First Posted: 2/27/2015
LIMA — With the generation’s technological revolution, it hasn’t all been computers, tablets and smart phones. Especially as the nation’s focus has shifted to nutrition and fitness.
According to a 2012 Life Fitness survey, 72 percent of the 745 people interviewed who exercise use technology to support their workouts. The same year, Pew Research Center assessed health and technology trends in the United States, finding that in a group of 10 American adults, seven used some type of tracker as a heath indicator for themselves or a loved one. In using the device, multiple respondents said the activity helped to change their overall health habits for the better.
Wear it right
At first, Derrick Fleming, the general manager at Lima’s Finish Line, said devices and technology used to support workouts were supplementary or dependent on multiple devices. For example, if someone placed a chip in their shoe and connected it to a smart phone or other devices, like an iPod, they could record their pace or distance ran.
“It was a bit more complicated,” Fleming said.
But now, technology has simplified itself with wearable devices like Fitbit — one of the more popular devices in demand at Finish Line, he said.
Somewhat stylish — “looking kind of like Livestrong bands,” Fleming said — the wristbands don’t need another device to function and they have a wider range of abilities. Some are able to track not just distance or pace, but location, heart rate, calories, number of steps and monitor sleep.
This year, Randy Ritter, department manager of MC Sports in Lima, said most people come in asking for the Fitbit at their store, as well. Though the store doesn’t yet have them, Ritter has put in a request to get them in this year.
“It’s the name, and it’s what everyone is talking about,” he said.
For now, the store does have the Polar Loop and iFit trackers in stock, which can link up with machines at some of the local gyms.
Overall, Fleming said, the demand is really for any type of technology that can keep track of things like calories or workout, even workout history.
“We’re selling a ton of technology that way,” he said.
At Finish Line, of course Fitbits are popular, but watches with GPS systems are also an important offering, including products from Garmin.
“Nike Fuel Band is also really popular,” Fleming said. “But Garmin is a big one for us.”
“The big change or big difference over the years has been the evolution of the GPS,” he said. “You no longer need a chip on the bottom of your shoe or another piece of hardware.”
A good fit
Just like using the right tools and equipment for your workout, its important to pick the right gadget for what you need.
Ritter said salespeople usually first try to determine the customer’s goals. They’ll ask questions like what’s important for them, what are they training for, what do they already know, what do they want to be able to track.
Fleming said clerks also ask if the buyer works outside or indoors, if they want to be able to compare previous workouts, and what they intend to do with it — like run a 5K, a marathon or do a triathlon.
“People usually come in with questions of their own, too,” he said.
The Fitbit, for example, is a bit more expensive than other versions and has more capabilities, like sleep monitoring and GPS. The iFit, Ritter said, is usually a little less expensive and can link to other devices.
Either way, Ritter said the devices that are popular and on the market now are much more accurate and useful than older products, like the simple pedometer.
“They keep you on task,” he said.
