The Apple Watch has gained vital health-tracking capabilities via an update that might help to save users from future trips to the hospital.

The Apple Watch has received an update that could very well save its users from future trips to the hospital as Apple isadding cardio level-related data straight to wearers' wrists. Apple has beenupdating the Apple Watch lately with many of the new features and improvements focused on user health and well-being with this being the most recent.

Ever since Apple rolled out themost recent major watchOS update back in September,there have been other updates following in quick succession. The various incremental updates released shortly after watchOS 7 have not only provided much-needed performance optimization, but alsofixed bugs and issues. In addition, Apple dropped an update last month that provided the Apple Watch withseveral new features to compliment those previous updates.

Related: 'Wristcam' Apple Watch Camera: Everything You Need To Know

The latest Apple Watch update aims to bring even more vital improvements, but this timewith a more active approach in encouraging users to live a healthier lifestyle. According to Apple, WatchOS 7.2 puts a lot of emphasis on the health of Apple Watch users, by measuring their cardio fitness levels, and alerting them if the level happens to become toolow. The feature can be accessed through the iPhone's Health app where users will be able to see if their cardio fitness level is rated as high, above average, below average or low. If the level fallstoo low, the Apple Watch will receive a notification. The data gathered in the Health app can also be used to review cardio fitness progress over the entire year.

Apple Watch updates continue to add features that allow the wearable to function more independently without the need of additional equipment and collectively,the improvements and new features help the device take a step closer to becoming a full-fledged personal health advisor. For example, theability toaccess VO2 max readings that usually require specific medical instruments to determine. The data the Apple Watch collects can be a good measuring stick for not only determining current personal health levels, but also indications of patterns that might predict future levels as well.

This makes planning ahead much easier, as users can now create the perfect daily routine tofit their individualhealth goals and see the results of their efforts. The latest Apple Watch personal health updatehas arrived tocoincide with the release ofApple Fitness+. This is a subscription service that provides Apple device ownerswith an easy way to exercise and improve their general fitness levels while at home.

Next: Do You Need An Apple Watch To Use Apple Fitness+?

Source: Apple

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Apple Watch Gains Cardio Fitness Notifications: What You Need To Know - Screen Rant

Using technology as a means of behavioural change has long been embraced at Discovery Vitality. From GPS tracking to heart rate monitoring, AI analytics and more, technology has the power to transform lives when plugged in to a wellness model. This is why Vitality has partnered with STRAVA, one of the worlds leading social networks for fitness, writes Dr Mosima Mabunda, Head of Wellness at Vitality.

It was a worldwide phenomenon, but recent Vitality data confirmed that South African lifestyle behaviours were negatively impacted by lockdown. In terms of physical activity, using device workout and points data, we saw a 48% decrease in physical activity levels during lockdown level 5 compared to pre-lockdown.

But I was hopeful after noting that as lockdown levels eased and physical activity options increased, we have seen people resume physical activity. There was a 10% increase in physical activity with relaxed restrictions across the Vitality member base.

Similarly, of the first competitive cycling events for the year saw Team Vitality participate in the Double Century recently. The early morning start in the Karoo mountain town of Swellendam looked like this: eight Team Vitality riders, cycling legend Nic White and I, got onto our bikes, synced our devices with the STRAVA app and off we went for 202km.

We kept updated on our progress over the route, a gentle buzz marking off the milestones and pushing us on. After several hours, we made it to finish line, and celebrated being one of the 36 teams out of 143 who completed the race.

In a year that has seen us quite separate but together in spirit, the race made me reflect on what distinguished 2020 from wartime. It was our social connections that continued despite physical distancing, made possible by technology, of course. Invisible in ways, but so essential that it touches all aspects of human life today.

How Vitality makes tech work toward more physical activity

Using technology as a means of behavioural change is one of the key global trends which we have embraced.

Using the latest technology be it GPS tracking or heart rate monitoring, AI analytics and more we are known to be the innovators in the tech and wellbeing space. Tech interconnects our 20 million members worldwide, with the broad aim of making people healthier and enhancing and protecting their lives.

This is part of the reason Vitality has partnered with Strava, one of the richest data sources of tracking physical activity in the world. Strava the Swedish word for strive is an advanced mobile app and social network for athletes, made by athletes. To date, Strava has billions of activities uploaded from 195 countries and seen an average of 1 million athletes join every 30 days.

Strava turns members smartphone device into a running and cycling computer, so they can track and analyse every aspect of their physical activity. The platform also allows members to connect with friends across the globe. It is also home to the worlds largest route and trail resources for runners and cyclists, allowing members to explore new routes and compete with a global community.

When we plug that into Vitalitys Active Rewards platform, magic happens. Using nudge theory, which tells us that people are motivated to make good choices (in this case, move more) when they are rewarded, with Strava, we are taking our behavioural change programme to the next level.

By providing options for how members track exercise, and giving people human connection through tech, we can encourage and reward activity multiples more.

The science behind the fitness connection

We know that exercise may be more important than medicine when it comes to preventing and sustaining good health, particularly in a world that is in the midst of a pandemic. Simply put, fitness can boost your chances of recovering from COVID-19, and from most illnesses linked to physical inactivity.

