W E A RA B L ES Technology on the go

Wearable devices will play a greater role in promoting a healthy lifestyle

able electronic devices for fitness shipments will reach 68,1m units in 2015, down from 70m units in 2014. The company says in a statement that this temporary dip in sales will be driven by an overlap in functionality between smart wristbands, other wearable fitness monitors and smartwatches.

However, the market for smart wristbands and other fitness monitors is expected to rebound in 2016 because of versatile designs and models with lower-cost displays, it says.

Vitality received data for over 3m device workouts from members last year.

About 15% of customers are using the devices on offer by Multiply and the number is set to increase, says Nceba Hene, head of corporate business at MMI Rewards (Multiply) and a biokineticist.

“Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for a number of noncommunicable and lifestyle diseases. In an effort to mitigate these risk factors, wearable devices play a crucial role as they are user-friendly and encourage self-awareness.

“More importantly, these devices empower users to take control of their health, as it puts the real-time data directly into their own hands,” he says.

To further encourage the adoption of these wearable devices, this year Vitality members will save 25% on a range of health and fitness devices bought at stores like Clicks, Dis-