Smart scales can represent one of the latest trends in the health and fitness industry. Your email address will not be published. These are the major metrics smart scales will calculate and track for you. The cost is low and if you enjoy tracking data, I think you will appreciate what a smart scale can offer. Like any other “smart” device, a smart scale is able to automatically track and store it’s data with an internet based system. This is performed via the RENPHO app. This metric might be beneficial to folks who are trying to bulk up and gain muscle. An affordable scale with good features. #1 SELLING SMART SCALE IN THE US; NUTRITION TRACKING - Set a weight goal and manage your daily calorie budget. Is it worth paying for? The cost is low and if you enjoy tracking data, I think you will appreciate what a smart scale can offer. Now We are going to compare these brand that have earned a well-known name globally to see if they show a striking contrast in design and performance. NOT worth it. Electric current travels faster through the bones and water in the body than it does through fat. The smart scale is also compatible with a variety of fitness apps, including Google Fit and Apple Health. While it is true that your weight tells a lot about your fitness, it does not tell the whole story. Having a lower body fat percentage is typically the goal, but you don’t want to get too low because that is also bad for your health. When it comes to health risks related to being overweight, fat is the culprit. Finally, the sleek design of the Fitbit Aria 2, with its polished glass surface, is attractive to the eye and will be a stylish addition to any space. Based on how fast this current travels, the scale can use different equations to estimate how much fat, bone, and muscle mass is in our body. Such scales … On the downside, the scale’s in-built screen only displays weight. Or for us in the U.S. : BMI = [mass (in pounds)/height (in inches)²] x 703. You simply step on the scale, and the tool measures both your body weight and your estimated fat percentage. If you don’t have a smart phone or use a computer, save the extra $10. Even though smart scales aren’t perfect with their calculations, they do have some value. I guess a better definition would describe what a smart scale is really recording and what information it’s sharing with that app. It is always interesting to see how people use the scales for different purposes. You can also track this over time to see if you are reaching your muscle mass goals. I really like the fact that this scale is compatible with up to 100 fitness tracking apps, including Google Fit, Fitbit and Apple Health. With so many smart scales out there, it can be difficult to choose which one is right for you. The scale also synchronizes with your phone whenever it is connected. So basically, whether you think a smart scale is worth buying comes down to this. A while back I noted that I’m only three quarters of the man I used to be. As a general rule, scales with four electrodes are much more accurate than those with two electrodes. After testing several of the best smart scales ranging in price from $20 to $180, our top pick is the Withings Body Plus. At least, that’s what they used to do. To perfectly monitor your fitness you have to know more about your body, not just your weight. The RENPHO Bluetooth Body Fat smart scale is designed to help users track 13 different metrics related for body fitness. A variety of other metrics can further determine and track fitness levels far more accurately. What it measures: Body weight, body fat percentage, BMI, fat-free body weight,… Smart scales send a low grade electrical current through the body and then measure the body’s resistance. Smart scales still measure our weight and record that automatically, but depending on the model, they can also track many other metrics. In addition, the scale can help users keep track of every change in their physical fitness. This is a test used to determine how healthy an individual is. It is very repeatable and very easy to use. Your email address will not be published. Just make sure you are compatible with the product you are considering. See More Reviews. Well, maybe. Readings were … It tracks up to 14 different fitness metrics, like BMI, protein, water percentage, bone and muscle mass among others. The Star Trac 4 Series Treadmill (4TR): Commercial Grade & Affordable [A Review], Everything You Should Know About The Spirit CT800 Treadmill [A Review], The Landice L8 LTD Treadmill – Perfect For Tall Runners [A Review], Is Spirit’s CT850 The Perfect Treadmill? Fat has a significantly lower amount of water. Before choosing a smart scale, it is recommended that you take the time to find out whether it is compatible with any app(s) you might be using or intending to use. Required fields are marked *. All rights reserved. Does this really sound like something you need? But more on that coming up. RENPHO Body Fat Scale: Worth It? Electricity will travel faster through the water and bone in our bodies than it will through the fat (less water content). The opposite is also true if you just chugged a gallon of water. Even if the numbers you are seeing aren’t 100% accurate, they will still give you a ballpark idea of how you’re doing. In order to pull this off, the scale actually sends a low grade electrical