Multiple studies have linked consistent, appropriate, life-long physical activity to a significantly decreased risk of morbidity and mortality. The positive impact of moderate and high levels of physical activity is undisputed.

World Health Organization statistics tell us that up to 5 million deaths a year could be averted if the global population was more active. At a time when many people are homebound due to COVID-19, new WHO Guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour emphasise that everyone, of all ages and abilities, can be physically active and that every type of movement counts. Yet, the data also shows that one in four adults, and four out of five adolescents, do not get enough physical activity. Globally this is estimated to cost US$54 billion in direct health care and another US$14 billion to lost productivity, according to the WHO.

Dr Fiona Bull, Head of the Physical Activity Unit says that more and more research shows how important being active is for our hearts, bodies and minds, and how the favourable outcomes benefit everyone, of all ages and abilities.

Dr Ruediger Krech, Director of Health Promotion at the WHO adds that Physical activity of any type, and any duration can improve health and wellbeing, but more is always better and if you must spend a lot of time sitting still, whether at work or school, you should do more physical activity to counter the harmful effects of sedentary behaviour.

As Vitality, we have committed to making 100million people 20% more active by 2025 with our network of insurers around the world.We can do this one activity point at a time.

Discovery Chief Executive and Vitality founder, Adrian Gore shared this as the reasoning: For more than 20 years, Vitality has taken a shared-value approach to health improvement by creating interventions that change peoples behaviour for the better. Thats why we have committed to helping even more people become active and we are encouraged by the support of the World Health Organization as this aligns with their Global Action Plan on Physical Activity. We believe the impact will be substantial and far-reaching. DM

This article was written by Dr Mosima Mabunda, Head of Wellness at Vitality

You can join the Team Vitality community on Strava at no cost to connect with other Vitality members, share adventures and get recognised and rewarded for various achievements. Look out for further details towards the end of this year around how you can stand a chance to win prizes every quarter such as running shoes, running kit and fitness devices.

Team Vitality Club is your ultimate running and cycling club experience, at the same membership rate as in 2020, but with more perks and benefits.

When you join theTeam Vitality Club, you will get even more:

As a Team Vitality Club member, you save 50% on Strava membership, allowing you to:

Whats more, if you sign up for Team Vitality running or cycling for 2021 now, you wont pay for the rest of 2020. And, because 2020 was such a challenging year, there will be no membership fee increases for 2021.

Join the Team Vitality Running Club for R399 and Team Vitality Cycling Club for R950. Read more aboutTeam Vitality membership fees, terms and conditions.

Keep an eye on ourFacebook,TwitterandInstagrampages for more updates and information.

Get active. Get rewarded with Team Vitality and Strava.

Vitality (Pty) Ltd Registration Number 1999/007736/07. Limits, terms and conditions apply.

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Tech and fitness: Tackling immunity, health and new frontiers - Daily Maverick

Val Morgan Outdoor (VMO) has continued its 2020 growth trajectory, adding 260 new sites to its national VMO Active network.

The expansion sees VMO dominating the health, fitness and lifestyle club network with more than1,000 clubs, 4,000 plus screens and over 1.35 million members.

Joining the existing VMO Active network which spans Fitness First, Goodlife, Anytime Fitness, Fernwood, Belgravia Leisure Centres, City Fitness and select Club Lime clubs, VMO has taken over the media representation within Jetts Fitness as well as a suite of screens in independent gyms all of which are now available to advertisers.

Chief Commercial Officer of the HOYTS Group, Anthony Deeble, said, Whilst growth stories seem few and far between in 2020, VMO remain committed to continually strengthening our network of attention destinations to connect advertisers to a positive, action-oriented audience via a network with scale.

VMO has led the charge in the health club space and this final piece of the puzzle extends our VMO Active network to all major fitness chains in Australia. This acquisition allows us to broaden the existing opportunity for advertisers to deliver contextually relevant content to high value, hard to reach audiences found within the premium health and wellbeing category, Mr Deeble said.

As Aussies head back to gyms, VMO has used its proprietary audience measurement tool DART to measure the return of audiences and provide regular updates to the market. With gyms now fully operational across the country, audiences are returning quickly to get their fitness fix, and with 80% of health club members citing a positive mindset as their mood improves when they work out, its easy to see why.

Managing Director of VMO, Paul Butler, said, Now more than ever, people are seeking a sense of normality and for many, returning to their health and fitness clubs is right up there on the list. With an average visitation time of 70 minutes and audiences being highly engaged, in a positive and energetic mindset, VMO Active delivers the best opportunity for brands to capture consumers attention within this key environment.

Jetts is the final piece for VMO Active and with it, we now have the ultimate network to deliver audiences on a mass scale that is second to none in this space, Mr Butler said.

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Val Morgan Outdoor Bulks Up Health And Fitness Screen Network With Jetts Fitness - B&T

Apple Watch Series 6

Topping the list is the Apple Watch Series 6. The Apple Watch Series 6 comes with some great apps that provide an unmatched user experience. Moreover, its life-saving features have been a popular smartwatch across the globe. With diverse color options, the Apple Watch Series 6 is one of the most expensive smartwatches, but the best one you can buy in 2020.

Another bestseller is the Apple Watch Series 3. With its slightly affordable price tag, the Apple Watch Series 3 is one of the best fitness trackers to buy in 2020. With an in-built GPS, several amazing health and fitness features, the Apple Watch Series 3 is one of the top-selling smartwatches this year.

