Call them fitness bands or bracelets, in the recent times, there’s a sudden influx of these fitness gears on the market. From being an object of glory, they’re now making way on everyone’s wrists for all the valuable data they keep track of. Initially, these bands were fairly straightforward compared to the full-blown smart watches, but the ever evolving sensors packed inside these tiny bands have turned them into a multifaceted powerhouse!

Here are some of the sensors inside fitness bands that make them work the way they do:

1.  Accelerometers

This is the most fundamental sensor as it can be used for various things, but its basic job is to count steps. By gauging orientation and acceleration force, it can estimate whether the device is vertical or horizontal and if it’s moving or stationary. Currently, most fitness bands use quite an advanced level of accelerometers for improved accuracy.

2.  GPS

Although GPS is a fairly old technology, but its use in fitness bands is relatively new. This is because the GPS chips are now becoming more power efficient. GPS helps runners, walkers and cyclists in planning their routes and also gives them a sense of confidence about not getting lost.

3.  Thermometers

It measures your body temperature,which can be valuable information in knowing if you’re overexerting yourself. Also, keeping track of your temperature on sick days becomes easier.

4.  Optical heart-rate monitors

Tracking your heart rate while it’s resting is not the main purpose, but measuring it during training is. This information is exceptionally valuable for those who are just getting into a fitness regime to know if they are getting their heart rate high enough to achieve the most out of their fitness program. It also helps others in ensuringthat they’re not straining their heart too much.

5.  UV sensor

This sensor takes in the sunlight and figures if you’re absorbing harmful UV rays. It warns you to get out of the sun if you’re likely to burn yourself. This sensor proves to be very useful for those who like to exercise outdoors.

6.  Galvanic skin response sensor

This sensor measures the electrical connectivity of the skin. Basically, when emotions are aroused, our skin becomes a better conductor of electricity. This is because our heart beats faster, breathing becomes heavier and you sweat more than usual. This sends a change in the electrical conductivity of the skin and it can measure if you’re stressed, anxious or excited.

7.  Bioimpedance sensors

These sensors cover three bases: heart rate, respiration rate and galvanic skin response. When worn on the wrist this also tracks the user’s respiration and hydration by looking at oxygen levels in the blood.

All the above mentioned sensors may provide a fitness band with a wide array of data but it won’t mean much without being analyzed into helpful advice by supporting software. Hence for you to get a crystal clear image of your health today and how you can improve it tomorrow solely depends on how accurate these sensors are, how seamlessly they work together and with the software that’s inside the fitness band!

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