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TECH FEATURE

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What to look out for

Going the distance If you’re working up a sweat or get caught in the rain while running, you want a device that’s at least splashproof. Check the IP or IPX rating for resistance to water and dust – the higher the number, the more protection. Battery life is another consideration when choosing wearable/portable tech. It will vary depending on brand, model, and personal usage, so look for a device with sufficient power to keep up with your routine. The comfort factor When you’re strapping a smartwatch on your wrist or an HRM to your chest, you want it to be as comfortable as possible – especially for all-night wear when monitoring sleep. Look for a comfy wearable that you’ll forget you’re wearing, in a design that suits your style.

Tech plays an important part in leading a healthy lifestyle, tracking vital metrics, motivating you to achieve goals, and providing relief when it’s time to recover.This month we’ve rounded up a range of health and fitness tech, along with an extensive guide to help you choose the best devices to keep your wellbeing on track. Words Scott Hocking K eeping track of your health and fitness has never been easier thanks to today’s tech. Whether you want to keep tabs on the data you want. Think about your goals – do you want to build muscle, track your distance, recover more quickly, or simply gain an insight into your overall health? FITNESS & HEALTH TECH CHECK

can also alert you to any potential concerns. • Tech encourages you to be more proactive about your health and fitness via regular monitoring and sharing of data with a health professional. • Real-time data analysis helps you better understand your body and identify patterns that can improve overall health and fitness, and help you achieve goals. • Exercise recovery devices like massage guns can reduce muscle tension and soreness and improve circulation. Mix and match Most smartwatches can accurately track vital metrics like heart rate, but even more precise readings can be obtained when paired with other compatible tech, such as a heart rate monitor (HRM). Moreover, integration with third party health apps can provide a more comprehensive analysis, and easier management of data.

your blood pressure, measure your heart rate, count daily steps, track your sleep patterns, or vary your workout routine, there are devices to suit every budget and goal.* Over the following pages we explore the essential health and fitness tech that can cater to your specific needs, from monitoring vitals and tracking progress, to assisting in recovery and providing a holistic approach to good health. How to choose the right device It’s simply a matter of knowing what aspects of your health and fitness you want to monitor – general health and wellbeing, a chronic condition, manage weight and stress, track sleep quality, achieve a certain fitness goal, or all of the above? When choosing a device, look for the features and functions that will best benefit your exercise routine and ability level, and provide

Many devices can also be customised to suit your needs and can include specialised modes and readiness scores, while some massage guns feature heat therapy to assist recovery. What are the benefits?

• Convenience! Slip on a smartwatch for an instant heart rate reading, check your blood pressure quickly and easily at home with a portable monitor, or gain fast relief with a handheld massage gun. • Certain devices are ideal for management of chronic health conditions such as hypertension or cardiovascular issues, and

* While health and fitness devices provide largely accurate readings, they are not intended to replace advice from a GP or health professional.

TYPES OF HEALTH AND FITNESS TECH

Heart rate monitors Page 10

Blood pressure monitors Page 12

Smartwatches Page 8

Sleep Tracking Page 14

Recovery aids Page 18-22

OCTOBER 2024

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