Fitbit Versa 2 is one of the most unique fitness trackers available in the market. The overall design with its AMOLED display and silicone straps make the Fitbit Versa 2 an attractive option for fitness freaks. Moreover, it comes with an in-built microphone to connect to Alexa and even Fitbit Pay, which further makes it an interesting wearable.

One of the brilliantly designed wearables, the Amazon Halo is also one of the best fitness bands of 2020. The Amazon Halo skips a display, and instead packs several sensors below. If you want to check your stats and health data, head over to the app to get your body's 3D data as well as other information.

The Letsfit Smart Watch is another top-selling fitness tracker of 2020. It comes with the usual features like a heart rate monitor, activity tracker, sleep tracker, and so on. It also features a 1.3-inch IP68 waterproof touchscreen to display all your health data. But what makes it a best buy is its large battery life and an affordable price tag that beats all expectations.

As the successor to the Versa 2, the new Fitbit Versa 3 comes with several upgrades that make it stand among the best fitness trackers of 2020. A large screen, integrated GPS for pace and distance tracking, blood oxygen sensor, fast charging support, larger battery, and several additions to health and fitness features make the Fitbit Versa 3 a great tracker this year.

The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is one of the brilliant smartwatches available in the market and is nearly as expensive as the Apple Watch Series 5. But if you're a series fitness enthusiast, the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is a smartwatch that's specially handcrafted for you. You'll find a better tracker and in-depth tracking capabilities, enhanced with the music feature.

Garmin Vivosmart 4 has high ratings as one of the most comfortable fitness trackers. Although it skips GPS, the Vivosmart 4 offers everything you'll need on a fitness tracker - like the heart rate monitor, activity tracker, and so on. The key highlight of the Garmin Vivosmart 4 is the Pulse Ox sensor, which comes in quite handy during this year of pandemic.

As one of the most affordable fitness trackers, the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 features some powerful features. Its lightweight and sleek design is well-appreciated and includes many health and fitness features that make it one of the best fitness trackers of 2020. The AMOLED display, large battery, 5ATM water resistance, and other such features make the Mi Band 5 a good choice to get.

Adding to the list is the Samsung Galaxy Fit. At a low price point, the Samsung Galaxy Fit comes with several power-packed features. Be it the AMOLED display or the simple interface Samsung provides, the Galaxy Fit makes it to the top 10 fitness trackers of 2020. Its seamless integration and accurate fitness tracking capabilities make it a valuable addition among top fitness trackers.

The above-mentioned list is some of the top-selling fitness trackers and smartwatches that have high ratings on several sites, including Amazon. In fact, these have been fast-selling and users' favorite. Apart from these, there are several other devices like the Fitbit Sense, Wyze Band, Coros Apex, Amazfit T-Rex, and so on that have also grabbed our attention as some of the top fitness trackers of 2020.

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Top 10 Fitness Trackers, Smartwatches Of 2020: Everything From Apple Watch To Samsung Fit - Gizbot

Global Health and Fitness Apps Market Growth (Status and Outlook) 2020-2025 published by MarketandResearch.biz describes market introduction, product scope, market overview, and meticulous analysis of the market in the forecasted period from 2020 to 2025. The report covers the essential aspects of the global Health and Fitness Apps market such as historical and anticipated market data, market size (value and volume), share (value and volume), demand-supply analysis, value chain analysis, and market opportunities. The report explains business plans and approaches, consumption, recent changes done by competitors, as well as potential investment breaks. The research study attempts to help readers with a thorough analysis of recent trends, as well as the competitive landscape of the global market during the forecast period from 2020 to 2025.

The global market report offers information concerned with the leading manufacturers and suppliers engaged in this market. The report focuses on their pricing analysis, gross revenue, product portfolio, sales & distribution channels, profit margins, and financial standing. It examines the market in terms of topography, technology, and consumers. The market dynamics are revealed in several geographic segments. Research analysts have studied and analyzed the report based on key segments that cover the market share, revenues, growth rate along with the other factors that uplift the growth rate in the global Health and Fitness Apps market.

NOTE: Our analysts monitoring the situation across the globe explains that the market will generate remunerative prospects for producers post COVID-19 crisis. The report aims to provide an additional illustration of the latest scenario, economic slowdown, and COVID-19 impact on the overall industry.

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Competitive Landscape:

The report will facilitate the current or coming back companies throughout this market. The outstanding players of the market are studied with a full analysis of their company outline, product portfolio, production, and manufacturing capability, technological and product developments, and revenue estimations. The global Health and Fitness Apps market is highly consolidated due to the presence of a large number of companies across this industry. Then the report discusses the current market standing of these companies, their past performances, demand and supply graphs, sales network, distribution channels.

Leading companies reviewed in the market report are: Nexercise, Aaptiv, Asana Rebel, ClassPass, Nike, Keelo, Fitbod, Keep, 8fit,

In market segmentation by types, the report covers: Yoga, Running, Instrument Exercises, Other

In market segmentation by applications, the report covers the following uses: Men, Women,

Following regions are highlighted in this report: Americas (United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil), APAC (China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, India, Australia), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia), Middle East & Africa (Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Turkey, GCC Countries)

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Global Health and Fitness Apps Market 2020 Trends, Industry Growth and Business Statistics, Forecasts 2025 - The Courier

Two years ago, Jeffrey Scott left a 25-year career in financial services to open a gym on Minneapolis' North Side, where he went to high school.

