A modern gadget called a fitness bracelet is very popular among athletes and adherents of a healthy lifestyle. However, debates about the appropriateness of its use and the functionality of the gadget do not cease around this invention. Learn more about the pros and cons, as well as about the popular models of bracelets that measure pressure and heart rate, see the article.
Features and Benefits
Products with a heart rate monitor and tonometer are new to the market of modern devices, and the demand for them is quite high. Using such a device, athletes during training can monitor the state of their body, and for people with cardiovascular diseases this gadget will allow you to control blood pressure and heart rate without the use of uncomfortable blood pressure monitors.
The advantages of such bracelets include their following characteristics:
- The wristband with built-in blood pressure monitor allows you to measure pressure anytime, anywhere.
- The measurement is carried out on the go, no need to stop and take a certain position.
- The main part of the gadgets is able to interact with Android and IOS, which makes it easy to synchronize the accessory with a smartphone. There are more modern and functional bracelets that support Windows Phone software.
- Usually fitness bracelets are compact and weigh about 30 g, which allows you to not notice them on your hand.
- Manufacturers use hypoallergenic materials to create straps. The silicone accessory does not rub or squeeze the wrist.
- The variety of colors and designs allows you to choose a stylish bracelet for every taste, which attracts the attention of buyers. Many companies have removable straps, which allows you to replace the classic bracelet with a bright one (for sports or parties).
- Fitness bracelets have wide functionality. Often they can calculate calories and the number of steps, control the phases of sleep and set the alarm clock, which will allow you to wake up at the optimal time for each person. Business people will like the function of notification of incoming calls, letters or messages, so that even while playing sports, stay in touch. Fans of jogging under soundtrack will like the opportunity to use the bracelet to control the player on their mobile device.
- For many, the acquisition of such a gadget becomes the motivation to lead a healthy lifestyle. The device is able to display the degree of human activity, which not everyone can determine on their own.
Models
With the growing popularity of gadgets on the market, more and more models of such bracelets from different manufacturers appear. It is difficult for a person who does not understand modern technological achievements to make a choice and understand why the prices for the accessory are different everywhere.
Often you can find sports smart bracelets with heart rate measurement, which are also equipped with a pedometer and tonometer. Such devices do not always display accurate readings and have significant errors. Their main task is to determine the minimum and maximum indicators of blood pressure and pulse during training, which allows you to make bracelets with a constant measurement.
Sometimes these devices are capable of determining other indicators of the body that are important for health:
- blood sugar
- the amount of fluid in the tissues;
- the proportion of fat cells;
- breathing rhythm;
- calorie consumption.
However, all these indicators will be relative.
The function of counting steps is basic for all types of gadgets. Thanks to this device, each of its owners can set a daily rate of activity for themselves, which will motivate people to move and track their achievements. Some instances are able to take into account other types of physical activity. A separate calculation will be made for running or cycling.
Gadgets can count the number of not only steps, but also steps, floors.
For swimming, you can choose a waterproof fitness bracelet. Such models allow you to swim at a depth and freely take a shower. However, in this case, it is worth giving preference to more expensive and high-quality gadgets, since some cheap waterproof models retain their tightness only in a little rain.
More modern models are often equipped with a screen. Today, in the model lines of many manufacturers, you can find items with an OLED display that allows you to use the watch. For the display to become active, in most devices, just raise your hand up.
Such devices are capable of displaying various information on the screen:
- number of steps and distance traveled;
- calorie expenditure;
- heart rate and other indicators.
If the owner of the gadget sits in one place for a long time, he can receive a signal from the device with an appeal to stretch a little. The bracelet will notify you of incoming calls or messages, allows you to control the alarm. Usually the glass of the screen is quite durable, it is protected from bumps and scratches, which allows you to use such a device in the most extreme conditions.
Best Review 2017
Manufacturers of smart bracelets are constantly developing and releasing more advanced gadget models. It is difficult to find the perfect device that combines all the necessary functions, but some models deserve special attention and are rightly called the best of their kind.
Garmin Vivosmart HR +
The Garmin Vivosmart HR + bracelet impresses with its functionality, which allowed him to become a winner among other models at the Wareable Tech Awards in 2016.
Using this gadget you can:
- Track multiple health indicators
- Find out the exact location using the built-in GPS;
- Receive notifications about calls and messages on your phone.
To some, this accessory will seem too weighty, but it holds the battery charge perfectly. The gadget can be used at a depth of 50 meters.
Among the shortcomings, errors in the measurement of heart rate and an incomplete spectrum of sports modes are noted.
Fitbit Charge 2
Another interesting bracelet is Fitbit Charge 2. Many will like the functions of tracking the steps taken and sleep modes. The gadget continuously captures the pressure and heart rate. The bracelet also reflects VO2 max. This criterion characterizes the ability to absorb and assimilate oxygen during training, and with the help of the wellness program of the bracelet you can train your breath.
The disadvantages of the device are instability to moisture, the lack of GPS, failures during intense training.
For people who simply monitor their condition and do not exhaust themselves with training, such a bracelet will be an excellent assistant for a very reasonable price.
