For lovers of new technologies applied to sports activities, electronic instruments such as pedometers and heart-rate monitors are not new. Moov Now, the function of the different wearable digital assistants (activity trackers or fitness gadgets) is to passively monitor daily activity, for example, by providing data on calories burned and kilometers traveled.
None of these first-generation devices has ever been able to make the training active, suggesting the activities to be done or the modules to be performed, as instead the real personal trainers can do.
Therefore, these tools are more and more often supplanted by even more advanced solutions. The new devices are able not only to monitor the metabolic activity during exercise, but also to provide instructions in real time to improve performance: just as if you had alongside a professional trainer that scans the right cadence, suggesting in real time how best to perform the exercises.
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A virtual coach
Moov took that step, effectively overcoming all his predecessors. This is how a digital instrument was born that, to all intents and purposes, is a real virtual personal trainer. It is able to collect data from a complete set of psychophysical parameters during training and communicate them to the smartphone: it analyzes, for example: the movements, the posture, how the foot is supported …
Once this data has been processed, the device ” speaks ” And gives a series of tips to correct what is not good, allowing you to optimize your performance. The artificial intelligence of the app accompanies the athlete by dictating resistance or speed programs, motivating them to constantly improve.
As big as a coin, this exclusive instrument has no display, you can keep it in your pocket, put it on your wrist or ankle with a strap that contains it. Each sport has its own specific app which contains the training programs developed by Moov with the Stanford University.
There are specific programs for running, swimming, cardio boxing, cycling, fitness and yoga. It can be used to monitor daily physical activity, but beware: if you stay too firm, you can send a notification to invite … to move!
The second generation
Moov Now is the second version of that first virtual coach presented a couple of years ago and further improves its functions. In fact, it adds two very important elements: the activity and sleep tracking and a CR2032 pill-type battery that ensures an autonomy of about 6 months.
It is a battery that offers prolonged autonomy, because if you have to track the activities, including sleep, you must always wear the device without having to worry about putting it in charge. This new model in addition to having a more compact, lightweight, thin and breathable design is designed to be worn 24 hours a day. Given the multiple uses it is also dustproof and waterproof.
Data transmission takes place in bluetooth mode with the smartphone: in practice, Moov Now does not detect the steps but the movement that is carried out in the space with the arms (wrist position) or with the legs (position at the ankle). It then provides information for training or sequential activities to be carried out and suggestions to be taken into consideration if some movement needs to be corrected.
It is Apple iPhone or Android system to manage the activity: this also allows a saving of the batteries of the device, even if it requires to have the smartphone not far away for the start and stop of a detection.
In swimming the data recording can be transferred to the smartphone at the end of the session, unless you want to monitor the data between one step and another: in this case, you need to keep the phone on board the pool.
The voice of the virtual coach is synthetic but pleasant, uses an imperative tone just enough to keep the user active and ready. If you do not have problems with the English language, Moov Now urges you to complete the exercises progressively. However, video instructions are available to help you understand the different exercises better.
The Moov Now in the details
The Moov Now is the second generation smartband of the innovative Moov system for monitoring all the physical activities that can be carried out in the training of different sports.
It uses a technology based on 3D motion controls, ie a 9-axis system (accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer) that, according to the activity that takes place, tracks, analyzes and returns immediate feedback on what to do or not to be sure to train properly.
Do you run or walk fast? Put it on your ankle: it will say how hard we land, how many times per minute we take the steps, which side we have and much more. Do you bike? Also in this case, wear it to the ankle: it will provide information on the strength of the pedal stroke, on the effort that is performed and will tell when to change the ratio to save energy.
Do you do cardio boxing? For this activity, you will need two devices, one per wrist, to get a return of how many strokes per minute are given, how hard you hit, what angle is given to the blow … to hit faster or learn how to gain power and endurance.
Moov Now is sold at a price similar to the previous Moov version, but significant changes and improvements have been made. It is thinner, is suitable for monitoring of physical and metabolic activities 24 hours a day, has a long battery life, stores data within a single app associated with the smartphone.
Moov Now: design and functionality
The first model was much larger and uncomfortable to wear: it was not designed to be worn 24 hours a day and for such a long time.
The Moov Now has undergone a radical change in design but not in function. The first sensor had a large disk shape and was replaced by a much smaller and lighter plastic device, with no display (only has a small indicator light when it is active). Pressing the top of the disc downwards starts a synchronization when the application is open.
The sensor is available in a wide range of colors (black, snow white, aqua blue and fusion red) and is supplied with two silicone straps in which it is housed. The strap can be worn comfortably on the wrist or ankle, has small holes carved everywhere to make it more breathable and prevent any skin irritation. If you choose to place it on the ankle, it can also be protected by a sock or the overalls, so the bluetooth is still able to transmit the signal.
Even if the dimensions have decreased, the detection technology has not changed, still based on the Omni Motion 9-axis sensor, which is able to monitor and analyze the movement in 3D. Unlike competing devices, such as those from Garmin, the Moov Now is able to measure a wider range of movements: this helps to generate all the data that can help to correct the workout.
Compared to its predecessor where multiple applications had to be downloaded to monitor the different activities, now all the workouts can be managed with a single app.
The small magic box of the Moov Now
Training begins. We fix the Moov Now housed in the ankle strap. We choose the program ” Run & Walk ” and the app on the smartphone will begin to provide real-time return instructions with respect to the various movements, directly in the earphones, while jogging.
A voice will say: ” Step faster… push well on the ground … your cadence should be at least 160… “. The movement sensors, worn on the ankle, instantly monitor the position of the foot and allow the Moov Now to transmit instructions on what to do: not only on the type of step to support but also on how to correct a bad posture.
Naturally, training can be set up for various levels of experience and form, thanks to the numerous programs developed by the team of experts.
The Moov Now is not limited to managing, walking and walking training based on the movement of the feet. In cardio boxing training, for example, you simulate the call and response to the blows of the coach’s shadow figure in the gym.
The Moov app displays icons for sequences of specific shots to perform: jab, jab, uppercut, hook, jab … If the punch is given accurately and quickly enough, you earn a high score. The cardio boxing program also supports two devices at a time, one per wrist, thus offering a more complete training experience.
Specific programs are then available for cycling and aerobic exercises, depending on weight control. And, since the device has been waterproofed up to three meters deep, a specific swimming program has been developed.
Once the training is finished, it is thus possible to check the data on the times per tank, on the somersaulting performed and so on. And already it has been anticipated by the producers that an update of the swimming app will be released to monitor the work of both arms, supporting two devices as already happens in the cardio boxing.
- MOOV NOW provides real-time audio coaching for running, cycling, cardio boxing, body weight (Moov 7 Minute+)
- Most advanced swim tracker - stroke type, stroke count, lap analysis, recommends ways to improve
- Tracks Active Minutes and Sleep
Product prices and availability are subject to change. Any price and availablility information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of any products.
Moov Now
PROS : It allows you to progressively improve your performance. Price commensurate with the hardware app set. Supports third-party heart-rate monitors.
- Overall