Now, after a second state-ordered shutdown of fitness centers to fight coronavirus, Scott's gym is facing grim prospects. "It's once again devolving to the point where I honestly don't know whether we'll survive it," he said.

With Minnesota's 800 gyms closed at least through next week and Gov. Tim Walz expected on Monday to say whether they will stay closed into January many other fitness club owners and operators fear long-term damage.

When the coronavirus arrived this spring, Walz ordered businesses that draw large groups of people, like restaurants and fitness centers, to close from mid-March through early June. As virus cases surged last month, Walz on Nov. 18 ordered another closure for at least four weeks.

The Minnesota Department of Health's contact tracers in September began asking Minnesotans who tested positive for COVID-19 about their use of fitness centers. That research identified 48 outbreaks of coronavirus involving 734 gym members and three employees. The most cases, 80, were tied to a fitness center at the University of Minnesota, one of six college campus gyms with an outbreak.

While the numbers are small compared with the 242,000 Minnesotans who tested positive through Nov. 18, state health officials say they set a high bar for pegging a gym's involvement in spread of the virus. They believe the virus spreads through fitness centers at a greater rate than data captures.

"The longer you are near someone in a smaller space and if you're doing things that make you breathe harder, the chance of infections go up," Walz said on Dec. 1 as he acknowledged the inconsistency of closing health clubs while big retailers and liquor stores are open.

With executives from Minnesota-based chains Life Time, Anytime and Snap Fitness leading the way, the state's fitness executives and owners have waged a campaign to pressure Walz to let them reopen. They offered to adopt more stringent safety measures, including reducing occupancy to 10 from 25% and requiring people to wear masks as they work out.

They dispute the Health Department's view of the data and portrayal of the risks people face in gyms. And they note they're in the business of helping people fight obesity, diabetes and other risk factors for severe cases of COVID-19.

"There is gross negligence in the decisionmaking process," said Bahram Akradi, founder and chief executive of Chanhassen-based Life Time, which has 152 clubs nationwide and 23 in Minnesota. The firm filed a data practices request with the state about the spread or transmission of COVID-19 at fitness centers.

"We're in the health business," said Chuck Runyon, chief executive of Self-Esteem Brands, which operates Anytime Fitness. "This isn't just 'come work out and let's charge money.' We all have to take health seriously as club owners. We're taking COVID seriously."

John and Kelsey Schultz believe they've been responsible gym owners. They sold 13 pieces of equipment to make it easier to social distance at their Anytime Fitness gyms in Sartell and Sauk Rapids. They hired someone specifically to clean those two facilities and their yoga business in Sartell, called KPower Yoga.

Since reopening, three people have called the gym to say they'd tested positive for COVID. Because the clubs now require registration for classes, Kelsey Schultz said she could easily notify everyone in the class to get tested, even identifying those standing next to the infected member.

"In every case we quarantined them from the gym until they got tested and could wait some time out. None of those led to additional positive cases," she said. "You can say there's three cases, but it didn't come from the gym."

Brandon Reiter, owner of Plainview Wellness Center in Plainview, kept it open after the Nov. 18 closure order, which he called "a massive overreach that will harm a lot of small businesses." Attorney General Keith Ellison sued Reiter and, last week, a judge ruled in the state's favor.

"I respect the judge's decision, although I don't agree with it," Reiter said. "I knew it was going to be an uphill battle."

There's scant data about how the coronavirus spreads in gyms. Studies from the British journal Nature and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that working out at gyms may be less risky than other activities, though researchers in both studies acknowledged limitations.

The International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), a trade group, sponsored a study that found a "virus-to-visit" ratio of 0.002% out of 49.4 million gym visits between June and August. Some experts questioned the research, but the figures have been cited often by Minnesota's fitness leaders and the IHRSA, which stands by them.

"We understand that the risk of contracting COVID-19 is not and can never be zero for any business," IHRSA spokesperson Sami Smith said in an e-mail. "Overall, health and fitness clubs are not hot spots."

Minnesota health officials identified outbreaks at 10 Life Time locations, with two clubs tied to separate outbreaks. The clubs were linked to 198 confirmed coronavirus cases.

Life Time's corporate figures show an infection rate of less than 1% among 3.17 million visits to its Minnesota gyms since reopening. Mitigation efforts such as sophisticated air purification systems and massive cleaning protocols are working, Akradi said.

Akradi said his larger concern is the beating the industry has suffered at the hands of public officials who give the impression that clubs aren't safe.

In a video posted on Life Time clubs' social media pages and elsewhere, Akradi said the latest closings were "massively damaging" and leading to "consumer confusion."

"Health clubs are not the problem," he said in the video. "They are the solution to maintaining public health."

But even with Life Time operating at 25% capacity, the company is losing money, Akradi said in an interview. The company permanently laid off 300 people this summer.

"This is not about making money," he said. "Anybody who thinks I'm some business guy worrying about the financial damage and not making money, that's just so wrong. I have committed myself and this company to the health and well-being of our entire community."

