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“Hey, you should test out this wearable ring,” a co-worker said to me shortly after New Year’s earlier this year—I’m sure timing was coincidental...
I accepted for a few reasons: 1. I was curious how wearable technology had advanced since I wore a Jawbone fitness tracker eight years prior; 2. I am a believer in providing necessary resources to high performers and I was intrigued that wearables could be a positive tool to do that; 3. And finally, a peer and I were interested in writing an article and learning more about wearable technology implications for Service members.
There are many different types of wearables—fitness trackers, health monitors, hearing devices, smart jewelry, and augmented reality headsets to name a few. All of them are designed to store and transmit data back to the user, company, or other institution. This feedback, in the form of beeps, visual charts, numbers, etc. is meant to improve the user’s health, fitness, hearing, life enjoyment, productivity or in aggregate, improve outcomes of a whole community.
For three months I wore the ring everyday without mechanical, blue tooth, or other issues. My engagement with the ring evolved over the course of my test period. I became more comfortable wearing it, developed a charging battle rhythm that maximized wearable on-finger time, and learned how to use the app to my advantage.
Looking back on my “trial run” with the ring, I offer the following observations:
1. I learned that my diet, both food and drink, affected the quality of my sleep, which in turn, directly affected my abilities the following day. Based on my general educational health awareness, I was familiar with how certain foods and drink can affect sleep and health, but to receive real-time feedback from your body was powerful and positively influenced my diet during those three months.
2. My family would routinely ask me about my sleep the night prior, fitness statistics, and heart rate frequently during the trial run. Anecdotally, this reflected the power of integrating technology with community, and how positive accountability looks like. When coupled with accountability partners, wearable technology can have a positive effect.
3. The fitness center and running trails called my name more often during this period. I am a visual person, so my need to visually see fitness progress as displayed on the app made a meaningful impact on how often I would “get to the gym.”
Shortly after the trial run, my family and I visited my parents. On one day, my mom turned to me and said, “You look really strong and fit.” Maybe it was the angle she looked at me, or the beautiful day, or some other phenomenon that inspired her to say those words, but in any case, I chalked them up to my wearable ring test run.
I recommend doing your own wearable test run. Before purchasing another gadget though, I would use the fitness and health tools already available on your smart phone. Depending on your needs and interests, I would then research the wearable options that go beyond smart phones and experience wearable technology for yourself. I am confident that one day, Service members will be issued wearable technology that will improve individual and unit holistic health outcomes.
I am interested to hear stories on how wearable technology has impacted you. Please leave your own experience with wearable technology in the comments.
Finally, now that it has been about six months, I should probably do another “test run” and hope to hear the words, “You look really strong and fit.”
Thanks mom.
I accepted for a few reasons: 1. I was curious how wearable technology had advanced since I wore a Jawbone fitness tracker eight years prior; 2. I am a believer in providing necessary resources to high performers and I was intrigued that wearables could be a positive tool to do that; 3. And finally, a peer and I were interested in writing an article and learning more about wearable technology implications for Service members.
There are many different types of wearables—fitness trackers, health monitors, hearing devices, smart jewelry, and augmented reality headsets to name a few. All of them are designed to store and transmit data back to the user, company, or other institution. This feedback, in the form of beeps, visual charts, numbers, etc. is meant to improve the user’s health, fitness, hearing, life enjoyment, productivity or in aggregate, improve outcomes of a whole community.
For three months I wore the ring everyday without mechanical, blue tooth, or other issues. My engagement with the ring evolved over the course of my test period. I became more comfortable wearing it, developed a charging battle rhythm that maximized wearable on-finger time, and learned how to use the app to my advantage.
Looking back on my “trial run” with the ring, I offer the following observations:
1. I learned that my diet, both food and drink, affected the quality of my sleep, which in turn, directly affected my abilities the following day. Based on my general educational health awareness, I was familiar with how certain foods and drink can affect sleep and health, but to receive real-time feedback from your body was powerful and positively influenced my diet during those three months.
