Devices that monitor and measure biometric data are becoming increasingly popular in the fitness world. This often-wearable technology is taking its place along with water bottles and workout towels as essential workout gear. Products and services like those offered by Omegawave seek to take harness information like metabolic rate and blood pressure. “Omegawave’s approach situates the athlete as the object of control, adjusting their workout to accommodate their daily functional state (source).” This technology promises the ability to design customized programs for individual athletes and athletic teams so they can improve fitness and performance.
Building on the Past for Cutting Edge Results
Omegawave acknowledges foundation laid by the Soviet Union’s research beginning in the 1950’s that focused on improving athletic performance. Soviet researchers pioneered training philosophies like periodization and super compensation to improve training and recovery. The Soviets found a lot of success at the Olympics in this period particularly in weight lifting. They convinced athletes and coaches that gathering and analyzing biometric data and using it to design and implement training programs was more effective than relying solely on traditional ideas and experience.
More Data for Better Fitness Using Omegawave
“Omegawave products are currently used by multiple Olympic Federations, premier soccer teams, franchises from the NFL, MLS, NHL, and MLB as well as by numerous other sports organizations and individual athletes. After devoting fifteen years to the support of so many world-class competitors, in April 2014 Omegawave was recognized by the UK-based Sports Technology Awards as the developer of the ‘Best Performance Technology for Elite Athletes (source).”
The Omegawave collects biometric data using technology like an electrocardiogram and direct current potential of the brain using a chest strap and electrodes (source). All the information can be downloaded to and accessed using your mobile devices. You or a coach can analyze the data and make decisions about training and workouts. For example, an elevated heart rate upon waking can be a sign of overtraining. If you address this early with extra rest and more attention to recovery you can lessen the impact and stay on track. There is a danger of turning fun, loose workouts into another job where you’re constantly collecting and analyzing biometric data. But for those trainees willing to put in the effort, this approach can help you fine-tune your efforts.
Mike Phelps
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