The latest smart watch won’t do exercises for you or help to build muscle by making a protein smoothie, but wearable fitness accessories are the top fitness trend for 2019 for all ages, including Prime Women.
Wearable technology first topped the American College of Sports Medicine’s Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends in 2016, but dropped to #3 in 2018. It rose back to the top again for 2019 according to survey author Dr. Walter R. Thompson, Ph.D., FACSM. Dr. Thompson says that wearable technology could be back in the top spot because manufacturers have been “correcting some monitoring inaccuracies of the past.”
Oh! The #4 trend in the Worldwide Survey for 2019? Fitness programs for older adults.
Is Wearable Technology for Fitness More Than a Fitbit?
One place to check out the latest in wearable technology is the aptly named site Wareable, which offers coverage of every kind of tech you can wear, from smart watches and fitness trackers to virtual reality and even hearables. What’s a hearable? In addition to dozens of alternative high-tech ear buds, some go far beyond playing music or audiobooks. They’re in-ear devices that translate from one language to another while you listen.
Fitbits and Apple Watches are familiar choices, but what other products are out there in the world of fitness tech and how can they help us stay fit and healthy in 2019?
Most of the available products fit in these basic fitness tech categories:
- Fitness Trackers
- Smart Watches
- Heart Rate Monitors
- GPS Tracking Devices
While there are options to have each product in a separate device, top brands combine all of these fitness functions into one device.
What Are the Choices in Smart Watch/Fitness Monitor Combinations?
When the Apple Watch came out in 2015, it quickly raced to the top of the most-popular wearable device rankings with more than 4 million sales in the first three months.
The top products in this category of wearable technology come from Apple, Fitbit, and Garmin. You’ll also find other options from many manufacturers, including designer smart watches and branded crossovers like the Apple/Nike smartwatch.
Apple Watch 4: Apple released the Apple Watch 4 in September, so enthusiasts can probably look forward to another upgrade in September, 2019. The 4th generation of Apple Watch is a lighter, more attractive, more functional smart watch than its already top-rated predecessor. Apple’s focus is increasingly on fitness which makes the Apple Watch 4 a top fitness trend pick for 2019.
Apple Watch Series 4 GPS + Cellular, $499
The Apple Watch helps track your fitness in two ways: it alerts you to your activity level and prompts you to get moving. It also tracks your movements and exercise. The Apple Watch 4 is waterproof, and you can even wear it while swimming.
Fitbit Versa: Fitbit’s Versa is one of ten different smart watches and fitness trackers made by the San Francisco-based company. The company makes products designed to help you meet fitness goals by tracking metrics like exercise, activity levels, weight, and sleep.
One primary difference between the Fitbit and Apple Watch is the ability to track sleep. Apple’s battery life isn’t long enough to support sleep tracking, while Fitbit can. Fitbit’s Versa keeps working to track your fitness metrics for several days without needing a charge. Fitbit Versa also adds some fun by coming with with 50 changeable watch faces through its App Gallery.
Do They Make Designer Smart Watches?
Let’s face it: even with a cute watch face or designer band, many of the smart watches look like throwbacks to 80s black plastic digital watches.
Manufacturers have noticed, producing new options with design style and flair. Many watch manufacturers have jumped on the bandwagon, with new smart watches on the way throughout 2019.
These watches include built-in GPS, heart rate monitors, fitness tracking, and time-keeping capability along with smart watch features like contactless payment and messaging:
If you haven’t tried a smart watch and fitness tracker and have been looking for a new watch, you will be astonished at the style, appearance, feel, and functionality of these next-generation fashion/tech hybrids.
What If I Want a Fitness Tracker Only?“
Fitness trackers, including the chest-band heart monitor started the trend for measuring heart rate and activity way back in the 80s and 90s. Focused mostly on athletes and diehard fitness enthusiasts, the monitors were clunky and single-purpose, from step counters to heart rate monitors.
Next-generation activity trackers came in the 2000s, including the original Fitbit and Nike+iPod (a sensor-equipped shoe). These devices led the way to today’s smart watch technology that improves with each passing year.
It’s a little harder to find activity-only trackers that don’t send messages or function as mini smartphones on your wrist, but they’re still available.
Some of the choices out there are lightweight, functional, and fashionable, including:
Whichever of these you select, look for long battery life and features that appeal to you. GPS tracking helps device accuracy, especially if you are running, jogging or walking. GPS can also help you keep safe, providing location and emergency services.
What is the Coolest New Fitness Accessory for 2019?
Hands-down, fitness tracking rings have to be the most interesting new trend in fitness accessories for 2019, and they might be the one most appealing to PRiME woman.
If some of the wearables seem clunky or too “tech” looking, fitness rings are attractive and functional. Two fitness rings are available and have been tested. We can look forward to new editions and refinements in 2019.
The Motiv Ring offers a heart rate monitor, GPS, sleep monitoring, and cardio fitness scores. It has a titanium shell and has three days of battery life.
The Oura Ring comes with a few more design options than the Motiv Ring and also has a sizing kit which lets you try it on for a day to see which ring fits and feels best for you. Styles include Balance and Heritage, including an option for diamonds on the exterior of the band.
Fitness monitoring rings work by sensors located inside the band and are made with non-allergenic materials to protect your skin. They are waterproof and can be worn for days at a time. They report your fitness metrics to your mobile device via apps.
Some new fitness accessories may or may not arrive on the market in 2019, including shoe-based fitness trackers and shoes that can charge your smartphone as you walk or run. Much of the new tech is aimed more at the military than PRiME women.
The main reason why shoes with fitness trackers included haven’t taken off yet? You should replace your running shoes every 300 miles to prevent injuries, which means a fit person will replace them three to five times a year. No one wants to throw fitness technology away that often. Whatever your choice is in wearable fitness accessory, check out these trends and find one that’s right for you.
