Wearable fitness trackers: you may have seen some of these sleek bracelets in school hallways. Variations of this gadget include the Fitbit, the Nike Fuel Band, and the Jawbone bracelet. And like most students, these smart machines are always on the run.
So, what exactly makes these gadgets different?
The Fitbit tracks steps, heart rate, calories, sleep patterns, and distance walked. The goal is to reach 10,000 steps per day, which is equivalent to approximately 4 miles for an average student of average height. Seem like a lot? Actually, many say that they were surprised to learn how many steps they actually take per day.
“It’s really cool to see how many miles I walk without even realizing,” said sophomore Rachel Reisman.
When you reach 10,000 steps, the Fitbit lights up and provides you with a satisfactory buzz that lets you know you have completed that day’s daily fitness goal.
“It almost becomes somewhat of a challenge against yourself,” said sophomore Maddy Lavin. “It makes me feel so accomplished when I hear that buzz. I notice that I am making a greater effort to walk more just to make sure I meet my goal!”
The gadget conveniently syncs to your computer or an app on your phone, so you can easily view how many steps you’ve taken, how many calories you’ve burned, and how much more you need to do in order to meet your fitness goals.
“I find that I am taking the stairs much more often, and I take the long way to class when I have extra time just so I can get over the 10,000 step mark! It has been a real game changer for me,” said Lavin.
The new wearable Fitbit is in competition with the older model by Nike, the Nike Fuel Band, and it offers a model with a built-in GPS to provide even more features. You can not only track distance, but also direction of travel. This is especially exciting for students who enjoy running. With the new and improved features from the Fitbit, there is new excuse to tell teachers if they chastise you for running in the halls.
However, many students are tried-and-true Nike Fuel Band fans.
“I think the Nike Fuel Band is an overall better quality fitness tracker than others out there. I know that mine can log my workout sessions so I can track not only my steps, but also my other kinds of exercises, like rowing, too,” said sophomore Michael Nachman.
The Nike Fuel Band may be better for more active Schreiber students and students who participate in sports requiring activities besides running, such as weightlifting. Nike’s band allows you to log your own information in order to get a more accurate reading for your fitness goals. The downside is Android users are not able to download the app that synchs to their phones. They may find that the Jawbone wearable fitness device is better for them.
Another fitness tracker, the Jawbone, features similar features as the Fuel band and the Fitbit, but with a major upside, a seven-day battery life! All high school students know how hard it is to remember to charge their portable devices, and the Jawbone makes it easy to use a wearable fitness tracker. The gadget is also water-resistant up to ten meters, making it a great option for students who swim for their sport.
“It’s true, the Jawbone is great because of its battery life. I never have to worry about it losing its charge throughout the day,” said sophomore Christian Hill.
Whether it be the Fitbit, Nike Fuel Band, or the Jawbone, many Schreiber students are on board with the wearable fitness trend. All of them may not be for everybody, but everybody can work with at least one of them.