Congress and the Legislature are debating whether to provide special financial relief to health clubs. A bipartisan bill introduced in Congress in early October would provide $30 billion in grants to club owners, capped at 10% of losses of the 2019 revenue, or $10 million.

For Scott, owner of the small gym in north Minneapolis, access to financial support will be key. This summer he considered selling off his equipment at ME & I Fitness and throwing in the towel.

As he built the business, Scott developed classes for seniors, worked with student-athletes and offered a diabetes prevention program. He lacks the deep pockets of corporate gyms and didn't apply for a federal forgivable loan because his seven personal trainers are independent contractors. He raised $2,000 on a GoFundMe page.

As lawmakers develop grants and loans to help small businesses, Scott fears a one-size-fits-all approach.

"They're making unilateral decisions and treating every business the same," said Scott, who has joined a coalition of small-gym operators called SWEAT Minnesota. "We're not all the same size."

Scott's elderly mother lives with him, so he understands measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus and mitigate risks to his business and loved ones. It frustrates him to see people out shopping or gathering in large groups, not wearing masks or not seeming to take the risk seriously.

"Change won't happen until the unaffected care," he said.

Staff writers Jessie Van Berkel and Jim Walsh contributed to this report.

Link:
Minnesota's fitness industry pushes state officials to let them reopen gyms - Minneapolis Star Tribune

Keeping up with your health and fitness goals is about to get a lot easier, thanks to the Samsung Galaxy Fit tracker.(Photo: debela, Getty Images / Best Buy)

Recommendations are independently chosen by Revieweds editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.

If you're looking forward to making2021 the year you finally crush all your wellness goals of working out regularlyand practicinggood sleep hygiene but want to avoid gyms and personal trainers because of COVID-19, you're in luck: Right now, you can snag the next best thing to a personal health coacha top-rated fitness tracker from Samsungon sale for a fraction of the price you'd normally have to spend.

Get expert shopping advice delivered to your phone.Sign up fortext message alertsfrom the deal-hunting nerds at Reviewed.

For a limited time at Best Buy, you can purchase the waterproofSamsung Galaxy Fit fitness tracker with heart rateon sale for a super low price. Originally $99.99, this top-rated device drops as low as $39.99 in white, so you'll save up to 60%.

Weconsider this 4.1-staritem to be one of the best fitness trackers money can buy. Our reviewer found that this was a perfectly fine-albeit-basicunit for Android users with theability to keep track of daily activity levels, heat rate, sleep habits and more. While our tester liked the simplicity of this model, they did speculate that its lack of "smart" features (such as the ability to receive and reply to text messages) might make it less appealing to some tech lovers or folks who have used other, more feature-rich alternatives, such as theFitbit Charge 4 (on sale for $118.95)our pick for the overall best fitness tracker on the market.

Choosing the right fitness tracker can be tricky, but in testing the best, we found the Samsung Galaxy Fit to be a solid entry-level option for Samsung users.(Photo: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser)

It's worth nothing that iPhone users may run into some issues with this model, however. Because the Galaxy Fitrequires two apps for Apple users (Galaxy Wearable to syncthe device to the correct smartphone andSamsung Health for streamliningall thatactivity data), it posed some serious setbacks that some of our product reviewers opted to forgo additional testing on.

Need help finding products?Sign up for ourweekly newsletter.Its free and you can unsubscribe at any time.

That being said, close to 800 Best Buy reviewersdig this stylish selection, with one shopper raving,"This sleek and simple fitness tracker was exactly what I was looking for. ... As you would expect, the setup and syncing are seamless with a Galaxy. It is also extremely lightweight and comfortable, [and]sometimes I forget I am wearing it, to be honest. The battery life is also phenomenal compared with other wearables I've used in the past."

Whether you're shopping for yourself or trying to find the perfect last-minute gift for a loved one who likes running(or other types of intensive workouts), the Samsung Galaxy Fit tracker could be a wonderful way to get the new year off to a terrific start.

The product experts atReviewedhave all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram for the latest deals, reviews, and more.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

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The Samsung Galaxy Fit is among the best fitness trackers we've triedand less than $50 - USA TODAY

The 2020 Kansas football season will conclude much like it began, with head coach Les Miles yet again heading into a game week accompanied by some uncertainty regarding the teams starting quarterback.

Junior Miles Kendrick handled the job exclusively in KUs 16-13 defeat at Texas Tech on Saturday, but Miles wouldnt say Monday during his weekly video press conference whether he plans to stick with Kendrick again.

I think well look at this week of practice and competition and see how it goes, Miles said, taking a similar stance to what he said about the QB decision ahead of the trip to Lubbock, Texas. He was very good last week (at practices). Well have to see if he continues that pace.

Kendrick didnt start for the Jayhawks (0-9 overall, 0-8 Big 12) against TCU on Nov. 28, but thats when Miles and the staff turned to the veteran instead of true freshman Jalon Daniels. The Jayhawks already trailed by 32 points late in the second quarter when Kendrick subbed in before halftime and needed just four passes to lead a touchdown drive.

Since that series, Daniels, who against TCU made his sixth start of the season, hasnt taken an in-game snap for the offense.