2. My family would routinely ask me about my sleep the night prior, fitness statistics, and heart rate frequently during the trial run. Anecdotally, this reflected the power of integrating technology with community, and how positive accountability looks like. When coupled with accountability partners, wearable technology can have a positive effect.
3. The fitness center and running trails called my name more often during this period. I am a visual person, so my need to visually see fitness progress as displayed on the app made a meaningful impact on how often I would “get to the gym.”
Shortly after the trial run, my family and I visited my parents. On one day, my mom turned to me and said, “You look really strong and fit.” Maybe it was the angle she looked at me, or the beautiful day, or some other phenomenon that inspired her to say those words, but in any case, I chalked them up to my wearable ring test run.
I recommend doing your own wearable test run. Before purchasing another gadget though, I would use the fitness and health tools already available on your smart phone. Depending on your needs and interests, I would then research the wearable options that go beyond smart phones and experience wearable technology for yourself. I am confident that one day, Service members will be issued wearable technology that will improve individual and unit holistic health outcomes.
I am interested to hear stories on how wearable technology has impacted you. Please leave your own experience with wearable technology in the comments.
Finally, now that it has been about six months, I should probably do another “test run” and hope to hear the words, “You look really strong and fit.”
Thanks mom.
Technology
Fitness
Health
Gadgets
Running
Posted 3 y ago
Responses: 9
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I received a fitbit and I definitely found my steps up and my willingness to brave the weather and go out for PT increased since I got it.
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Cadet PFC (Join to see)
The benefits of wearable technology include improved health and fitness. https://www.monkey.vin/ For example, wearing wearable technology can help you monitor your heart rate and track your steps. It can also help you connect with others online and in person, allowing for more personalised care.
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I have an Apple watch now and in the past many years I've used Garmin and Fitbit. They definitely motivate me to consistently exercise daily, and I like Apple's approach better than the step goals offered by Garmin and Fitbit. Apple instead uses three rings (Move, Exercise, and Stand) for goals, which I have set and have achieved every day since I got the watch (with the exception of 2 days due to a surgery). I like that it reminds me I still have to get my calories, exercise minutes, and stand time per hour within a 10 hr period. The Apple watch also work better with my iPhone, has better apps, and it is more intuitive.
As for security of these devices, this is up to you. What apps do you use? What features do they provide? Do you have a problem with an app or several apps tracking you when you exercise (or in general)? Do your homework and don't just assume all your info is compromised or protected. Everything is a risk assessment and I tend to laugh at those people who think they are security conscious and are in fact no more protected than many others. On multiple occasions I have posted about TikTok for example. This is not only an app built with several significant malware "features", but it is also a Chinese propaganda and collection tool. Using this app not only hands your information to the CCP, but it also gives them the ability to send you customized government driven content.
As for security of these devices, this is up to you. What apps do you use? What features do they provide? Do you have a problem with an app or several apps tracking you when you exercise (or in general)? Do your homework and don't just assume all your info is compromised or protected. Everything is a risk assessment and I tend to laugh at those people who think they are security conscious and are in fact no more protected than many others. On multiple occasions I have posted about TikTok for example. This is not only an app built with several significant malware "features", but it is also a Chinese propaganda and collection tool. Using this app not only hands your information to the CCP, but it also gives them the ability to send you customized government driven content.
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Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin
Apple watches have come a long way in the last six years and you might want to look into the latest ultra, which was designed to take a beating and high intensity athletic activities to include serving as a SCUBA calculator. I've had my Series 7 and it has endured a lot thus far. I had a Garmin VivoActive HR, which at the time was the best watch one could wear in a SCIF. While it had a great battery and good features, the screen was hard to read (horrible brightness and resolution), and it did not work as well with my iPhone as an Apple Watch would (naturally). Since I no longer work in a SCIF, integration is more important to me and as I mentioned in the first post, the Apple watch has a better daily exercise methodology. Plus, the watch with cellular connectivity, serves as another option for a phone. Notifications work better, and I am able to read the screen better. Don't get me wrong, I liked my Garmin and I think Garmin covers more sport activity tracking than Apple can (although I have not personally tried the Ultra yet), but I the integration with my productivity apps is important to me. Especially when I am no longer constricted with what I can have working in a SCIF.
