Tech this out: wearable gadgets and free apps support your health journey

If you want to sleep better, get fitter and manage your heart health, tech tools may help. And they’re fun to use!

What tech tools can help you track your fitness and health?

Wearable devices, such as smart watches, smart rings and pedometers can help track useful health data. And apps can help record your progress, motivate and guide you as you work toward your goals.

Are health and fitness tech tools accurate?

As you do your research, keep in mind that some health apps are free or come pre-loaded on a smartphone. And some tech tools may be covered by health insurance – if you have an insurance provider, enquire about what your plan may cover. Just remember you don't necessarily need the most sophisticated or expensive gadget or app. The best tool is one that fits your budget and tracks the data most relevant to your current state of health and goals.

What is the best tech tool for your health and fitness needs?

With countless wellness gadgets and apps out there, finding the right ones for you can feel overwhelming.  Here are some tips to help you weigh up your options:

Smartwatch

What it is: Just like a regular watch, you wear a smartwatch on your wrist. Using tiny sensors that monitor your body, it tracks and monitors various aspects of your health and activity. Popular brands include Fitbit, Garmin and Apple Watch, and there are many other options, often at lower price points. 

• Health and fitness features: A smartwatch could alert you to potential heart issues, such as abnormal heart rates and rhythms. Some have a built-in electrocardiogram, which measures your heart's electrical signals or a pulse oximeter that checks your blood oxygen levels. Other features include sleep tracking, body temperature sensing and activity and fitness tracking – for example counting steps or recording workouts. Some smartwatches offer fall detection too. If they detect a sudden drop, they automatically alert emergency services and/or your emergency contacts – potentially a lifesaving feature.
• Pros:  A smartwatch offers comprehensive insights into your health and fitness. It may have other useful features too, such as allowing you to text, make phone calls and listen to your running playlist, as well as accessing workout videos.
• Cons: Smartwatches can be pricey. Their features may be far more extensive than what you need for your unique health goals. They need frequent charging – sometimes daily.

Smart ring

What it is: Smart rings are relatively new and discreet gadgets you wear on a finger to help track your health and activity.

• Health and fitness features: A smart ring can monitor your heart rate, sleep patterns, blood oxygen levels, physical activity, stress levels and body temperature. Some smart rings also track your heart rate variability and how much oxygen your body uses during exercise. They may also pick up irregular heart rhythms.  
• Pros: Their battery life is optimized because they don't have a screen – the information they gather is sent to your smartphone. 
• Cons: Smart rings are more limited in their functionality than smartwatches. They come in different sizes, so finding your fit can be a challenge. The lack of a screen makes accessing information less immediate. 

Pedometer 

What it is: Most smartwatches, smartphones and smart rings have a built-in pedometer among many features. But if your main fitness goal is challenging yourself to walk more, you can get highly accurate readings from a pedometer – a small device that simply counts steps. You can clip these gadgets onto your waistband or belt or wear them around your neck on a lanyard.  

• Health and fitness features: Pedometers count steps as you walk. Some also have a GPS to estimate the distance you cover. 
• Pros: Pedometers are simple to use, if you prefer a low-tech device. They are cost-effective too. 
• Cons: Some pedometers can’t track jogging or running accurately, so they are better for people whose sole focus is walking.

Home blood pressure monitors

What it is: Home blood pressure monitors measure the pressure of your blood against your artery walls. Just like those used in a healthcare setting, they have an inflatable cuff, which you usually place on your upper arm. It tightens and then slowly releases to measure your blood pressure. Some monitors show the results on a small screen, while others send the data to your smartphone.

• Health and fitness features: Home blood monitor users often have the ability to track and record the data of multiple users. Some also give alerts, to help you keep your tracking consistent. They may use Bluetooth to send your data to an app, so you can store your data and track your progress over time.
• Pros: Cuff-style home blood pressure monitors are considered to give more precise blood pressure readings than smartwatches, smart rings and smartphones.

Apps

You can use health and wellness apps, such as Apple Health, Google Fit, FitBit, MyFitnessPal and Garmin Connect, to track data about your physical well-being. They may capture activity and fitness information from your smartphone or wearable devices. Some also provide helpful resources such as workouts, motivational alerts and goal-setting tools. You can also download standalone apps to improve your health and well-being. Popular options include Headspace, Calm and Insight Timer. These can help you manage stress and get more rest with tools such as mindfulness tips, meditations and sleep stories. Be sure to read the privacy policy to know how your data will be handled and check reviews before signing up. Apps are available at the App Store (for iPhone) and Google Play Store (for Android devices). 

• Learn more about healthy living
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