Our smartwatch love

Better health will likely come from more technology – not less

AUSTRALIANS are adopting smartwatches at an unprecedented rate, with their numbers almost doubling over the past year, outpacing the gadget’s growth in other countries.

But fitness experts have advised, you will get more out of your smartwatch – and its health benefits – if you sign up a friend, or find some online.

The number of smartwatches sold in Australia has grown 80 per cent over the past year compared to just eight per cent worldwide, according to Telyste, which also found 15 per cent of Australian smartphone users now use the wearable technology.

Telyste managing director Foad Fadaghi said smartwatches from Apple, Fitbit, Samsung, and Garmin were winning buyers over with new features, such as longer battery life, sleep-tracking, stress assessments and dedicated exercise modes.

“A lot of people are upgrading from basic fitness bands,” he said.

“There’s also a growing realisation that these devices are increasingly suitable for the young, the elderly and everyone in between – not just early tech adopters.”

But research shows smartwatch wearers get the greatest health benefits out of the technology only when challenged by friends, family members, or colleagues.

A joint study by the University of Pennsylvania and Boston University tasked 94 family groups to compete to reach daily step goals on fitness trackers over 12 weeks.

Participants in the fitness game reached their goals 27 per cent more often than those who did not compete against their family members.

Bond University associate professor Justin Keogh said challenging friends and family members could help smartwatch users improve their fitness levels and motivate them to keep going.

“Having a community and competition is good for a lot of people trying to exercise,” Mr Keogh said.

Those who can’t sign up family members can also look to online fitness communities for inspiration.

Exercise social network Strava lets runners and cyclists share their experiences online, and Fitbit quietly launched its own social network within its app this year.

GOOD TIMING: Resistance to technological progress is unlikely to be healthy, let alone constructive. Even technology-challenged Prime Ministers are hopping aboard.