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Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin
Just wanted to add…. I recently went for a ride on my mountain bike and coming down a rocky slope, as I took a hard left, my chain skipped as I was pushing down hard on the pedal. As a result, my handle bars got out of control hard to the left and I went over. While that part is a little embarrassing, I fell into a nice roll and sprung to my feet, looking like a ninja. I was pretty proud of myself coming away with a small scrape on my elbow.
Anyway, on my Apple Watch, I have it set to detect a fall when I am exercising. If I don’t respond in a certain amount of time, it will notify emergency services and those people I designate (wife). It worked! I disabled the notification as I was fine, but it was very reassuring that my location would be relayed to my wife and emergency services had I been seriously hurt. Not sure what wearables have this feature, but I highly recommend making sure they do if you love risky outdoor activity. But the way, it also works for the elderly when it detects a fall in general. This is a great feature!
Anyway, on my Apple Watch, I have it set to detect a fall when I am exercising. If I don’t respond in a certain amount of time, it will notify emergency services and those people I designate (wife). It worked! I disabled the notification as I was fine, but it was very reassuring that my location would be relayed to my wife and emergency services had I been seriously hurt. Not sure what wearables have this feature, but I highly recommend making sure they do if you love risky outdoor activity. But the way, it also works for the elderly when it detects a fall in general. This is a great feature!
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I have been wearing various versions of FitBit for many years now. I currently wear a Versa 3. The feedback I receive is satisfying when I beat my goals and motivating when it appears I am falling short. I have found myself walking during commercials and halftime when I am running short on steps
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Fitness tracking app Strava gives away location of secret US army bases
Data about exercise routes shared online by soldiers can be used to pinpoint overseas facilities
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SGT (Join to see)
“Otherwise, a cell-enabled or app-linked wearable is no different than your mobile phone, laptop, or tablet”.
No doubt. As mobile phone phones, laptops and tablets are easy to exploit and locate, I’ll pass on wearables. The juice isn’t worth the squeeze, especially for deployed soldiers.
No doubt. As mobile phone phones, laptops and tablets are easy to exploit and locate, I’ll pass on wearables. The juice isn’t worth the squeeze, especially for deployed soldiers.
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Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin
So, what you're saying is, you'll pass on wearables and in turn, that should include mobile phones, laptops, and tablets too? Since they're all connected and so easy to locate as you put it... How are you reading this post? I think you missed the point. Wearables like any other connected device (such as the one you're using right now) are not trackable if you choose not to use applications and features which enable tracking. Apps like Strava, which you cited, was the culprit in compromising location data, not the device. Aso, anyone can get a device which does not have GPS or cellular connectivity features (or just not use them), enabling apps they install and choose to use to track their location. But hey, I'm no longer going to combat locations (or similar) so if some threat actor breaks into the location data of an app tracking where I walk and run for exercise, have at it. Not sure what they're going to do with it, but I guess I weigh risk differently than you.
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SGT (Join to see)
No, what I’m saying is that while mobile devices are now essentially a given part of daily life, there’s no need to unnecessarily use them. There certainly no need to simply give away privacy and information. In addition to potentially giving away locations, these wearables now can measure everything from step count to heart rate to sleep patterns. Eventually, that stuff gets back to Fitbit, Apple or Samsung or whoever. Again, I’ll pass.
“Wearables like any other connected device (such as the one you're using right now) are not trackable if you choose not to use applications and features which enable tracking. Apps like Strava, which you cited, was the culprit in compromising location data, not the device“.
Are you saying that devices alone can’t be tracked? Of course, I can’t confirm or deny. But schedule some training at your nearest Foundry installation.
“Wearables like any other connected device (such as the one you're using right now) are not trackable if you choose not to use applications and features which enable tracking. Apps like Strava, which you cited, was the culprit in compromising location data, not the device“.
Are you saying that devices alone can’t be tracked? Of course, I can’t confirm or deny. But schedule some training at your nearest Foundry installation.