At Texas Tech, Kendrick finished 17-for-29 passing, for 102 yards, without a touchdown or an interception. Kendrick told reporters during his postgame interview on Saturday he learned during practices leading up to the game that he would start.

I tried my best to perform for my football team, Kendrick said.

KU opened the season with senior Thomas MacVittie starting, but even then he split time against Coastal Carolina with Kendrick. MacVittie suffered a shoulder injury in the second half of that loss.

In KUs following game, the Big 12 opener at Baylor, Daniels made his first career start as a 17-year-old (he turned 18 in late October), and Daniels retained the job before getting hurt in a home loss to Oklahoma State.

Kendrick picked up his first career start at West Virginia with Daniels unable to play. Then Daniels returned to the No. 1 spot for KUs trip to Kansas State and appeared to be the QB who would handle the job the rest of the way, starting four games in a row before Kendrick supplanted him for the game at Tech.

Similar to last week, it seems either could be considered the No. 1 QB by Saturday, when the Jayhawks are scheduled to play host to No. 23 Texas (6-3, 5-3) at 2:30 p.m. (ESPNU).

On the season, Daniels has completed 50% of his 152 passes, for 718 yards, with one touchdown and four interceptions.

Kendrick has connected on 60.8% of his 120 throws, for 647 yards, and has six of KUs seven passing touchdowns on the year, along with five of the teams 10 interceptions. (MacVittie had a tipped ball picked off in the opener.)

After missing a game for the first time in his two seasons with KU football, senior receiver Andrew Parchment wont be back for the Jayhawks finale versus Texas.

Parchment, according to Miles, was unable to play at Texas Tech due to a sickness. KUs coach said Monday the wideout will not be with us this week, either.

Parchment caught 24 passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns while appearing in eight games for the struggling KU offense this season.

Previously, Miles has said he hopes to bring Parchment and senior receiver Stephon Robinson Jr. back for next season, with the NCAA giving athletes a blanket waiver for an extra year of eligibility due to the pandemic.

It isnt abundantly clear at this time whether Parchment would be interested in returning.

Although freshman center Garrett Jones wasnt able to play for KU at Tech, Miles said the young offensive lineman is expected to be back handling the snaps this week.

Taiwan Berryhill, who had to be carried off the field on a stretcher after colliding with teammate Kenny Logan Jr. on a tackle at Texas Tech, also is expected to play versus Texas, according to Miles.

He basically got a stinger, the coach said of what happened to the freshman linebacker. A very, very significant stinger.

Miles also thinks sophomore safety Logan will be able to return for the defense later in the week, as we get closer to the playing date.

After missing KUs trip to Texas Tech due to a positive COVID-19 test, defensive coordinator D.J. Eliot isnt having any real issues with his symptoms, Miles reported on Monday.

Miles said Eliot is doing fine and has continued to work with the KU staff virtually, over video calls. The head coach said Eliot should be back at the facility by Thursday or Friday.

Safeties coach Jordan Peterson filled in for Eliot as defensive coordinator in KUs narrow loss at Tech.

According to 247 Sports, KU freshman Clinton Anokwuru has put his name in the transfer portal.

Listed as a defensive lineman on the roster, at 6-foot-3 and 224 pounds, Anokwuru was a three-star signee in KUs 2020 recruiting class.

Anokwuru, from Richmond, Texas, hasnt appeared in any games for KU.

Originally posted here:

Notebook: Miles says 'practice and competition' will determine whether Kendrick starts again - KUsports

The Arizona Cardinals have earned their playoff spot back. Minutes after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took down the Minnesota Vikings, the final whistle blew in the Meadowlands as Arizona took down the New York Giants, 26-7. At 7-6, the Cardinals now lead Minnesota by one game in the wild-card chase with three weeks remaining.

Arizona's defense on Sunday was stellar, special teams provided a boost and the offense found a rhythm at times that it hasnt seen for three weeks.

"I felt it yesterday at the hotel," quarterback Kyler Murray said. "The vibe was different, more free, everybody just relaxing and having fun, not putting any pressure on anybody. And today we came out and played."

Pros

Defense (Haasons Show)

Across the board, the defense had perhaps its best performance of the season by far on Sunday. It allowed single-digit points for the first time by setting the edge and getting to quarterback Daniel Jones, with great coverage and forcing turnovers.

The Cardinals finished with eight sacks (the same number as last year against New York), five tackles for loss, five pass deflections and three forced fumbles. They got started early, as former Giant Markus Golden stripped Jones on the Giants' opening drive.

"I thought Marcus set the tone, which is kind of poetic to come back here and get that strip-sack," head coach Kliff Kingsbury said. "Overall, a great plan by (defensive coordinator Vance Joseph)."

Outside linebacker Haason Reddick made team history with his career day.

He finished with five sacks, setting a franchise record, with six quarterback hits and three forced fumbles. Reddick now has 10 sacks this season after having 7.5 over his first three years combined.

"I cried at the end of the game, filled with joy," Reddick said.

He out-did Chandler Jones, who had four sacks against the Giants last year to fall a half-sack short of the team record.

"The look in his eyes this week, rushing all week, I knew he was going to have a big one," Golden said.

Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph talked during the week about stopping the Giants on third downs, and Arizona held them to 3-for-12. They also contained New York to just 159 net yards, a season low.

