The Accuracy Of Calories Burned In Fitness Activity Monitors

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

Calories burnedA 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.

LifeTrak C200/C400 calories burnedSome 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

Fitbit One activity sleep tracker on saleThe 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.

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Lifetrak C200

Buy Lifetrak c200The 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

Lifetrak C400The 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 new LifeTrak C400 Pace and LifeTrak C400 Fit

LifeTrak C400 Review

Lifetrak C400The 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.

                LifeTrak C400 Fit                      LifeTrak C400 Pace
Main Features:

  • Calorie
  • Heart Rate Integrated Distance
  • Proprietary DDC Technology Steps
  • ESF Technology
  • ECG Accurate on Demand
  • Goal Tracking

Workout Mode:

Timer
Individual Reports: Calorie, Distance, Steps

Graphic Features:

Hourly Graphs Daily Graphs Weekly Graphs

Basic Feature:s

Time/Day/Date Removable Band Waterproof (90 ft) Watch Battery Backlight

Personal:

Gender,Age,Weight, Height, Birthday

 

Main Features:

  • Calorie
  • Heart Rate Integrated Distance
  • Proprietary DDC Technology Steps
  • ESF Technology
  • ECG Accurate on Demand
  • Goal Tracking

Advanced Features:

Pace Calibration; Machine Learning Auto-Cadence Mode Transition

Workout Mode:

Timer
Individual Reports:
Calorie, ExerciseCal, Steps, Cadence, Distance, Pace

Graphic Features:

Hourly Graphs Daily Graphs Weekly Graphs

Basic Features:

Time/Day/Date Removable Band Waterproof (90 ft) Watch Battery Backlight

Personal:

Gender,Age,Weight, Height, Birthday

BLE 4.0 Connected Open Platform Sleep – Lifetrak/Azumio App 

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.

Lifetrak C300 ARGUS APP

  buy-now-button

How to Reach a Target Heart Rate

If you have chosen aerobic exercises to strengthen your heart, then you need to do a certain amount of exercises to make sure that you reach your target heart rate. Most people think that they have to overdo exercise in order to reach this rate, but in truth once they reach this target heart rate they can level out on the amount of exercise that they do each day.

The target heart rate is the amount of heart beats that it takes for the heart to do at least 60% of its optimum performance. If you go above 80% of the heart’s optimum performance, it puts way too much strain on the heart. This leads to anaerobic inactivity. On the other hand, if it goes below 60%, your heart doesn’t get the benefit that it needs.

There is a simple mathematical formula for computing your target heart rate. Just start out with the number 200 and subtract your age. Then take the result of that and multiply it by the number 6 and you will have the lower limit of your target heart rate. It’s just that simple.

Target heart rateIn order to get the highest limit of your target heart rates substitute the number 6 with 8 and multiply. This will keep you in your target zone that you are trying to reach when you are exercising. In order to actually keep an eye on this heart rate, you will need to have a wrist heart rate monitor of some sort that gives an accurate readout of your heart rate, Smart health activity monitor is a good choice. This will let you know when to slow down since most of these devices have an alarm which goes off when you reach your target heart rate.

It’s also a good idea to monitor your pulse rate as well when exercising. Check it every ten minutes so that you will know if it is going too high. If it is too rapid, then you need to slow down. Smart health heart rate monitor is one of the best devices that can help you keeping track of your workout activities.

The amount of exercise that it takes for you to reach this target heart rate is easy to reach. Just a brisk walk is all that it takes for most people. You will also be burning off calories as well. Doing this type of exercise can benefit your entire body not just the heart. However, for some it takes jogging or running to reach their target heart rate.

For the lucky ones, any type of physical activity raises the heart rate. Walking is a good way to do this as well. Most places have actual nature or walking and hiking trails. But if you live in a rural area, you can always make your own trail. This can be a lot of fun. Just don’t get lost in the woods.

More and more of the public is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of exercise and are abandoning their sedentary lifestyles. They are eating healthier and dropping bad habits. This has resulted in a drop in heart disease cases. They are also learning to reach their target heart rate when doing exercises.