signal through our body and detects how fast it travels. You can then use the app to monitor the data or sync it with other fitness apps such as Apple Health and Google Fit. This feature makes it possible for individuals who exercise a lot to monitor their fitness more accurately given their unique body type and elevated BMI and metabolism levels. Copyright © 2021 Fascinating Home. Smart scales can give you an estimate of how much lean mass you have. While most smart weight scales come with their own freely available app; Only some are able to sync with other popular apps already on the market. Get a clearer picture of your health with Fitbit Aria 2 – easy to use Wi-Fi smart scale that measures weight, body fat percentage and BMI all in one step. Smart scales these days really don’t cost much more than a non-smart digital bathroom scale. The smart scale automatically syncs all the data collected with their integrated iOS and Android app via Bluetooth. Not sure why, could be the increased liquid in your body? But are they worth the extra expense? You might also see these devices called “wifi” scales, but it’s the same thing. Click here to see the best smart scales currently on the market. As a family scale, it can work for all members as some models even come with user recognition functionality. Data collected by a smart scale can be automatically sent to an app on a smartphone. This FitTrack Dara scale will help you do exactly this. It is all about the features. I’m 320 lbs, 5’6 female. All Rights Reserved. Muscle mass is how much of your total body weight is made up of muscle tissue. BMI is often used to determine whether someone is overweight. *. The rest of the metrics, including water percentage, bone mass and BMI among others, are displayed on your smartphone. Is a “smart scale” worth it? In order to get the most reliable results, you should weigh yourself at the same time and in the same type of clothing every time. This includes essential fat and stored fat. Also try to stand with your feet in the same position on the scale for more accurate results. You can use any scale and enter the number ib about 5 seconds. Different scales are compatible with different apps and some have their own app you have to use. They are actually surprisingly affordable. If nothing else, these scales are handy for automatically tracking our weight for us. Your app will have different tools for tracking changes in this data over time and may let you set goals for yourself. 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Smart scales are designed to help users accurately measure and track numerous fitness metrics. In addition to its tracker bands, I had been tracking my weight with the Fitbit Aria smart scales. Another established name in the smart scale market segment, Withings Body+. Finally, to increase its usefulness, and ensure that owners use this scale on a regular basis, Withings Body+ also displays the daily weather forecast. Body fat percentage is a measurement of how much of your total weight consists of fatty tissue. Absolutely worth it. All of the data collected by the scale during every weigh in is automatically synchronized via Wi-Fi and made available on the Health Mate app. It’s a good idea to make sure the scale you are considering uses an app you are already using or willing to use. It's a scale. If you spend your money buying these scales, you are sure to be better organized when it comes to checking your health and keeping such data for personal consumption. For privacy purposes, each individual user’s data can only be seen by the user and no one else. Of course you have to wonder how accurate these values are from a scale you just stand on. The most significant advantage of this smart scale, in my opinion, is that it can accommodate an unlimited number of individual users. I attributed that in part to Fitbit. This basically means the scale can measure how much our bodies resist an electrical pulse. According to the NIH, a BMI < 18.5 is considered underweight, 18.5 – 24.9 is considered healthy, and > 25 is considered overweight. It is however worth mentioning that even though the manufacturer states that setup is a breeze, the patchy software can make this otherwise straightforward step challenging. Unless you work for fitbit. However, once the device is set up, its operation is effortless and reliable. You must stand, barefoot, on these electrodes for the scale to work. Having lower values will make you look more lean and fit, however men shouldn’t really drop below 6% and women shouldn’t drop below 11%. Most “normal” women are in the 25-31% range. This real-time information is then conveniently sent to your phone, where you can compare it with previous readings, or essentially get a wake-up call and start your fitness journey. When you step on a smart scale, you will notice it has 2 or 4 electrodes that you stand on. Remember, that water is a great conductor. First let’s take a look at what smart scales can really do before we answer that question. As great as this smart scale sounds, I found it to be lacking in a number of ways. It’s really a ratio of our weight to height. This helps you to track your progress. They include Body Mass Index (BMI), lean body mass, muscle mass, water percentage and body fat percentage among others. Whether you weigh yourself daily or weekly, try