Data-driven performance tracking: a review of some of the latest technology

Have you heard of the quantified self movement?

Even if you aren’t aware of this term, you are probably taking part in it by tracking performance. If you have an AppleWatch or a FitBit, you are using data to improve your performance. Even charts where you write down your workout stats (how many reps, at what weight) are routinely used to track progress. Without these benchmarks, it’s difficult to quantify if our workouts are as effective as we would like.

As technology improves, there are more tools  to track our body, mind, time, environment or whatever. It’s easier than ever to track a life. But which tools are worth the investment and which will become fads?

Let’s look at a few of the most popular ways you can track your activities.

AppleWatch

The AppleWatch has come a long way since it was first introduced. While not strictly a fitness device, it is extremely popular for capturing your fitness habit.

Pros: You can track activity through the Workout app which has built-in activities categories. It’s also a fairly accurate heart rate tracker that you can use to ensure that you’re working hard enough.

Cons: The AppleWatch does not come with the ability to track sleep. You can download sleep-specific apps but results may vary. Also, if you do not start the Workout app, the watch does not measure your activity. The AppleWatch’s value outside of fitness tracking is fairly limited. Once the novelty of sending email replies via Siri wears off, you’ll find the range of activities you can perform on a wristwatch fairly limiting for the $500+ you spend on the most basic model.

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So, there’s a lot to consider when looking to technology to measure and track our progress. Collecting data about yourself and your workouts can lead to a better understanding of where you’re spending your time and explain why (or why not) you’re progressing. While technology can provide you with specific stats, so can a notebook from the dollar store. You can also take pictures of your cardio machine displays. No matter what your budget, you can start keeping track of your fitness journey.