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Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin
You apparently did not read my posts. I noted the OPSEC issues and I assure you that I am highly aware of how the risks work and what the vulnerabilities are. Not all wearables transmit signals which are feasibly trackable and if a use chooses not to use certain apps which collect and store near real time location and privacy data, that is on the user to weigh the risk. If the device uses bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi, this hardly imposes a risk (even deployed) unless those signals are being used in specific areas (in which the person should be minding their personal OPSEC). Cellular signals however (which not all devices have) are features which make little to no sense to have in a deployed zone (especially combat zones). But ultimately and this is what I specifically addressed from the original post is it is the app which is giving up OPSEC data as these are accessible through the internet and susceptible to exploits. Like with any technology, one must weigh their personal risk and understand what the features are capable of doing and how they might compromise their personal information. Same goes for a SCIF which is an environment I had to consider when choosing an authorized device. Yes, there are many which are authorized and it’s essentially narrowed down to no cell or Wi-Fi capability, no storage, and it cannot have the ability to connect to devices within the SCIF. Meanwhile it can continue monitoring your health stats and you can choose what stats you want to have uploaded into a database once it is allowed to connect (Bluetooth) to another device. Some of that data may include location data if the device receives GPS telemetry data (GPS is receive only and thus not a risk unless you choose to upload that data into a potentially insecure repository like Strava). My point, is to advise people not to simply dismiss all wearables because some might think they are all inherently insecure. There are choices and like with any technology (deployed or not) there is a personal risk management consideration one must make when choosing what to use. I also find it humorous what people say they do while noting that some of their other actions are still just as risky. Cell phones are provided in deployed locations for official use. They are not secure. People post pictures and all kinds of information on social media all the time, giving up tons of metadata and straight out OPSEC information to the malicious actors out there. In the end there are extremes to what people ultimately decide which tells me they really see no use for them, or that they are too lazy to understand and know the risks associated with the choices they have. On the other side of the coin are people who don’t care and post/transmit everything, not taking the time to understand what the device or app might be doing to their personal security and general OPSEC. TikTok is a great example of an app which people continue to use despite the known issues and ties to the Chinese Government.
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Submariner - Deep confidence | Rolex
Launched in 1953, the Rolex Submariner is the first divers’ wristwatch to be waterproof to a depth of 100 metres. More on rolex.com.
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I have found wearables to be a great addition to not only tracking but also logging movement/fitness. The goals are a great idea, and it adds a little bit of accountability when you connect them with other people. I find the sleep and heart-rate data very useful as well. I started many years ago with some sort of fitbit device in my pocket (like a stone) that was mediocre at best and really nothing more than a pedometer. I went through a couple of different "Charge" devices but am now using the Fitbit Sense. I never thought I'd want text messages on my watch, but it allows me a glance at a message without pulling out my phone during a conversation (I have three children in three different branches of the military all 22 years old and younger, plus one still at home....so I do glance at texts when they come in in case of something important).
My 16 year old wears a Verse 2 and it is his goal to always "out step" me every day, which has pushed both of us upwards of 25K steps on a highly competitive day! So not only is the information great to have and log, it has also become one of the dynamics (and things to bond over) with me and my youngest son. I'm not sure if he is the motivation for my steps per day or the wearable, but they both do keep me on track for my goal of 2000 miles on foot this year!
My 16 year old wears a Verse 2 and it is his goal to always "out step" me every day, which has pushed both of us upwards of 25K steps on a highly competitive day! So not only is the information great to have and log, it has also become one of the dynamics (and things to bond over) with me and my youngest son. I'm not sure if he is the motivation for my steps per day or the wearable, but they both do keep me on track for my goal of 2000 miles on foot this year!
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Ever since I got my fit bit watch I have been moving and walking more often. I love it. When I buzzes to remind me to move I get up and do some walking. I even earned a marathon badge for my walking. I am feeling stronger and healthier. Before I got my fitbit I laid around and watched TV all day and I wasn't motivated to do anything. My fitbit gives me motivation because I can see my results and that only encourages me to do more. I am very happy with my fitbit.
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