Fitness devices - bad news?

[ufkacbln]

This is in Cafe to get a wider range f replies

There have been a couple of articles recently suggesting that measuring heart rate, distances, etc and attempting to hit these targets can be detrimental

The suggestion is that putting in an extra ride or going faster when you are already tired, stressed or unewll can be detrimental

There is also a court case with FitBit where the claim is that measurements are inaccurate and can for this reason be dangerous. If someone attempts a maximum heart rate and due to the equipment error is in fact above, it can cause problems

Of course the individual has a responsibility to be sensible, but given the way these devices have become so popular and the increase of Strava etc, is the use of these devices becoming excessive, and do you think there is a problem with their use and accuracy?

 

[Ian H]

Probably less dangerous than using the stairs.

 

[ScotiaLass]

There may well be an issue with accuracy but as long as they state this then it's an individual's choice to use them, or not.
Personally I don't bother. I like to see how far I've gone but that's about it.

 

[Drago]

Don't have one, so don't care I'm afraid.

 

[AndyRM]

They only work properly if you wear a helmet.

 

[Fnaar]

Two things spring to mind...
Firstly, the user should realize that they aren't likely to be that accurate, and just use them as a guide, and don't get obsessed with them. Secondly, most fitbits will be in the bottom of a drawer by March, never to be seen again.

 

[Diggs]

Surely these devices are mostly useful for giving the user a baseline to work from, even if the measurement is a bit inaccurate? If not, I'm going to sue the manufacturers of my bathroom scales, they're rubbish.

This...... well for me anyway. As long as you have a bit of common sense (I've also spent several hours at work this week with mandatory training explaining stuff which could easily be summed up as common sense - this is however a huge can of worms) .
I also take with a pinch of salt, the "calories burnt" on the gym machines. Elite atheletes may differ and should be using more advanced ways of measuring but to find out how hard I am working, it's fine

 

[ufkacbln]

Probably less dangerous than using the stairs.

Some also measure stairs (up but not down) and also inaccurately

 

[Dave 123]

All that kind of stuff is only any good if you're looking for a podium finish in the TdF.

I'll be happy with 4th this year so I'm out.

 

[ufkacbln]

Surely these devices are mostly useful for giving the user a baseline to work from, even if the measurement is a bit inaccurate? If not, I'm going to sue the manufacturers of my bathroom scales, they're rubbish.

Exactly
I am a "grey" person according to GP

BP, Cholosterol, are just on the lower edge, and the diabetes just over

I use an electronic BP machine and a Glucometer to keep track

However in both cases I have "calibrated" against standard BP machines and a standard blood test so I have an idea.

The BP is slightly low, but the Glucometer is within 2% so accurate enough for routine monitoring

 

[ufkacbln]

Surely these devices are mostly useful for giving the user a baseline to work from, even if the measurement is a bit inaccurate? If not, I'm going to sue the manufacturers of my bathroom scales, they're rubbish.

Some would

 

[snorri]

Not as dangerous as speedometers in cars which distract drivers from their main task of observing the road in front of them. (Safespeed 2001)

 

[stephec]

The marketing of them seems to make them look like a fashion accessory.

Almost as if they can be used by lazy people as an excuse not to exercise, "look at me, why do I need to get out of breath when my watch says I've been very active today?"

I read an interview with a product manager for Garmin who, probably with his company hat on, said that wrist hrm was good, but he personally still preferred a chest strap.

 

[Diggs]

Secondly, most fitbits will be in the bottom of a drawer by March, never to be seen again.

Unfortunately, that's where my watches are now. But one of the reasons I did get the surge, was that it would function (and look like) a normal watch

 

[vernon]

Probably less dangerous than using the stairs.

Too right! Wearing the stairs on your wrist could cause a sprain and make getting upstairs a bit awkward.