Who wouldn't like to lose a few extra pounds? 5 Trusted Guides to Losing Weight and Keeping It Off 5 Trusted Guides to Losing Weight and Keeping It Off Science says that diets are better than exercise if the goal is weight loss. Determine which diet is right for you with the help of these how-to guides. Read more ? Losing fat can help both our physical and mental health. And with so many people stuck behind a desk all day, keeping ourselves in top condition is more important than ever if we want to stay healthy well into our later years.
Of course, losing weight is easier said than done. Adverse weather conditions, the lure of tasty food, and the cost of paying for a gym membership How to Work Out Without Going to the Gym How to Work Out Without Going to the Gym a lot of time lost. Try these effective workouts without leaving your home. Read More We need help.
Fortunately, thanks to smart technology, you don't need to pay for an expensive personal trainer. You can invest in a set of smart scales instead.
But do they work? What features are offered? And what are the differences between the two main products, Nokia Body Cardio and Fitbit Aria? Read on to find out more..
As I've discussed in other parts of the site, the bathroom is very much at the forefront of smart home technology. Smart devices in the bathroom? Smart devices in the bathroom not as crazy as you think? It's not as crazy as you think technology may seem out of place in the bathroom, but these smart gadgets could change your mind – and your morning routine! Read More Smart scales are just one part of the bathroom revolution.
Smart scales have been around for a while, but only in the last couple of years have they progressed to becoming valuable devices.
In years past, they might tweet your weight, share your fitness progress with friends, and do other similar activities. "miscellaneous" Tasks. Today, they can give you a clear snapshot of many aspects of your overall health. You hardly need to lift a finger (although certainly the goal of a weight loss program is to lift a few fingers).
Any smart scale worth its salt will be able to connect to a fitness tracker via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. A good one might be able to read your heart rate and connect to a third-party blood pressure cuff.
The best models will also be able to record other important metrics. They include bone density, water retention, body fat mass, body mass index, and more. Some even have a special pregnancy mode.
Importantly, they will also support multiple users. Each user will have their own account on the device, which can record their history accordingly. After all, you don't want a whole row of smart scales in your bathroom for every member of the family. It would be expensive and look ridiculous.
I'll look at some of these features in more detail later in the article.
This is the million dollar question, isn't it? Smart scales don't come cheap — you'll be lucky to find a leading product for under $100. You don't want to spend all that money if they don't help you change your belly fat. After all, you can buy a lot of pizza for a hundred dollars.
I'll be up front - I haven't used any of the products. Therefore, I am handing you over to our very own James Bruce. He spent a few weeks testing and reviewing the Fitbit Aria. Fitbit Aria Wi-Fi Smart Scale Review and Fitbit Aria Giveaway. Wi-Fi Smart Scale Review and Giveaway. Weight changes are an essential part of the process. Any obstacles to doing so will eventually stop... Read More
But don't take our word for it. Take a look at what Phil Nickinson (the man behind the excellent Modern Dad YouTube channel) had to say about Withings Smart Scales:
TL; DR:He loved it.
Note: Since June 2017, Withings products have been sold under the Nokia brand.
We've established that smart scales are packed with features and can be a vital weight loss weapon. 6 Tips to finally lose weight with an exercise band. 6 Tips to lose weight with an exercise band. A personal trainer can keep you focused. but it is expensive. More and more, people are turning to fitness bands instead. They can monitor your workouts, monitor your calories, and measure your body's cardiovascular performance. Read more . In short, they are worth your money..
So the next obvious question is, “Which one should you buy?”
You can find many different models on the market, but don't waste time and money on a cheap version. It won't be worth it - you'll find yourself shelling out more cash down the line for a replacement.
In truth, there are only two models you should consider:the Nokia Body Cardio and the Fitbit Aria. Here is a brief summary of their differences.
Nokia offers three smart scales:Body, Body + and Body Cardio. The Body Cardio is the high-end model. It costs $179.95, which is almost double the price of the Body+.
It includes many of the features I mentioned above. Its weight measurements are accurate to 0.2 pounds and can record your fat mass, muscle mass, bone mass, and water retention.
The device also has a built-in heart rate monitor. Interestingly, it includes a unique measurement:pulse wave velocity (no, I haven't heard of that either). According to Nokia, it is recognized by the medical community as “The best independent indicator of overall cardiovascular health.”
Apparently, it detects the "Speed of propagation of the pressure wave along the arterial tree." and it is “Linked to the elasticity of the arterial wall of the aorta.” In short, it is a good metric to follow.
Plus, Body Cardio supports up to eight users and links to over 100 third-party health and wellness apps (great for nutritional monitoring).
Oh, and it even shows the daily weather forecast on the screen. What more could you want?
Nokia Body Cardio - Wi-Fi Heart Health and Body Composition Scale, Black Nokia Body Cardio - Wi-Fi Heart Health and Body Composition Scale, Black Buy Now On Amazon $238.00
Nokia's main competitor is the Fitbit Aria. Unlike the Nokia range, there is only one model available, which costs $99.95.
If you are observant, you will have noticed that it is considerably cheaper than the high-end Nokia product. So what are you sacrificing for savings?
Well, there are no pulse wave velocity measurements (I can hear you crying from here). It's also not as compatible with other apps as the Nokia product, and it doesn't have a heart rate monitor. In fact, it's specifically designed to work with Fitbit's range of wristbands. Should I buy a Fitbit? 5 honest questions to ask before you buy a Fitbit? 5 Honest Questions to Ask Before You Buy a New Fitbit? Think carefully. Here are some important questions to ask before you invest in a Fitbit device. Read more.
And therein lies the problem. To maximize the Aria's potential, you'll need either an Alta HR or a Charge 2. They're both wristband models that also have a heart rate monitor. And the cost of a high HR or charge 2? $149.95. The smart scale's $99.95 price tag suddenly doesn't seem like a bargain anymore, does it?
In other areas, the Aria is nearly identical to the Body Cardio. It supports eight users, measures weight, lean mass, body fat, and body mass index, and presents all your historical data on its native smartphone app and web portal.
Fitbit Aria Wi-Fi Smart Scale, Black Fitbit Aria Wi-Fi Smart Scale, Black Buy Now On Amazon $269.99
Okay, let's summarize what we've learned. Yes, smart scales are worth it, and yes, they can definitely help you lose weight.
As for the Fitbit Aria vs. Nokia Body Cardio debate? It really depends on your personal usage situation. If you and your family already have Fitbit bands, you need to buy Fitbit Aria. The shortcomings of the scale are detected by the characteristics of the bracelet..
On the other hand, if you're just getting into the world of smart fitness, spend a little more and get the Nokia Body Cardio. You'll instantly have access to many valuable metrics and have more options to grow your team in the future.
Do you own a set of smart scales? Have you found them useful? As always, you can leave all your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