Everyone essentially made an impactful play. The Giants hardly threw in cornerback Patrick Petersons direction all game, but he deflected a pass early on. Dre Kirkpatrick stepped up with solid coverage and had a couple pass breakups. Linebacker Dennis Gardeck had two sacks at MetLife Stadium earlier in the season against the Jets and he picked up two more in the same building Sunday.

Linebacker Devon Kennard had a tackle for loss, cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. knocked a deep ball away and linebacker Jordan Hicks led the team with eight tackles.

"Everybody got it going today," Golden said.

Offensive rhythm

The Cardinals scoring 26 points isnt near the top of their season outputs and they certainly left some points on the field.

But, there were spurts where the offense looked like the one that scored at least 30 points in five straight games earlier this year.

They utilized an up-tempo, calling roll-outs, the protection for quarterback Kyler Murray improved and he was able to find some running lanes. Plus, he hit 24 of 35 throws, which opened up the game for the rushing attack.

Arizona gained 159 yards on the ground, 80 from Kenyan Drake and 47 from Murray, the teams highest output since Nov. 15.

"We had a good week of practice," Murray said. "We adjusted to the plan, what they were doing. I had a lot more running lanes, they were dropping eight at a time, dropping in coverage a lot."

Murray and receiver DeAndre Hopkins connected nine times for 136 yards.

"For the most part, we were efficient, ran the ball," Kingsbury said. "I thought Kyler made plays with his feet. D-Hop obviously had his deal.

"We still know there's a lot of room for improvement."

The offense scored only two touchdowns and left the rest for field goals, but they found the rhythm that had been lacking in several stretches against one of the better defenses on their schedule.

Special teams

For the second consecutive week, the special-teams coverage unit forced a fumble that led to a Cardinals touchdown, this time on a kickoff. Kylie Fitts inadvertently stuck his leg up and kicked the ball away from returner Dion Lewis, and Trent Sherfield recovered.

Kicker Mike Nugent filled in for Zane Gonzalez, who was announced to be out with a back injury Saturday. Nugent made all four of his field-goal tries. None were more than 37 yards, but he did his job.

Punter Andy Lee helped the Cardinals win the field-position battle, pinning the Giants within the 10-yard line on three of four kicks.

As for returns, Christian Kirk set up multiple scores, averaging 12.8 yards per return.

Lee, Kirk and turnovers helped the Cardinals' average starting position be on their 47-yard line while New York's was on their 18.

Cons

Missed red-zone chances

While the defense got off to a hot start with Goldens strip-sack, the offense took a while to break into the end zone. Golden returned the fumble to the 9-yard line, but after reaching the 1-yard line, the Cardinals were stifled on third and fourth down resulting in no points.

After the Giants punted on the next drive, Kirk had a 24-yard return to the New York 38. The Cardinals could only muster a field goal after getting back to the red zone. This essentially happened again two drives later, as a Cardinals drive stalled at the 19-yard line.

"We started slow," Murray said. "We had possessions where we moved the ball, flipped field position, but we didn't end up scoring. There was still a lot out there."

The Cardinals finished 2-for-7 on scoring touchdowns in the red zone after entering the game with the best touchdown percentage in the NFL.

Consistent running with Drake

While Murray was able to find space ahead of him, Drake did not often. He finished with 80 yards on 23 carries, but 18 of his rushes went for three yards or fewer. Part of the reason the Cardinals did not get in the end zone sooner was that they could not find a hole with their lead running back.

Drake also fumbled twice on one possession, although both were recovered by the offense.

Jordan Phillips

Phillips was activated from reserve/injured on Saturday in time for Sunday's game. He had missed four games, which was a big loss for the defensive front.

Five plays into his return, he went down with a hamstring injury again.

"I've got to get in there and talk through that but I know we have got some guys banged up and so we have to address that," Kingsbury said.

The Cardinals next chance to hold onto their playoff spot is a week from Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles in Glendale.

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Three Positive and Negative Takeaways from Cardinals Win Over Giants - Sports Illustrated

HUMBLE Landon Love has envisioned one of his kicks leading his team to a championship game.

On Friday night, thats exactly what happened.

Loves 18-yard field goal with no time left on the clock punched the Lindale Eagles to their first ticket to the state championship game in program history with a 31-28 win over Austin LBJ at George Turner Stadium.

This has been my dream since I cant tell you how long, as a little boy, just to grow up and kick the game-winning field goal to go to state, Love said.

Our goal all week was to dominate the kicking game, Lindale head coach Chris Cochran said. On August 3rd, the first day of fall camp, we worked on special teams. We knew it would be the difference in ball games. We didnt know it would be in the state semis!

Hes been clutch for us in kickoffs, our kickoff team has so much confidence because of the kicker. We are going to play special teams very, very well and we have to dominate the kicking game and I am so proud of Landon, what an awesome moment for him.

Down 28-7 at halftime, Lindales offense was unable to get anything going, and the LBJ offense was coming up with big play after big play. The Jaguars had 370 yards in the first half 277 on the ground and Lindales only score came on a 69-yard kickoff return by Airik Williams.

