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In recent years, smartwatches have proven to be more than just stylish-yet-functional accessories. Fitness enthusiasts know how these feature-packed wearables can help track health goals effectively and comfortably.
You might think there’s only one way to wear your smartwatch, but a new trending hack is emerging among users — strapping it on your ankle instead of your wrist. A recent article from the New York Times reported that a growing group of gym-goers are using their smartwatches on their ankles to enhance their devices’ tracking accuracy.
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According to Lifehacker, more and more people are relocating their Apple Watches to their ankles to address some issues encountered during workouts. Keeping the wrists watch-free allows people to count steps on a treadmill even without using their hands and makes sure the watch is not interfering using sports equipment or gear, such as boxing gloves or kettlebells.
But going ankle-style with your smartwatch doesn’t mean sacrificing on your fitness metrics. Many users report that wearing the smartwatch on the ankle leads to more precise step and activity measurements.
Ana Espinal, a Tiktok fitness influencer, told the New York Times that she went pro-ankle after noticing that her fitness app would sometimes shut down during her workouts at the gym. She switched her Apple Watch from her wrist and bought a new strap to fit her ankle and the issue went away. “It’s perfect,” she said of her new, clever solution.
For instance, a TikTok user conducted an experiment comparing wrist and ankle placements during a 10-minute walk, noting a significant increase in recorded steps when the watch was worn on the ankle.
Other smartwach users also saw positive results in hacking their smartwatch usage. In one experiment posted on TikTok, users @MediocreMomAdventures alternated using her watch on a wrist and on her ankle during two 10-minutes walks around Target. While it was on her wrist, her smartwatch record 91 steps, but it recorded 835 steps while she was wearing it on her ankle. “The big lesson here is… put your watch on your ankle,” she said.
Users have also found that ankle placement helps prevent accidental pausing of workouts, a problem that can occur when the watch’s sensitive screen is inadvertently touched during exercise. By securing the watch on the ankle, some users say they can maintain uninterrupted tracking.
While many users report positive experiences, it’s important to note that Apple designs its watches for wrist wear, and key features are calibrated with that in mind. Apple’s consumer support materials indicate that the watch uses LED lights in conjunction with semiconductors to measure blood flow through the wrist. Wearing the watch on the ankle may not provide the same level of accuracy for certain health metrics.
And there’s also the ankle-monitor “vibe” to consider. Some users are a little concerned about the appearance of wearing a watch on the ankle, with comments likening it to an “ankle monitor.” Despite these concerns, the trend continues to grow. Maybe it will even prompt companies to inspire new devices or creative approaches to address activity accuracy and convenience. As with any hot, new trend, individual experiences may vary, and it’s important to consider both the advantages and limitations. We do love options, though.
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The post The Newest Smartwatch Trend Is Wearing It On Your Ankle appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
