How can wearable technology improve your exercise technique?

1 What is biomechanical feedback?

Biomechanical feedback is the information that you receive from your body and the environment about how you are moving. It can be sensory, such as feeling the tension in your muscles, or the impact of your feet on the ground. It can also be visual, such as seeing your posture in a mirror, or the angle of your joints on a screen. Biomechanical feedback can help you adjust your technique, correct your errors, and optimize your performance.

2 How can wearable technology provide biomechanical feedback?

Wearable technology is any device that you can wear on your body, such as a smartwatch, a fitness tracker, a heart rate monitor, or a sensor. These devices can measure various aspects of your movement, such as your speed, distance, cadence, force, power, or range of motion. They can also analyze your data and give you real-time feedback on your device, or on a connected app or website. For example, a wearable device can tell you if you are running too fast or too slow, if you are lifting too heavy or too light, or if you are squatting too deep or too shallow.

3 What are the benefits of biomechanical feedback from wearable technology?

Wearable technology can provide biomechanical feedback that can have many benefits for functional training. For instance, it can help you improve your form and technique by showing you what you are doing right and wrong, as well as how to fix it. Additionally, it can help you prevent injuries and pain by alerting you to potential risks such as overtraining, fatigue, or poor alignment. Furthermore, it can help you track your progress and goals by showing you how much you have improved and how far you have to go. Lastly, it can help motivate and challenge yourself by giving personalized feedback and setting realistic and achievable targets.

4 What are the limitations of biomechanical feedback from wearable technology?

Biomechanical feedback from wearable technology is not perfect and has some limitations that you should be aware of. These limitations include accuracy and reliability, which may depend on the quality and calibration of the device, as well as the validity and reliability of the measurements. Additionally, it may not be comprehensive or holistic, as it may only capture some aspects of your movement and not others, such as your balance, coordination, or stability. Furthermore, it may not be suitable or appropriate for everyone, depending on individual preferences, needs, and goals. Moreover, it may not be enough or sufficient to replace the guidance and support of a qualified and experienced trainer, coach, or therapist.

5 How can you use biomechanical feedback from wearable technology effectively?

Biomechanical feedback from wearable technology can be a great asset to your functional training, but it should not be the only tool. When selecting a device, make sure it matches your goals, needs, and budget, and is compatible with other devices and apps. Learn how to use the device properly and interpret the feedback correctly; if you have any doubts or questions, consult a professional. Use the feedback as a guide and listen to your body and intuition; adjust your technique accordingly. Additionally, use the feedback as a supplement and combine it with other sources of feedback like your trainer or coach. Finally, use the feedback as a way to enhance your functional training and enjoy the process of learning and improving your movement quality and performance.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?