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This article was taken from the September 2013 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.
Olympic sprinter Mark Lewis-Francis puts five fitness monitors to the test. Which one will take the tape?
How we tested
We wore five different fitness monitors over five days to track walking, running, cycling and sleep activity. Features such as position, functionality and options such as Bluetooth and Android support were taken into consideration. We then took the devices and their data to gold medal-winning Olympic sprinter Mark Lewis-Francis for his informed take on them. "Chase the short dreams and the bigger ones will come," he says. "If you've got something to monitor your targets, it will help your progression."
Jawbone UP
The most elegant of the devices, the UP monitors sleep as well as daytime movement. There is no data readout (this extends battery life to one week); instead it slots into your iPhone to show data.
The app is cute and can display data on food intake, but it doesn't give much guidance. "It's definitely good to be able to track your food," says Lewis-Francis. "The ideal is to automatically monitor calories."
Wired: Covetable band and app design
Tired: Lack of advice; American focus to food database
Score: 5
Cost: £99
Specifications
Food log: Yes (US)
Android support: Yes
Sleep monitor: Yes
Position worn: Wrist
Bluetooth sync: No
Fitbit Flex
The Fitbit Flex's light-up readout tells you how close you are to your targets and can detect intensity of running and height climbed. You can then send the data to apps such as MyFitnessPal.
With premium access (£30) you can see national averages and receive tailored programmes. "The hardest thing is training on your own," says Lewis-Francis. "This is almost like havinga training partner."
Wired: Light and chic; good guidance and community
Tired: No free advice included
Score: 7
Cost: £80
Specifications
Food log: Yes (UK)
Android support: Yes
Sleep monitor: Yes
Position worn: Wrist
Bluetooth sync: Yes
Fitbug Orb
Tiny and light ("The lighter it is, the better," claims Lewis-Francis), the Orb clips on to various accessories and transmits wirelessly. A meter says when you're at "aerobic steps" -- the pace that benefits health. The Orb's strength is that it shapes your goals, rather than leaving you to define them. Its six-month charge is via coin batteries.
Wired: Incredible value; excellent monitoring and aftercare
Tired: Accessories cost extra; noAndroid support
Score: 8
Cost: £45
Specifications
Food log: Yes (UK)
Android support: No
Sleep monitor: Yes
Position worn: Wrist/belt/underwear
Bluetooth sync: Yes
Nike Fuelband
A readout on the Nike FuelBand instantly tells you the number of steps you've taken and calories burned. The more activity you do, the more LEDs light up -- it's compelling, helped by a gamified app that racks up your completed targets. "It's useful for visualising your goals and progress," says Lewis-Francis. On the downside, it's fatter and less flexible than the others, and movement detection is accelerometer-only.
Wired: Attractive and easy-to-access display
Tired: Tracking is unsophisticated
Score: 6
Cost: £129
Specifications
Food log: No
Android support: No
Sleep monitor: No
Position worn: Wrist
Bluetooth sync: Yes
Bodymedia Link
A chunky plastic cell slots into a frame that you can attach to your upper arm with an elastic strap -- it's cumbersome at first, but becomes less noticeable. You can sync data via USB or wirelessly to an app, and it will monitor skin temperature, heat dissipation and sweat. However, Lewis-Francis marked it down for its positioning: "If you have large biceps, it may get uncomfortable."
Wired: Highly sophisticated tracking
Tired: Large form-factor; monthly subscription
Score: 5
Cost: $149 (£96)
Specifications
Food log: Yes (US)
Android support: Yes
Sleep monitor: Yes
Position worn: Biceps
Bluetooth sync: Yes
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
