Escali USHM180G Ultra Slim Health Monitor Scale

The Escali USHM180G is the latest iteration of our body fat monitoring scales.  The USHM180G has a high capacity of 400 lbs (180 Kg) and accurately measures in 0.2 lb (0.1 Kg) increments. There are 4 profiles for users to store their personal data, such as gender, age, and height as well as an optional athlete mode.  The scale features "Instant-On" technology that turns the scale on immediately once stepped upon.  It then automatically recognizes and selects individual profiles based on the user's weight.  (Three buttons located on the top of the scale can be used to manually select profiles or enter personal data.)  The scale measures the user's weight and then uses Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) to calculate body fat, body water, and muscle mass data.  Measurements are shown on a 3" x 1.5", blue backlit, display which continues to show data even after the user has stepping off of the platform.  The scale's power derives from 2 lithium batteries which are included. Escali backs its bathroom scales with a 5-year warranty and 100-percent satisfaction guarantee.

Nike+ SportBand

The Nike+ SportBand tracks distance, pace, time and calories burned, saves 30 hours’ worth of workouts in its memory, and features a removable Nike+ Link to connect to nikeplus.com. According to Nike, it allows runners to get real-time performance input while running, allowing athletes to “see how they run”.

adidas miCoach PACER

This portable training tool works provides real-time audible coaching to help users achieve heart rate and pace goals during exercise. The unit gathers data from a chest-strap heart rate monitor and a stride sensor that clips onto the shoe. With the miCoach PACER web application, users select pre-programmed training plans or create custom workouts and upload to the unit via USB cable. The PACER saves data for up to 40 workouts and syncs to the web application for tracking of personal data and coaching feedback.

GYMBOSS Interval Timer & Stop Watch

This small, multifunction interval timer enables users to engage in sport-specific interval training workouts. The GYMBOSS can be set for 1 or 2 repeating time intervals, ranging with beep or vibrate alarm. The unit also functions as a stopwatch.

BodyMedia FIT LINK (Bluetooth®-enabled)

The BodyMedia® FIT is an on-body monitoring system that consists of the BodyMedia FIT Armband monitor, online Activity Manager (an optional display) and free downloadable apps for mobile device users. The LINK Armband, enabled with Bluetooth® wireless technology, sends information to your fingertips by communicating directly with your smartphone and providing near real-time caloric burn data.

Striiv Smart Pedometer

The Striiv Smart Pedometer is a small, touchscreen fitness device that tracks steps and motivates users to walk more throughout the day.

Polar F6 Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Women's)

The Polar F6 Heart Rate Monitor checks your daily condition and guides you to a suitable exercise intensity level. You can see how many calories you’re burning and get interference-free data. Features include: continuous heart rate monitoring and where you are compared to your target heart rate zone, OwnCal – monitors energy expenditure, OwnZone – helps determine an individual’s unique exercise zone and calorie counter, OwnCode – transmitter that eliminates interference from other heart rate monitors, even while working out in groups, watch/stopwatch functions and water resistance to 100 feet.

Nike+iPod Sport Kit

On Apple’s site you see the advertising “Meet your new personal trainer” describing the Nike+ipod Sport Kit. Using a wireless sensor, the Nike+iPod Sport Kit measures and records the distance and pace of a walk or run and displays the results on an iPod Nano, second generation iPod Touch, or iPhone 3GS to provide real-time feedback during workouts and allow you to track performance on your Mac or PC. The wireless sensor works with compatible cardio machines and also compatible Nike shoes.

Fitbit

The Fitbit is an electronic accelerometer that clips onto clothing and tracks calories burned, steps, distance and sleep quality. Using a 3D motion sensor similar to the Nintendo Wii, this information is wirelessly uploaded to Fitbit.com, where users can track activity levels, set goals, log food intake and compete with other users. The purchase price includes the Fitbit tracker, wireless base station, software and access to the web-based tracking system where data is analyzed and stored.

The Fitbit was named the “best of innovations” in the Health and Wellness category for the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show. Launching publicly in October of 2009, the Fitbit was already in such high-demand that products were on back-order from the number of preorders. At the time of this review, the item is still in backorder status and the manufacturer states that they are currenly filling pre-orders and new orders will start shipping in approximately three weeks.

GoWear® fit

The GoWear fit Lifestyle & Calorie Management System by BodyMedia consists of an electronic armband that calculates calories burned and measures steps, physical activity level and sleep efficiency. An optional display watch (sold separately) provides minute-to-minute updates, and a subscription-based online activity manager analyzes data to help users set and reach their goals and track progress.

Omron Handheld Fat Loss Monitor

The Omron HBF-306C Fat Loss Monitor is a hand-held device that measures body-fat percentage and body mass index (BMI) using bioelectrical impedance. Users enter in a few items of information and grab the handles to get a reading in seconds. There are nine profiles that can be added so individuals can save personal information, making it usable by multiple people.

The manufacturer notes that the body fat percentage measured by this unit may significantly differ from the actual body fat percentage in the following situations:

• Body builders or professional athletes
• Children in growth stage
• Women who are pregnant
• Elderly people
• Post-menopausal women
• People with a fever
• People who having swelling
• Patients undergoing dialysis
• Patients with osteoporosis

Tanita BF680W Scale plus Body Fat Monitor

The Tanita BF-680W Scale plus Body Fat Monitor with Body Water Percentage utilizes bioelectrical impedance to measure body-fat percentage and body-water percentage, as well as weight.  The added feature of calculating body water percentage increases the likelihood of getting an accurate measurement by analyzing hydration level.