Source: From Google Discovery
On the first day of February, as I write this article, many people have already given up on their New Year’s resolutions, especially those related to “getting fit.” But for those who are still going strong – kudos to you! Attending classes is already half the battle. Fitbit, in collaboration with SoulCycle, decided to keep people motivated throughout the year and organized a special promotion at the end of January, which lasted until the first week of February. Participants had a chance to win a free class and received a $50 discount on the Pixel Watch 2, one of the best smartwatches on the market, as well as the Fitbit Charge 6, one of the top activity trackers. (Image credit: Tshaka Armstrong)
I was given the task of testing the Fitbit Charge 6 and Pixel Watch 2 during an intense SoulCycle workout on a stationary bike. I often found it strange watching those online and TV commercials. People hopping on the saddle as if they were doing aerobics at a rodeo, instead of a typical “hardcore” cycling workout! But it is quite a powerful spectacle. While having fun going up and down, you also burn calories, and the group dynamics make it even more enjoyable. You really experience Einstein’s theory of relativity as those 52 minutes fly by! With a very high heart rate. (Image credit: Tshaka Armstrong)
A Warm Welcome at SoulCycle
Upon entering SoulCycle, you are greeted warmly by the staff at the reception. They guide you through the facilities of the location (which are truly impressive), show you the dressing rooms, a well-equipped men’s space with showers, and finally, the training studio. The Brentwood location is not huge. I’m a member of LA Fitness, and the spinning rooms in their fitness clubs are larger. Compared to that, SoulCycle feels “intimate,” but perhaps that’s intentional. I think it creates a more intimate atmosphere.
Gearing Up for the Workout
Now let’s talk about the workout! Just like bowling, SoulCycle has shoes that you can rent. These are specially designed cycling shoes that use Look Delta cleats, although the pedals are double-sided, so you can also use SPD cleats (Shimano Delta Cleats) if you already have shoes. The rental shoes have Velcro closures, so they are very easy to put on.
After getting my feet properly prepared, a staff member helped me adjust the bike since it was my first time. He showed me how to click in with Look Delta pedals, and then it began. I hopped on the bike and awaited instructor Lo to start the class. While waiting, I explored the interfaces of my Charge 6 and Pixel Watch 2 and started the spin workout on both watches.
A Thrilling Workout Experience
During the spin workout, I noticed some people in the class “warming up” and cycling at a slower pace, so I did the same. Plus, I’m no longer in my 20s, so it seemed like a good idea to warm up my knees and ankles!
Once Lo started the class and the music began playing, we started with the warm-up. Once warmed up, she increased the intensity of the workout and led us through a 50-minute high-intensity training on the stationary bike. It was perfect for testing these fitness devices, as previous reviews have shown that some devices may have up to a 30-second delay in detecting heart rate changes during intense workouts. But my watches were right on time. I didn’t even have to wait for 30 seconds before sudden heart rate peaks were registered.
Summing up the results of these tests, it shows that the heart rate sensors in these devices are in line with Fitbit/Google’s claims of being some of the most accurate sensors ever placed in such devices. They worked in sync with the intensity of the workout, measuring heart rate every second, which is likely due to improved machine learning algorithms. Compared to the Apple Watch Series 9 that I also wore, the results were consistent.
Pay attention to the heart rate zones visible on the graphs. I spent almost the entire workout in the highest intensity zones, which is a good sign and indicates the effectiveness of the training. My heart was pumping at full speed during these dynamic SoulCycle classes.
The Ideal Solution for Heart Rate Monitoring
The conclusion is that the Fitbit Charge 6 and Pixel Watch 2 perform exceptionally well during high-intensity workouts. You don’t have to wait for your heart rate to be measured – it’s recorded in real-time. This is the perfect solution for people who want to monitor their heart rate and progress during intense workouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which New Year’s resolutions did the Fitbit and SoulCycle promotion support?
The promotion supported resolutions focused on “getting fit.” Participants had a chance to win free classes and received discounts on the Pixel Watch 2 and Fitbit Charge 6 smartwatches.
2. What was the author’s impression during the SoulCycle workout?
The author found the SoulCycle workout intense and fascinating. During the workout, their heart was pumping at a high rate, and the group dynamics made the workout even more enjoyable. They were also surprised by how intense a workout on a stationary bike can be.
3. What facilities are available at SoulCycle?
SoulCycle offers a beautiful location with dressing rooms, a men’s space with showers, and a training studio. The place provides an “intimate” atmosphere, creating a more intimate environment.
4. What types of cycling shoes are available at SoulCycle?
SoulCycle offers rental shoes specifically designed for cycling. These shoes have Look Delta cleats that can be attached to double-sided pedals. There is also the option to use other SPD cleats.
5. How do the Fitbit Charge 6 and Pixel Watch 2 perform during a workout?
During high-intensity workouts, the Fitbit Charge 6 and Pixel Watch 2 accurately and instantaneously record heart rate, without any delays. The heart rate sensors in these devices are in line with Fitbit/Google’s claims and respond according to the intensity of the training.
6. How do both devices compare to the Apple Watch Series 9 in terms of heart rate monitoring?
The comparison between the Fitbit Charge 6, Pixel Watch 2, and the Apple Watch Series 9 showed consistent results in terms of heart rate monitoring.
The source of the article is from the blog coletivometranca.com.br