The Nike FuelBand

Have you heard of Nike FuelBand? It’s this new wrist band that is designed to measure the energy you expend while doing any type of activity – as simple as walking.

I reviewed their site today and didn’t learn too much about the product – at least not much in terms of the information that I was looking for or needed.

The wrist band measures NikeFuel. Obviously a new term that Nike invented. However, they don’t disclose what makes up NikeFuel. Apparently it’s not just calories, because that’s a different data element that is displayed on its 100 white LED display. It also tracks your steps and has support for timing.

Does this sound like a glorified pedometer to you? I think so.

Why? Because it doesn’t measure your heart rate, it doesn’t include GPS and there are tons of activities that I don’t think would register correctly without any of the above. Let’s take for example Spinning (or cycling). If Nike Fuelband is only using a built-in 3 axis accelerometer, will it actually measure work that you’re doing even though your wrist might be idle? Especially in this same instance, when you’re on a stationary bike.

Would I love to wear this during my SH’BAM class? Absolutely! Do I think it would accurately represent my efforts in BodyPump? No.

In fact, how does it go about tracking an accurate calorie output when it doesn’t take into consideration your heart rate? If you take a look at their Product technical specs, it states that the Nike FuelBand isn’t compatible with any heart rate monitoring device. Why didn’t they just upgrade their SportBand which includes compatibility with transmitters?

They created a video promotion that made me cringe. It shared that their Nike FuelBand measures energy output the same for everybody. But the fact is that everyone expends energy differently. It’s almost like false exercise advertisement.

Should you buy this product? Well, that’s up to you. But I wouldn’t. If you’ve read this blog before, you know that one of the things I hold in high esteem – that is closest to my heart (pun intended) – is a heart rate monitor. It’s the best way to learn about your body, your calories, etc.

If you’re new to fitness and want something that looks fancy and gives you a goal in a pretty and visible way, this might be the product for you.  If you’re more than entry-level, I think I’d choose a product that gives you more options and more accurate information.

In their defense, it just launched and maybe they haven’t published all the information yet. However, the site is up and the information was tweeted. So, ready or not… I blogged about it.

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