, the monitor can be synced with  any Apple product as well as being Android compatible. As one can see, versatile usability is an added feature of the device, as well.

Convenience and Ease of Use: Since the R420 heart rate monitor is designed to resemble a watch, it can be carried around all the time. The ease of use and also of maintenance are among some of the best features of this device as it can truly be used in any given situation. Moreover, the monitor has sturdy exterior and tough wristbands that do not allow it to slip off in any way. If you are looking to measure your heart rate while on a run, then this is a feature that is going to be extremely beneficial.

Sleep Monitoring:

Those who are interested in maintaining fit lifestyles will know the importance of a good night’s sleep. The Zone R420 monitor provides users with a sleep monitor that can keep a track of the overall sleep quality.

Long Battery Life:

The other reason that the Zone R420 is one of the best heart monitors in the market because of the long battery life that it has. In some cases, the battery on the watch can last for around a year. However, if you are using the continuous heart rate monitoring feature, the battery might not last for an entire year. Despite this, there are good chances that the battery will last longer than is the case for any other fitness tracker.

Major Benefits of the Zone R420 Monitor

As we have seen in the preceding section, the R420 fitness tracker has some truly impressive features. The top reasons and benefits of investing in this device are:

It can count the steps that you have taken on your daily walk. Since most medical councils these days advice people to take not less than 5,000 steps every day, this is a good way of ensuring that you are medically fit at all times.

If you are a patient suffering from any cardiovascular affliction, this is a must buy for you as the ECG function is extremely beneficial when it comes to tracking the heart function.

The device is waterproof and perfect when it comes to tracking your heart rate during a swim, and can be extremely useful if you are training for a swim meet of sorts.

The color bands of any one device are reversible, thereby adding to the overall look of the product.

Concluding Thoughts

When it comes to fitness tracking devices, the Lifetrak Zone R420 is unparalleled. Despite the selective drawbacks, this is a device that performs optimally on all fronts. A perfect blend of accuracy and versatile convenience, the R420 fitness tracker surpasses most of the other models in the market. With a wide array of features and related benefits, this tracker is truly one of the best in the market and should be considered strongly by those who are looking to take their workouts to the next level.

The zone R420 work well with Polar H7 and Wahoo BLUE HR chest strap. For more information about the chest strap click here.

The post LifeTrak Zone R420 Overview appeared first on LifeTrak Life.

The benefits of sleep are well-known. Getting the recommended 7 to 9 hours can help you prevent weight gain, ward off disease, regulate your mood, and make better decisions. But many Americans don’t get enough sleep. The lifetrak zone C410 helps tokeep track your sleep quality easily.

What are simple strategies to help you get better sleep?

Better sleep actually starts during the day. For starters, try not to nap — but if you must, grab a 20-minute pick-me-up nap at least 4 hours before bedtime. In addition, follow these recommendations:

• using the bedroom only for intimacy and sleep, instead of watching TV or using your smartphone
• drinking fluids earlier in the evening, tis will help avoid the need to use the bathroom during the night
• exercising regularly, and at least 4 hours before bed time
• caffeine- and alcohol can work against a good night’s sleep, so limit your intake of those beverages

What should you do in the evenings to prepare for better sleep?

Plan relaxing evenings. Use your computer or watch TV earlier in the evening. Shut out the stress of the workday by reading a book, listening to music, enjoying a warm bath, or trying meditation.

Insomnia is affecting your job performance, your relationships, and your health. What should you do?

If poor sleep persists, or if you wake up after 7 to 8 hours not feeling rested, you may have a sleep disorder. Make an appointment to see your doctor.

The lifetrak C410 automatically tracks your activity during the day and sleep at night! It automatically detects of start and end of sleep cycle and determines duration and quality of sleep. Unlike  Jawbone Up and Fitbitband, you don’t have to tell it that you are going to sleep. Your sleep efficiency is automatically monitored based on actigraphy (micro movements).

Learn to change your sleeping routine and offer your body the sleep it really needs by using the LifeTrak Zone C410 now.

The post Use Lifetrak Zone C410 to track a good night’s sleep appeared first on LifeTrak Life.