This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for UK audiences.
Many fitness journeys begin at the same starting point: on the scales. Getting on the scale and getting back in shape is easier said than done, but the hard work is worth it. What you need is focus, commitment and a helping hand. Nowadays that means technical assistance.
In fact, there are many products that will make your trip a little easier. All of Running watches To Protein powder can give you an advantage. How about a smart scale? With all the advanced technology, stepping onto a smart scale could be the first crucial step towards your ultimate fitness goal.
But before you go ahead and start shopping, we’ll help you take some of the stress off your mind – and maybe your body – by explaining what makes this scale so smart.
What are smart scales?
Regular old scales only measure your weight, which is fine if that’s all you need. Smart scales give you additional data to help you customize your weight loss plan, with apps or online services to track various metrics and store information for you.
Most apps are compatible with Fitbit, Apple Health and Google Fit, so you can sync your data to get a clearer picture of your progress. Smart scales can be the motivation to lose, maintain or even gain weight.
As soon as you step on the scale, your data is recorded and transmitted to the associated app. These apps track your weight and provide charts to help you set goals. The ability to see goals and monitor progress can motivate you in ways that simply noting your weight can’t or won’t.
How do smart scales work?
Some scales use bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) technology to measure body composition. This technology uses electrical currents to capture measurements. Therefore, if you are pregnant or have a pacemaker, consult your doctor before boarding.
The number of measurements recorded varies from scale to scale. Some only track a handful of measurements such as weight, fat, muscle mass, and body mass index (BMI). Others, such as the RENPHO scaleTrack 13 different body composition metrics.
Some of these measurements may not be necessary to keep track of. For example, if you only pay casual attention to your weight, you probably don’t need to pay attention to bone mass and skeletal muscle. Finding the right smart scale depends on what specific metrics you want to track and what features fit your lifestyle, goals, and medical history.
What is the perfect weight?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this because it depends on your body size and various factors such as age, muscle-to-fat ratio, height, gender and body shape.
The best way to determine whether you are at a healthy weight is to measure your BMI. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy. A BMI over 30 is considered obese. BMI measurement is standard on smart scales.
It is important not to get caught up in these numbers. Everyone has different circumstances that can influence where you land on the scale. The most important thing to remember is that you are on your own personal fitness journey and things take time. Focus on feeling fitter and healthier and the rest will follow.
Which app do you need for smart scales?
The best app depends on which smart scale you buy. Some require you to download and use a specific app, while others have universal compatibility that syncs with popular fitness apps like Garmin Connect, Nike+, and Google Fit. Please check before purchasing as this may incur additional costs.
What is the best smart scale?
There’s a whole world of smart scales out there – and many brands you’ve probably never heard of. You may feel more comfortable choosing a brand you know, such as: Fitbit or Garmin. These are trusted, high-end fitness technology manufacturers whose smart scales sync with their other devices.
We’ve scoured the internet and tracked down some of the best smart scales from some top brands. There should be something on this list for everyone and every budget. All you have to do is pick a favorite and get started.
These are the best smart scales in 2024.