A fitness tracker is a universal device that is used by athletes, people who lead an active lifestyle, have some health problems, and everyone who cares about their own health. But it’s not enough to carry the device, you need to use it correctly.
Before you start using it, you need to find out how to properly wear a fitness bracelet on your hand so that it is as effective as possible and reflects the correct information about the body.
On the one hand, it may seem that there is no fundamental difference, but the gadget contains different sensors, the location of which will play an important role.
You need to figure out what deviations and locations are acceptable, and what can seriously distort the data.
Do I need to wear the bracelet on a certain side or does it work the same everywhere?
Beginners who have not previously used such devices often think that there is no difference depending on the hand and position of the tracker, calories, heart rate and other parameters will be calculated in any case, and the error, if any, will be insignificant. This is not entirely true. It doesn’t matter which company’s device is used, Xiaomi, Samsung, Huawei or another, there are some rules that should be followed:
- The capsule with the tracker should fit snugly to your hand. To do this, you need to tighten the strap, but you should be careful: the device should fit snugly, but not squeeze your hand, so as not to disrupt the blood flow and cause problems;
- To ensure maximum measurement accuracy, you need to keep the bracelet on the same hand all the time. Constantly changing hands can lead to inaccuracy and inadequate statistics;
- Given the fact that the bracelet is made of silicone (most often), moisture can accumulate under it, so it is worth removing it from time to time.
Silicone is a non-allergenic material, so wearing it most often does not cause problems. But if irritation suddenly occurs, you should pay attention to it.
Important! One of the most important points is the side from which the device will be used. Most often it is believed that it should be worn on the left hand. This has no justification. There is only one recommendation - the bracelet is always worn on the same side. This ensures maximum measurement accuracy and minimizes errors.
Simply put, to use the device, you insert the capsule into the strap, wrap it around your chosen hand, and then press it tightly and fasten it. And only after that fine tuning is done.
Next, you will need to configure the applications and “link” the tracker with your smartphone. It is recommended to use the original application, but there are many third-party ones. True, the tracker manufacturer will not be responsible for other developers and certainly does not guarantee quality.
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Fitness bracelet functions
By the way, a few words about the convenient features of the fitness bracelet : for example, a reminder that it’s time to move a little. The first time I started using this feature, it was more annoying. “Hey, smart bracelet, where am I going to move now when I’m at home?” - I said in response to the vibration. It turns out it helps.
Fitness bracelet will remind you to be active
True, for this you need to overcome your own laziness a couple of times and the feeling that in the eyes of others it looks stupid. By the way, about the second: this is absolutely not true. I have yet to meet a single person who would look askance at me when I suddenly stood up from my workplace and just warmed up a little or made circles around the room.
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How to put on a tracker correctly
You should put on the gadget so that it fits tightly to your wrist. In this case, the tracker itself, that is, the capsule that is inserted into the strap, should be located on the wrist, on the lower side, where the veins are visible. This will help make the measurements as accurate as possible.
Under no circumstances should you allow excessive pressure on your hand. This will not only lead to disruption of blood flow, but will also distort the data. It should fit snugly, but not pinch your hand.
You should not wear the device constantly. From time to time it is recommended to remove it and give your hand a little rest. You also need to monitor the strap; changes in the thickness of the hand are made constantly, so you will need to control this moment. Sometimes water may accumulate in the body, weight may change up or down, all this must be taken into account.
You need to put the device on your wrist, almost immediately above your hand, a couple of centimeters above. There is no need to measure the distance with a ruler, such accuracy is not useful and will not affect the measurement result, everything can be done approximately.
Which hand?
Before you put on the tracker, you need to decide which hand it will be on. This question concerns only convenience. If, in addition to this gadget, there are other accessories on hand, then it is worth correlating this information. So, if you also use a simple watch and wear it on your left hand, then it would be logical to place the device on your right hand.
Both wearing options are allowed: both on the right and on the left hand. Most often, the device is worn on the left, as it also replaces a regular watch - the gadget shows the time, among other parameters.