Even early in the second half, Lindale couldnt generate offense against LBJ. The Jaguars forced a quick three-and-out and Lindale had to punt. After rain poured down during halftime, the Jaguars were unable to field the punt cleanly, and the ball rolled into the end zone. Lindales Evan Alford was able to recover the ball just before it rolled through the back of the end zone for an Eagle touchdown to cut the score to 28-14.

LBJ came back with a 74-yard run by Phazzon Washington to get deep into Lindale territory, but the Lindale defense answered the call and stopped the Jaguars on fourth down.

Lindale got into LBJ territory before losing its third fumble of the night. However, the Eagles forced the Jaguars to fumble the ball right back, and Keiston Ross recovered for Lindale.

With 42 seconds left in the third quarter, Lindale got its first offensive touchdown of the game as Jordan Jenkins broke free for a 60-yard run to cut the score to 28-21.

With the ball at its own 37 and 6:09 remaining, Lindale needed just four plays to find the end zone as Jenkins closed the drive with runs of 40 and 16 yards to tie the score at 28 with 4:40 to play.

The Jaguars went for it on fourth down in their own territory, and Colton Widemon got the stop. Lindale also turned it over on downs with 1:56 to play, but it was at the LBJ 26.

LBJ went for it on fourth down on its own end of the field once again, and again Widemon made the stop to give the Eagles the ball at the LBJ 35 with 50 seconds to play.

After two rushing attempts by Sam Peterson and a completion from Peterson to Daniel Franke, Jenkins took it 18 yards to the LBJ 8 with 19 seconds on the clock.

Lindale gave it to Jenkins one more time, and he carried the ball to the 2-yard line before a Lindale timeout with 12 seconds to play.

The Eagles lined up for a field goal that was blocked by LBJ, and Clemson commit Andrew Mukuba returned it to the end zone with no time remaining. The Jaguars were offsides, though, allowing Lindale to attempt another kick. After two more offsides penalties on the Jaguars, Love was finally able to get the kick off and nailed the 18-yarder for the win despite taking a hard hit from the defense.

My goal is just to knock it through like I do in practice, Love said. I remember getting to the ball and either No. 2 or No. 1 smoked me. Im on the ground, and I just heard everybody cheering, so I assumed it went in. We got it done, and now were going to Jerrys World.

The win sends Lindale (13-2) to the Class 4A Division I championship against perennial power Argyle at 7 p.m. Dec. 18 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

After rushing for 78 yards on 10 carries in the first half, the Baylor-bound Jenkins carried the ball 18 times in the second half for 200 yards and two touchdowns. Jenkins finished with 278 yards on 28 attempts for Lindale, which had 298 yards of offense.

Offensively, we started staying on our blocks better and as you know, it just takes a little crease for Jordan and he had that little crease, Cochran said. Hes our guy, hes our leader. Him and Jaymond, when they take over, the rest of the guys respond.

LBJ (9-3) compiled 530 yards 416 on the ground. Daqwon Donaldson finished with 218 yards on 27 carries, including a 79-yard touchdown run in the first half. Washington had 115 yards on eight carries. Sedrick Alexander finished with 81 yards and three touchdowns all 1-yarders in the first half.

Widemon, Jaymond Jackson, Corey Sanders, Williams, Christian King and others helped the Lindale defense shut out the Jaguars in the second half.

I just pretty much told the team that were going to finish and not give up, Jackson said. Were going to play our game of football, and thats what we did and why we got the job done. We are some fighters.

We made a few adjustments here and there, we had to get Airik Williams where they were running the ball and he knew he had to play better, Cochran said. To be honest with you, I took the captains out back and challenged them. I knew our leaders were going to lead. And I knew they were going to show up when they had to show up, they did it last week, they did it previous weeks. They handled it like I knew they would because they are champions and they are warriors.

Lindale 31, Austin LBJ 28

LBJ Sedrick Alexander 1 run (Kick failed), 9:51

LBJ Alexander 1 run (Daqwon Donaldson run), 11:27

LBJ Donaldson 79 run (Alexander run), 3:44

LIN Airik Williams 69 kickoff return (Landon Love kick), 3:33

LBJ Alexander 1 run (Pass failed), :04

LIN Evan Alford fumble recovery in end zone (Love kick), 10:19

LIN Jordan Jenkins 60 run (Love kick), :31

LIN Jenkins 16 run (Love kick), 4:40

Rushes-Yards 66-416 3 7-279

Comp.-Att-Int. 8-20-0 5-15-0

Penalties-Yards 19-136 2-10

RUSHING LBJ, Daqwon Donaldson 27-218, Phazzon Washington 8-115, Sedrick Alexander 18-81, Andrew Mukuba 2-19, Danny Davis 2-1, Oscar Gordon 9-(-18). Lindale, Jordan Jenkins 28-278, Sam Peterson 8-1, Jacob Seekford 1-0.

PASSING LBJ, Oscar Gordon 8-20-0 114. Lindale, Sam Peterson 5-15-0 19.

RECEIVING LBJ, Latrell McCutchin 3-14, Danny Davis 2-27, Daqwon Donaldson 1-33, Sedrick Alexander 1-30, Andrew Mukuba 1-10. Lindale, Jordan Jenkins 3-10, Daniel Franke 1-9, Jacob Seekford 1-0.

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All Love in Lindale: Eagles headed to first state championship game with game-winning field goal - Tyler Morning Telegraph