to keep the conditions the same. It’s being able to see the trend over time. Our 5 bathroom scale picks are listed below. Design. Your email address will not be published. Is this actually accurate? Data collected by a smart scale can be automatically sent to an app on a smartphone. Muscle mass is kind of the opposite of body fat percentage. Many scales are compatible with several fitness apps and some use their own apps. Your body fat readings may be thrown off a little right after eating as well. The data can also be exported to other fitness apps once it has been synchronized with their app. While I haven’t tried or used a smart scale, or even a scale with multiple readings and metrics readings prior to this, it was a great product and would likely make an excellent addition to anyone’s current healthcare or fitness regimen. It’s pretty convenient to step on a scale every week and then be able to track your weights over time from your phone. You can get the Fit Track Smart Body BMI Scale for $84.95. Your email address will not be published. The scales use a variety of proprietary software/equations to estimate the amount of muscle mass, bone tissue or fat in our bodies. You can get a mechanical … Like I mentioned above, these scales are “estimating” your fat mass and lean mass based on how fast electricity is traveling through your lower body. What are the best smart scales? Our Body and Smart Scales. My definition above was a little cut and dry, I know. This is one of the many advantages that come with smart scales. For starters synchronization is only possible through a Bluetooth connection. #wyze #scale #fitnessAre you looking for a smart scale that doesn’t break the bank? What Is A Vibration Exercise Machine And Is It Worth The Effort? But is it still worth it in 2019? CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON. FYI- scales with 4 electrodes are typically more accurate than scales with 2 electrodes. Especially if you are into data tracking and like high tech gadgets. But unless you opt to share your … Checking your stats right after you exercise can also give you less reliable results. Although a scale is a useful tool in measuring weight loss, it is limited to evaluating only one component: weight. Definitely not something we want to happen. If you drop below these values, you run the risk of disrupting the normal function of your body. These apps are usually free. It is all about the features. To synchronize the data collected with the Fitbit app on your smartphone, the scale makes use of your secure home Wi-Fi connection. Measuring, transferring and monitoring your fitness data is now effortless with the Runcobo smart scale. It can keep track of up to 17 different measurements, including BMI, weight, and muscle mass. So, the more water your body has the faster the current will travel. This feature makes it a great fit for families as well as commercial gyms. An extra $10 and your scale can be smart! That still perform that function today, but smart scales can do a whole lot more. We see that several factors can affect the readings we get from our smart scales. Before we get into the usefulness of smart scales, let us understand our body and its relationship with the smart scale. In simple terms, the scales use a small and safe electric pulse to evaluate the body’s resistance levels. Designed to better help users monitor their fitness by tracking a variety of metrics, including weight, lean mass, percentage of body fat and BMI, the Fitbit Aria is considered to be one of the most effective smart scales on the market. Overall, I think smart scales are worth the investment. Here we have reviewed 5 of the best selling and most popular smart bathroom scales available today: Continue reading for more information and their reviews. [A Review], Is The MYX Fitness Bike A Smart Investment? Most importantly: Is the scale worth the premium over others on the market? Required fields are marked *, By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. Some scales may include additional calculations, but these are the most common. With Wi-Fi connectivity, you can sync your weigh in data with your smartphone from just about any location. If you are not that fussed about recording and tracking your weight over a period of time, you don’t need a smart scale. Phones, watches, refrigerators, even bathroom scales. Smart scales and their apps simplify the task of monitoring changes in your weight over time. If you don’t have a smart phone or use a computer, save the extra $10. But now there’s the Fitbit Aria 2. Smart scales don't just provide more metrics about your body, but connect to the internet too. There it is viewed, shared, analyzed and stored for future reference. The Tanita RD-953 smart scale at a glance looks like a typical bathroom scale, but a very stylish one at that with its Tempered glass design with touch functionality. What makes a scale smarter than the others? Weighing every day at the same time is an excellent way to keep on track. Not a bad deal. To ensure that you can sync your fitness data after every weigh in, the scale supports both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) sync. Are Smart Scales Worth It? This is where having a smart scale comes in handy. This is going to make the scale think you have more fat content than you do, which will