How Gps Measures Energy Expenditure

GPS, also known as the Global Positioning System is a positioning and navigational system that is space-based. Continuous microwave signals are transmitted to the Earth through a network of 24 to 32 satellites. A GPS receiver can pick up these signals from anywhere on the Earth and from this the three dimensional velocity, position and time is calculated to figure out the present location. This GPS system is present in many mobile devices such as Smartphones, tablets and even GPS-Enabled sport watch.

Energy expenditure is defined as the amount of energy a person uses up to perform a certain activity. This energy expenditure is measured in calories and is needed to maintain certain constant conditions in the body. Examples of these constant conditions include diet-induced thermo genesis, resting energy expenditure, and the energy cost of performing physical activity. Basal energy expenditure is your daily energy expenditure and that is the minimum calorie intake per day that you need to survive. In other words, one could say it is the minimum amount of calories needed to maintain your current weight.

For one’s given body weight, his/her energy expenditure during a physical activity such as walking can be calculated by taking into account the speed, slope and the amount of time he/she spent performing that particular activity. With the GPS technology in a GPS running watch for example, there is the added benefit of reviewing a physical activity by tracing the exact location of an individual through time. The watch can calculate the pace of an individual; i.e. the amount of time spent based on increments of physical activity. This phase can be calculated as an individual moves horizontally as well as the altitude variation (slope). These measurements are then used to determine an estimate of energy expenditure.

The technology of GPS and fitness programming has been embedded into a single device known as the fitness unit which could also be found in a GPS-Enabled sport watch. These devices are useful not only for recording location but also to calculate energy expenditure. While a GPS running watch is more focused on tracking your performance while running, other watches have the facility to keep records during other activities like cycling where a cycling heart rate monitor is installed to measure your performance. These GPS fitness devices can track your fitness progress and these records can be used for other outdoor activities like hiking, walking and cycling. In addition, some of these watches also produce user friendly audio alerts and updates. Some added features include customizable workouts, downloading records on the computer, connect to music players and so on.

None of us are going to become healthier and slimmer simply by sitting in front of the television and watching yoga and exercise shows. If you think it works, you will be heavily disappointed with the results you get. In fact, you will not get any results at all! To stay healthy through physical activity, �action’ is very important. Your fitness goals can never be met if you don’t get up and start moving. Along with the mental ability to get up and exercise, there are some modern technical tools like a GPS-Enabled sport watch that will help you come up with an exercise program and help you stick with it too.

Eating less and exercising more is easier said than done. Eating something you love is enjoyable and fun. But running a few kilometres under the hot sun is far from enjoyable. But if you want to lose those extra pounds to get in shape, you have to make it a must to give up eating and take up an exercise program. If you find gym memberships and Zumba class enrolment expensive, jogging or running can be a great way to get in shape with absolutely no cost involved. However, if you want this exercise to be effective, it must be done repeatedly and with the help of a GPS running watch you can better program yourself for exercising.

If you are a beginner in the exercise field, a GPS-Enabled sport watch with a cycling heart rate monitor would be ideal for you. This device may cost you a bit but it is a long term investment because of its many features and its ability to grow with you along with the expansion of your exercise program and the growth of your fitness levels. If you have already trained yourself by running on the streets within your neighbourhood, you could be ready to handle some mild park trails as an intermediate runner. For this you will need a GPS-Enabled sport watch that is a little more advanced with a computer heart rate monitor and should be of rugged quality because of your intense exercise routine.

When using your GPS running watch, set a pace on it and work towards beating it. Your aim should be to raise your endurance levels by targeting goals that are based on distance and time. Begin with a small target and keep track of time while you achieve that target. Every time you run, try to reach that same target in lesser time. Once you are satisfied with your beginning performance, you can move on to increasing your target. A GPS-Enabled sport watch can also come in varieties where you are able to record and keep track of your workouts and some watches also have the feature of downloading these recordings to your computer through a USB.