After the device is put on your hand, you need to launch the application, with which the gadget will be configured and used. The first step is binding, then there is the initial setup, and after that the hand on which the tracker is located is selected.
Attention! If suddenly the user wants to change his hand, it is recommended to change this parameter in the settings. Otherwise, the measurement accuracy is not guaranteed by the manufacturer.
How should the capsule be positioned on the bracelet?
The capsule is inserted into the bracelet so that the screen faces up and is visible to the owner. Even if the data from the monitor is not important, for example, the owner uses a watch to control time, but uses a tracker, controlling it from a smartphone, this arrangement is extremely important.
The bottom line is that on the bottom side of the tracker there are sensors that measure the heart rate, that is, the pulse. If you insert the capsule in any other way, the gadget will either not measure this parameter at all, or will do it incorrectly.
The location of the capsule is the most important point. If it is set incorrectly, the parameters may be measured with large errors or not measured at all. In some cases, when there are doubts that the pulse and other characteristics are reflected incorrectly, you can remove the capsule and put it back in. If inaccuracies still continue, you need to send the device for testing and diagnostics.
To accurately reflect body parameters, it is also recommended to use only original straps. Third-party manufacturers may offer solutions that are very original in design, but not always their design will ensure the accuracy of the device.
The location of the capsule will also affect the measurement of steps taken per day and, accordingly, calories burned, as it will influence the measurement by reading arm swings. In general, no body parameters can be calculated correctly if the capsule is placed incorrectly, so it is extremely important to use the instructions and follow the rules.
Usually there are no difficulties in installing the capsule. It will be easy to insert and remove from the bracelet. If difficulties arise with this, then the user is doing something wrong. It is recommended to look at the instructions again and try the procedure again.
Advantages and disadvantages
Many people do not understand why spend money on such an expensive accessory if modern smartphones have a wide selection of applications that perform all the same functions. To answer this question, you need to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of fitness bracelets.
Advantages:
- the data is saved without downloading additional programs (the smartphone will have to be loaded with many applications to perform all the necessary functions);
- data recording occurs unnoticed, without distracting, interfering or causing discomfort (the smartphone should always be carried with you, without letting go of your hands);
- One synchronization per day with a linked phone is enough (the smartphone must be constantly connected to the mobile Internet or GPS, which increases the cost of metered traffic);
- indicators are analyzed over a long period of time and saved (a smartphone can go astray and lose all received data, although this is rare);
- the programs of most fitness bracelets are easily synchronized with a computer/tablet/laptop and quickly open on them;
- lightness, almost weightlessness, which is not felt on the hand;
- long-term work in offline mode;
- functioning in any climatic conditions (even in severe frosts).
Flaws:
- not all models are distinguished by measurement accuracy, which depends on the brand, sensors and compliance with measurement rules;
- high prices;
- not compatible with all smartphone models;
- Too much time is spent tracking results, setting the correct settings, etc.
If saving money is a priority, then mobile applications on your phone that perform the functions of a heart rate monitor, pedometer and other indicators are the best option. If comfort and accuracy of the data obtained is more important, it is better to purchase a fitness bracelet.
Is it possible to wear a tracker on one hand at the same time as a watch?
No one prohibits wearing the device on the same hand where a regular watch is located. Neither electronic nor mechanical devices will interfere with the work of the tracker; this is only a matter of personal preference and convenience.
Some believe that electronic watches can distort the signal and readings. It is not true. Also, do not be afraid that the tracker will count the “ticking” of the second hand as a pulse; the measurement is carried out not by sound, but by blood flow, that is, the sensor must fit tightly to the hand.
But when wearing a tracker with a watch on one hand, there is one important point. They should be located above the tracker, since the bracelet should be located in the place where the watch is usually worn to ensure maximum accuracy of measurements.
Important! The device can also be worn with other bracelets, such as jewelry. It does not matter what metal they are made of. Wearing such products cannot in any way affect the operation of the device.