cause a higher reading in your body fat percentage and a lower reading in your lean body mass. The new smart scale will have a “Balance on One Foot” feature. The scale displays weight only. Sometimes it’s hard to tell if the weight you are gaining is fat or muscle (although looking in the mirror can give you some insight). Measuring body fat percentage is a better indicator of how well your diet and exercise program is working. Can the best smart scale help you reach your fitness goals faster? You only need to stand on the scale barefoot and let it monitor 17 of your key health insights. © 2021 The Home Gym. Since these results are mostly based on water content, being dehydrated is going to affect the readings. This means you can keep an eye on your weight or body fat … My TDEE varies because I don’t know what my body fat % is. Smart scales are very convenient. For more information on other smart home gadgets, visit my smart home blog posts. The synchronized data can be seen using the RUNCOBO app which is available for iOS and Android devices. The actual reading day to day may not be that important- we want to see that we are losing weight or gaining muscle over time. Polar Balance. This is a great measurement to consider when considering your overall health. Well, by definition, it’s a scale that can communicate with an app for tracking different data. The one main benefit that a smart scale does for you is it automatically sends your measurement to your fitness app. BMI is ok for giving us a ballpark idea of overall health, but it has it’s flaws. This might sound a lot like muscle mass, but it also includes stuff like bone weight and water weight. Some devices might actually differentiate between bone mass and water weight for those that are curious. Make your decision – smart scale or not. Withings Body + Composition Wi-Fi Scale: Is It Worth It? If you have any questions or comments, leave them below and I’ll get right back to ya. There it is viewed, shared, analyzed and stored for future reference. If your water content is higher than normal, you will get a lower reading on body fat percentage. We think of scales as being a tool to measure our body weight. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. So let’s revisit the Tanita RD-953 smart scale. What makes a scale smarter than the others? A smart scale doesn't look much different from typical scales, and for those working toward weight loss, they can keep you motivated. It’s that change that we want to track. Learn how your comment data is processed. FitTrack is a smart scale, for the lack of a better word. A word of advice- when comparing smart scales, make sure you look at what apps that scale is compatible with. To send the electrical pulse into our bodies, smart scales are fitted with two or four electrodes. You do not have to visit any clinic to have such data. Usually an app on a smart phone, but also through a website on a computer. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. For 30 bucks less, the Fitbit Aria Wi-Fi Smart Scale ($129.95, direct, 4 tars) is nearly as good as the Withings scale, though the latter's display just can't be beat. Lean folks are typically penalized for being “overweight”. A word of advice- when comparing smart scales, make sure you look at what apps that scale is compatible with. I use a Renpho scale. These include: BMI, or body mass index, is a value often used to determine someones health status. To see all the other measurements taken by the scale you need to have their app installed and working on your smartphone. While Garmin has a long (and mixed) history of scale integration with 3rd parties via ANT+ scales, this is actually the first scale they’ve made themselves. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program (as well as others), an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This is the easiest way to keep your conditions as similar as possible from weight to weight. This is a tough one and all smart scales aren’t the same quality. One of the things I like about this Fitbit smart scale is the fact that it is supports up to 8 users. Most scales will do this automatically every time you step on it. [A Review], Everything You Need To Know About The Nautilus U616 Upright Bike [A Review], Everything You Should Know About The NordicTrack Fusion CST [A Review], How To Find The Best Elliptical Stride Length To Fit You Perfectly. These electrodes send the current through your lower body and then analyze the results. Fit Track Smart Body BMI Scale. And lets not forget that these smart scales still track our body weights too. Modern, polished glass surface for a scale that looks stylish anywhere. Are Smart Scales Worth It? And a lot of highly rated smart scales are closer to $30 than $150. Once these values are determined, the scale can send this information to whatever fitness app you are using for storage and tracking. Like the Body + Composition Wi-Fi Scale, the Fit Track Smart Body BMI Scale connects to your smartphone. Since it is designed to accommodate up to 8 individual users, from babies to adults and even pregnant women, this scale is great for families. Muscular folks can be placed in the overweight category because they weigh more, even though it’s lean mass. It is designed to help users monitor up to 17 different metrics, including obesity levels, BMI