Xiaomi Mi Band 2
A magnificent combination of low price and necessary characteristics pleases the owners of Chinese bracelets Xiaomi Mi Band 2. Such a device is the undoubted leader among all Chinese bracelets, as evidenced by many positive reviews.
This device:
- measures the pulse;
- counts steps;
- monitors the phases of activity and sleep;
- counts calories;
- notifies you of incoming messages.
The display is attached to the silicone strap. If necessary, the strap can be replaced, choose a brighter version or classic black.
The disadvantages include a hand-squeezing heart rate sensor. Such a device does not measure pressure.
Basis peak
Intel's Basis Peak Bracelet combines the best of trackers and sports watches. One of the main tasks of the gadget is to control heart rate. The model allows you to capture fairly accurate data even during training.
Like other bracelets, this gadget is capable of:
- distinguish between types of physical activity;
- track the phases of sleep, but against the background of competitors, it stands out for its accurate indicators;
- measure heat generated during activity; it is equipped with a galvanic sensor and a three-dimensional accelerometer.
The disadvantage of this model is the lack of a GPS navigator.
Gear fit 2
The bracelet from Samsung called Gear Fit 2 is a fairly powerful device, which justifies its high cost.
This device is equipped with a half inch display, it has its own dual-core processor. The gadget is able to continuously measure the pulse, it is equipped with an accelerometer, a gyroscope, it is able to determine the height and location. The bracelet alerts you to calls and messages on your phone. He monitors activity and sleep.
Due to the large number of functions, the battery holds a charge of no more than three days.
Healbe gobe
The Healbe Gobe device is another good fitness bracelet (mid-priced).
The gadget is capable of:
- Distinguish stress levels.
- Determine the pressure and heart rate, distance traveled.
- He can calculate the number of calories burned by measuring glucose levels.
The downside of this bracelet is its weak battery, which needs to be charged daily.
Principle of operation
The appearance of compact and stylish fitness bracelets with the functions of measuring pressure and heart rate has become a real salvation for many athletes (and not only for them). With the help of this smart device, hypertensive patients can monitor their health continuously. Of course, he will not determine the exact state of health, but to maintain some indicators in the norm with the help of such a gadget is quite realistic.
All smart bracelets function thanks to special sensors and software that can be installed on the bracelet or on a paired smartphone. All measured and calculated data are displayed on the screen, and when some indicators are increased, the device gives a warning signal.
For uninterrupted pressure measurement, the devices are equipped with a dual module. With it, the bracelet constantly captures nanosecond pulses of near-polar sounding. By monitoring the indicators in two places, the device can measure the upper and lower pressure, which is immediately displayed on the screen.
To obtain the most correct data on the pulse, chest instruments are used. In some bracelets, the measurement sensor can be worn not only on the arm, but also on the chest. Other models suggest an additional sensor.
With accurate data obtained using such a heart rate monitor, athletes can adjust the intensity of their workout (in accordance with the general condition of the body).
You can find out which heart rate monitor is best for athletes from the following video:
How to use?
Using a “smart” bracelet with additional features is quite simple. Among a wide variety of models, you can choose a battery-powered device that works autonomously from a smartphone. Among people suffering from high blood pressure, there are many elderly, so the ease and clarity of evidence play a very large role.
The bracelet is significantly better than other medical devices for taking readings. It allows you to measure pressure and heart rate in any position, without being distracted from important matters. If you wish, you can easily remove and put on the bracelet back, and some people do not part with their device even during a night's rest.
Using a fitness bracelet allows you to easily control activity without harm to health, track your achievements, adhere to a healthy lifestyle and the correct daily routine. A clear display of indicators motivates people to be active or makes them consult a doctor on time, without waiting for a serious deterioration in well-being.
How to choose?
You should only buy a gadget from trusted manufacturers, paying attention to the relevant certificates. During the purchase process, special attention should be paid to the following points:
- Before buying a bracelet, you need to decide what it will be used for. To control pressure, you need a bracelet with a tonometer, for weight loss, the calorie counting function is useful, for swimming lovers, you should choose waterproof models.
- The bracelet should most accurately and correctly determine all the main indicators. For this, manufacturers conduct a large number of tests, information on which is available in the description of the model.
- If your every day is quite busy and involves constant movement, it is better to choose a model with a powerful battery that holds the charge well.
The most popular models of fitness bracelets are often faked.
Reviews
Of course, each model has its pros and cons. Best of all, these qualities can tell real buyers who have already tested the gadget on themselves.
An important advantage of fitness bracelets, many consider the presence of a removable strap (a worn product can be replaced with a new one). In addition, models with a screen and a watch function are more attractive to most. Some devices provide the ability to compete with friends, which is also appreciated by users of gadgets.
Most often there are complaints about inaccuracy of indicators. Some models take a strong wave of the hand per step, which leads to data failure. Users also say that the quality of some models does not match their high price.
This is usually said of the Garmin Vivofit 3.
Some models (for example, Polar A360) do not have an alarm, but they do a good job with basic functions.Small errors still occur, although the price is quite high.
The bracelet with the pedometer and heart rate monitor function of Xiaomi Mi Band 2 can be called the leader in the number of reviews. It does not have a screen, there are errors, but the affordable price attracts a huge number of buyers.