Is There a Fitness Tracker You Can Wear on Your Ankle?
Does the nature of your job or fitness routine put certain restrictions on your wrist? Or maybe you just don’t like the clunky feel of rubber around that area. You’re not alone. Many people also don’t find it practical.
Most professional athletes feel the same way about wrist-worn fitness bands. Such trackers are not accurate enough for serious athletes. Many of these fitness trackers focus on wrist movements. This means that the data recorded by such devices isn’t that accurate.
If only, there was a way to eliminate such inaccurate data. But wait, there’s such a thing. Wearing a fitness tracker on your ankle reduces the false-positive data registered as wrist movement. Such devices record each step taken as a purely isolated movement.
However, most fitness trackers function like wristwatches. So, it’s not that practical to wear them on your ankle. Luckily, the current market has some fitness trackers you can wear on your ankle.
Can I wear a fitness tracker on the ankle?
Sure, you can! Provided it feels comfortable, and you don’t mind the sweat and dirt that accumulates around your ankle. Some straps can fit around the ankle just as they do around the wrist. But, most are unlikely to fit or will make you chaff.
You would also need a way to keep it securely locked around the ankle. Luckily, there several extenders and ankle bands available in various online retailers.
However, it’s not a practical idea as wrist-worn trackers are only good at interpreting wrist motions. Wristband trackers have sensors adapted to a set range of wrist motions. The algorithms behind the devices will have a hard time identifying your current activity and won’t be accurate. At times, your arms don’t move as much as your feet.
For instance, when you carry something as you walk, you won’t get the credit for all steps taken during such an activity. This could be quite discouraging.
Other downsides to wearing a fitness tracker on your ankle include:
- Manufacturers don’t recommend it.
- The tracker won’t be able to record your heart rate or calorie expenditure as accurately.
- Legs tend to move around more than wrists as you sleep. So, sleep tracking won’t work.
- You’ll need to stop and bend if you want to see your vitals on the tracker’s screen.
Wear a fitness tracker on the ankle if you’re only interested in your step count. However, you could always test out your wristband’s accuracy. Simply move it to your ankle and take a short walk. Then move it to your wrist and cover the same distance. Your wristband works perfectly if both step counts are the same or within a minor margin of error.
If the findings aren’t as satisfying, it may be time to look for an alternative.
Can Fitbits be worn on your ankle?
Technically, yes you can wear a Fitbit tracker on your ankle. You could even wear it on your belly if could fashion some way of securing it. It’s your property so who’s going to object to your choice?
The biggest concern is if the Fitbit will be as accurate around the ankle. After all, they are designed for your wrist and not ankles.
That’s why Fitbit’s manufactures don’t recommend wearing it around the ankle. The clips on Fitbit are especially constructed to secure the tracker around the wrist. But, could buy Fitbit’s additional clip accessories, which is sold separately. Such accessories would allow you to clip in on to clothing.
Can you wear a pedometer on your ankle?
The short answer is yes, but it won’t be accurate. Pedometers also need to fit snuggly on to your body to record all your vitals. They also need to stay in a predominantly upright position where they won’t tilt as much as they would around your ankle.
Pedometer are more accurate when secured around your hip. They can also fasten them above the knee or around the wrist in some cases. The results may also have inaccuracies if the pedometer points towards the wrong direction. There’s no assurance against such occurrences when you were it around the ankle.
Does it matter how you wear your Fitbit?
Your Fitbit is designed to fit comfortably around your wrist. Wearing it on your non-dominant arm is highly recommended. That means if you’ll wear it on your left hand if you’re right handed and vice versa. Such a measure increase the Fitbit’s accuracy.
Fitbit fitness trackers also have customisable fitness activities. Some activities like weight lifting and yoga don’t a lot of walking or running but you’d still need to record other vitals. It’s hard for Fitbit wrist trackers to record your heart rate or calorie expenditure if they are strapped on to your ankle.
Therefore, where you wear your Fitbit matters if you want to keep track of all the vitals it records.
Moov Now Ankle Fitness Tracker
The Moov Now ankle fitness tracker has been in the market for quite a long time. It’s lived up to it’s name and is widely available. It’s minimalistic and has a very streamlined design that won’t even bunch up inside your socks.
It also come at a more reasonable price that it’s closest competitor. It’s algorithms and sensors are also calibrated to track your steps as well as the distance you cover. The Moov can also track rep-based workouts. This means you can switch the mode to cycling, swimming or your gym workout session for more accuracy.
Aside from it’s seamless GPS compatibility these device also packs some other interesting features. Such features include a motivational audio coach, a stroke counter and many more. Let’s have a look at what makes the Moov Now ankle fitness tracker the ideal gadget.
- Design
Simple is an inadequate way to describe the design of this ankle fitness tracker. The device has only 2 parts to it, a small black disk that houses all the tech and a latticed rubber strap. The strap comes in many colours so you can even match it to your outfit.
The only other notable feature on the disk is a tiny button on the top. The sole purpose of this button is to turn the device on or off. The Moov Now is so light that you’ll forget it’s around your ankle as you move around.
The Moov Now is built to weather the roughest conditions and for a comfortable all-day wear. It’s latticed rubber strap features perforations along its profile. These holes make the device more breathable effectively prevent chaffing even if you sweat up a storm. Lest we forget, it’s also water proof.
The tracker doesn’t feature a screen, but this is not a deal breaker as it has a few advantages. For starters, this make the device more durable. Screens are prone to breakage, especially on devices worn around the ankle. Users can also have greater levels of focus on their workout without the distraction of a screen.
- Setup
Setting up the Moov Now may not be as intuitive as strapping it on, but it’s not that challenging. First, you need to download and install the companion App on your smartphone. Then you need to sign up to the platform to synchronize all your workout data across all your devices. You can do this by completing the sign up form or through Facebook.
The app will then take you though a few more settings that will allow the tracker to have a baseline for your vital statistics. However, you can get started with a few activities and work out routines right off the bat.
Moov Now ankle fitness tracker’s algorithms and trackers are instinctive. you don’t need to activate the sleep tracker like you would with other brands. It will just senses that you went to bed and will have the data ready when you wake up.
- Utility
Moov Now is not only tough on the outside but on the inside as well. If features tough voice notifications that will help even the most unmotivated stay on their toes. It’s like fitness instructor that even tells you when you’re doing great and when you should do a better job.
The companion app also allows users to setup pre-programmed workout routines before every session. It also keeps you updated on your fitness goals as you take part in your workout session. Such sessions can be programmed for swimming, calisthenics, running and many more.
It’s compatible with most android smartphones and devices so you can keep constant track of your starts. We’d be remise if we didn’t mention the battery life on this Tracker. It last for up to 6 months on one charge even with continuous use. It’d be hard to find another tracker with such an impressive performance.
The Moov Now is not only water resistant but can sustain high pressure. You can take it down to a depth of 10 meters. It can also record water activity for up to 120 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Ankle Fitness trackers are the best way to keep an accurate record of each step you take. You could wear a wrist band fitness tracker on your ankle for the same result. But, that’s not a smart idea as it’s uncomfortable, there’s a risk of damaging the device and you’ll miss out on loads of vital data.
Moov Now ankle fitness tracker packs a lot of boom at such a reasonable price. It also comes in a compact and dirt resistant package. These are all the things you need to keep a keen focus on those fitness goals.