and muscle mass among others. Is it better? These values make up the essential fat levels our bodies need for normal functioning. But how much do these scales cost you may ask? Sandeep Banerjee December 14, 2019. The big difference between the regular scale and the smart scale is that, smart bathroom scales can compile more than just your average weight. In addition to measuring body weight to an accuracy of 100g, this smart scale also measures percentage of body fat, water and bone mass. Polar have given FitBit a run for their … Hopefully your scale will be reliably inaccurate- that is, it will err in the same manner with each reading. A smart scales allows you to record it automatically. This means that you do not have to keep your phone in hand whenever you weigh in. The scale is making an educated guess based on its readings, but there are several factors that can affect the results. That's where this guide comes in. Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity ensures that the scale can transfer data collected to the app in your smartphone. The Garmin Index Smart Scale is on the high end of the price range for scales that wirelessly and automatically sync your weigh-ins to an app. And that’s the most important thing for fitness data tracking anyway. The scale is capable of identifying each individual user, linking them with their historical fitness data every time they use it. The commercial smart scales we see in the store work by using something called bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Indeed, why should I even change? If you get on the scale after having a meal, your body fat readings can read lower than normal. Exercising tends to increase our body’s electrical conductivity. Different body tissues contain different levels of water. Users can switch between these connections; when only one connection is available the scale automatically switches to it to ensure data transmission. It does a lot more than your average bathroom scale. If so, at least the changes you see will be fairly accurate. A smart scale is designed so that you can upload your weight and other health info to your computer or an app on your phone. Why waste that kind of momey that you probably worked for? See all of the best smart scales below. It’s been a few months since Garmin announced their Index WiFi Scale (at $149), so it’s time to dive in on an in-depth review and see how things have shaped up. Smart scales are bathroom scales that resembles ordinary scales but with the added connectivity feature. Body fat scales are easy to use. Still not a bad metric to keep an eye on though. After research the best smart scales on the market, we find best smart scales would include Withings smart scale, Eufy smart scale, Garmin smart scale, Fitbit smart scale to new a few. I was looking at scales on Amazon and I’m interested in the ones that sync with your phone and tell you your body fat percentage and what not. The FitTrack Dara also makes fitness a family affair with its ability to accommodate 8 different users, ranging from infants to adults. This way, you stomach should be empty and you haven’t consumed any fluids yet (dry weight). Secondly, the scale only displays weight, while the rest is displayed on the phone app. I also like that the RENPHO app makes it possible for the scale to accommodate an unlimited number of users. The equation to find it manually is: BMI = mass (in kg)/height (in meters)². Most “normal” men have body fat percentages in the 18-25% range. In addition, it is a perfect complement to a Fitbit tracker. With the ongoing advancements in technology, it seems like everything is “smart” these days. Renpho scales are available for less than $50. Optional integrations could include Fitbit, Apple Health, Samsung Health or Google Fit. Overall, I think smart scales are worth the investment. But what is a smart scale you may ask? Did you know smart scales rely on the use of BIA (bioelectrical impedance analysis). According to the manufacturer, up to 70 percent of those who choose to buy the scale lose weight in the first six months of use! I would recommend weighing yourself first thing in the morning after you go to the bathroom. It’s therefore suitable for families and fitness gyms. One of the standout features I liked most about this scale is the separate Athlete Mode. It is known for its accuracy when it comes to monitoring fitness levels. This causes the current to travel faster, which the scale will read as less fat mass. Fat free body weight (also known as lean body mass) is you total body weight minus the fat weight. Moderate exercise can cause a significant under estimation of your fat mass (and over estimation of your lean mass). Most cost somewhere between $30 – $150. To know how smart scales can be your best friend in the journey of getting fit and why it worth your money, check this article out! If you are dehydrated, the electrical current is going to move a little slower. We, myself included, get so caught up in needing technology, we forget this is about health, and if we get good at taking care of ourselves, we dont need gimmicks. I would recommend it to anyone. It enables to provide information by simply connecting it with other gadgets or devices. They are also helpful for seeing change over time. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.