Some of these apps such as Withings Health and Fitbit Tracker can also share this data with fitness tracking services such as Apple Health, Samsung Fitness, Google Fit and MyFitnessPal. If you’re already using one of these services to log all your fitness data, then it’d be wise to look for a set of smart scales that’s compatible with your app of choice.
Can I use my fitness tracker with smart scales?
While fitness trackers can’t usually communicate with smart scales directly, they can sometimes be linked to the same app so all your data is in one place. Indeed, fitness trackers from Fitbit and Withings use the same apps as those brands’ respective smart scales. As such, if you already have a fitness tracker, it’s worth checking that it uses the same app as the smart scales you’re looking to buy.
Can more than one user be registered on a smart scale?
Most smart scales allow for multiple users to register themselves, which is a useful feature for couples and families. Most scales on this list can register up to eight users, but there are some available that can register more. For most families, eight users would normally be sufficient, but if you’re expecting more people to weigh in (such as at a private gym for example) then make sure to pick scales that meet those needs.
How should I use smart scales?
Just like any other bathroom scales, it’s best to place smart scales on a flat, even surface and avoid placing them on carpeted or uneven tiled flooring where possible. To get the most useful insights into your weight change, it’s a good idea to weigh yourself around the same time of day each day.
Avoid weigh-ins shortly after workouts or meals and make sure you aren’t dehydrated. You should avoid weighing yourself first thing in the morning for this reason too, as you will be slightly dehydrated after a full night’s sleep.
What measurements can smart scales track?
As well as measuring body weight, smart scales can also help keep track of other important health information such as BMI, bone density, body fat percentage and body water percentage. On their own, these numbers might not mean much to you initially, but looking at these metrics over a period of time can be more insightful.
For example, a steady decrease in bone density can be a signifier of vitamin deficiency, while body water percentage can help you keep a track of your hydration levels that’s important especially if you exercise regularly. In order for the scales to track some of these measurements accurately you will also need to enter information into your health app such as your age and height.
How do smart scales measure body fat?
As well as logging your weight, the best smart scales can give you a much better idea of how much of that weight is muscle or fat. This data is measured using sensors located on top of the scales that make contact with the bottom of each foot to perform bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).
A signal is transmitted from one foot, via the pelvis, to your other foot. The sensors measure the amount of time it takes for this signal to complete this journey, and the longer it takes, the higher the resistance, indicating a higher level of body fat.
There are some limitations to the accuracy of this type of body-fat measurement. BIA is unable to tell users where fat is stored in the body and results may vary depending on the height, age and even gender of the user. Accuracy of different scales can also vary, so it’s sensible not rely solely on body-fat percentage as the key measure of your health.
BIA readings are not recommended for use if you are pregnant or fitted with an electronic pacemaker.
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Best smart scales to buy in 2022
1. Garmin Index S2: Best smart scales for fitness enthusiasts
Price:£130 |Buy now from Amazon
Budget-wise, Garmin’s Index S2 up there with the Qardiobase 2 scales. However, you can argue that it’s competitively priced when you consider the feature set that it offers. As well as measuring weight, it’ll track BMI, body fat percentage and body water percentage as well as a handful of other metrics. It also shows a handy trend line of your recent weigh-ins on the scale’s colour display.
The S2 can recognise seven different Wi-Fi networks, and can log up to 16 user profiles. So, should you wish to use it in multiple households, there’s very little stopping you. Since it syncs data to the Garmin Connect app, the S2 is the perfect for anyone with aGarmin sports watch, very much in the same way that the Aria Air is the best choice for Fitbit owners.
Key specs – Dimensions:32 x 31 x 2.8mm;Wi-Fi/Bluetooth:Both;Batteries:4 x AAA;Maximum user weight:181kg; Number of users:16; Warranty: Two years