As for the second hand, there are no restrictions. You can put whatever you want on it. Theoretically, you can use a second tracker, but there is no practical benefit from this. Perhaps only to check the accuracy of measurements. For example, if there are doubts that the device correctly measures heart rate or sleep phases, then a second one is put on and the indicators are compared.
What happens if you never take off your watch?
Despite the fact that the watch fits comfortably on your wrist and is largely safe for your health, we still recommend taking it off when you perform water procedures. And while you have the option of keeping them on, you'll need to remove them while showering to prevent soap buildup.
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In addition to this, you shouldn't sleep with the watch on all night for weeks on end because it will irritate your skin. After a while, you will feel general discomfort, and there may also be negative reactions to EMF radiation, but only in certain people.
The good news is that you can minimize the risk of EMF radiation by turning off notifications and keeping your watch screen from lighting up. You should stop alerts too, especially because you don't want to be woken up by the clock. Additionally, you should remove them periodically.
If you decide to wear your Apple Watch in bed all night for weeks on end, you'll want to read the following paragraphs as we share tips on how you can do so safely.
Should pregnant women wear a gadget?
Pregnant women are wondering whether it is worth using a tracker, whether it will negatively affect the body. The reason for the concern is that the device constantly emits a signal when it is connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth. However, the fears are unfounded for the following reasons:
- The harm of a Bluetooth connection has never been proven, just like the harm of Wi-Fi. There is no reason to believe that such a connection will somehow negatively affect the body;
- Any electronics has certain emissions; it is impossible to avoid them completely, existing in the modern world. We constantly use smartphones and are surrounded by many electrical appliances, so the signal from a fitness tracker is only a small part;
- If desired, bluetooth can be turned off. Most trackers can be used separately from a smartphone. Undoubtedly, this will reduce the functionality, but the basic parameters will be available.
It must be remembered that the body parameters of a pregnant woman may differ slightly, for example, the pulse and sleep phases may be different. These points need to be clarified with your doctor. The tracker serves only to record information and cannot replace expert opinion and full-fledged examinations.
The harm from a fitness watch could potentially be on par with any other personal device. In principle, even an ordinary mobile phone seems more dangerous, however, it is quite difficult to give it up in real life.
A fitness tracker can help pregnant women more than it can harm. Monitoring the health of a woman in this condition is extremely important, so the measurements taken by the device can help in drawing up an overall picture regarding health. Pulse, sleep phases - all play an important role. But you shouldn’t completely replace full-fledged medical examinations with a tracker - the device is auxiliary, but cannot completely replace the rest.
Is there a difference in how to wear women's models and men's gadgets?
The body of both men and women works almost identically, not counting individual gender characteristics. At least, the pulse is measured in the same way, so there will be no difference in putting on and wearing a male or female model.
Interesting! Most often, smart watch models differ only in design, and most are completely universal. The division into female and male models is conditional. There will be no difference between trackers.
In some cases, only the specific programs that are installed on smartphones differ. This was done only for convenience, since male and female bodies may have slight differences in terms of daily rhythms, heart rate at certain periods, and so on. Individual applications allow you to better control your body.
Main conclusions
Any fitness tracker is needed primarily to measure some body parameters. But for proper operation and obtaining the most accurate information regarding your body, you need to put it on and wear it correctly. You should understand this right away before you start using it.
It should be located on either hand near the wrist. You can wear it almost all the time, but sometimes it is still recommended to take it off. The capsule should be positioned with the screen up and the sensors down, tightly adjacent to the body, avoiding squeezing.
Buy a comfortable watch strap
Comfort is important for a good night's sleep, and you'll want to wear a comfortable watch band if you sleep with it on.
The strap that the gadget comes with may not be the most comfortable, and you should buy a custom-made or more comfortable strap, especially if you struggle with skin allergies.
Choose rubber because it is more comfortable and expands according to the movement of your wrist. But avoid silicone straps as they cause skin irritation and are uncomfortable.
