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3 technologies COs can use to keep fitness on track

These tools strengthen officer’s mental alertness, physical fitness and training

By Lindsey J. Bertomen, C1 Contributor

Activity trackers, when used correctly, support career longevity while being relatively inexpensive investment and many can even replace a wristwatch. Yet several studies have demonstrated that most people, including some fitness fanatics, do not have a clue how many calories they burn or how much rest they actually get daily.

All you need to know about activity trackers is that they contain an Accelerometer, that measures the movement of the wearer relative to the earth. Here are five examples that do just that.

LifeTrak Zone C410
This was my favorite. It looks more like a watch than a tracker, and has a full data display that is available 24/7. The C410 pulse checker activates with a single button press. The C410runs months on a single 2032 cell and is water resistant to 30m.

It knew when I was sleeping, working out or sitting still. It even “went to sleep” when I set it down for a minute. It also synchs seamlessly with Android or IOS devices.

This is a completely intuitive device, and I liked the ability to switch colored bands.

Withings Pulse O2
The Pulse O2 is a tiny module that slides into a wrist strap or pedometer-like clip. It has a cool display that “disappears” when not active.

Its strongest feature is the ability to check the pulse and measure the blood/oxygen level by simply placing a digit on the sensor. The only feature I would add is some kind of water resistance. It didn’t really care for my sweat either.

The Withings Health Mate app is user-friendly, and users can track other data like weight and easily integrates into a coaching tool.

PAVLOK
The PAVLOK is a design by Maneesh Sethi, the guy who hired someone to slap him every time he accessed Facebook in order to increase his productivity. The PAVLOK takes the activity meter one step further toward behavior modification: It shocks its users when they stray from their programmed goal. While it doesn’t exactly tell time, I wouldn’t argue with it.

An activity meter is a simple tool toward self-improvement, goal setting and health monitoring—as well as an important tool to prepare for the physical demands of law enforcement.

About the author

Lindsey Bertomen is a retired police officer and retired military small arms trainer. He teaches criminal justice at Hartnell College in Salinas, California. He has a BS in Criminal Justice and an MS in Online Teaching and Learning. Lindsey has taught shooting techniques for over a decade. His articles on firearms tactics have appeared in print for over a decade. Lindsey enjoys competing in shooting sports, running, and cycling events.