The term posture is used to describe how your body is positioned when you’re sitting, standing and lying down. Good posture means your bones are in alignment and your muscles, joints and ligaments can work as nature intended. It means your vital organs are in the right position and can function at peak efficiency.

Bad posture can cause more problems than most people realise. One in two Americans have some sort of musculoskeletal condition, costing costing an estimated $170 billion in annual treatment. Expenditures in lost wages are estimated to average over $850 billion.

Did you know that just fifteen minutes reading or typing when using the wrong positions exhausts the muscles of your neck, shoulders and upper back? This can cause tension, neck pain, discomfort, shoulder pain, aches, lower back pain and more unwanted effects.

Essential reading: Stress busting wearables to help you chill

Good posture results in doing things with more energy, less stress and fatigue. It portrays a more confident image, breathing becomes easier and deeper, it helps your muscles and joints, it nurtures a healthy spine and it improves circulation and digestion.

We’re a health conscious society today and better posture is a part of it. Even for younger people, how you carry yourself when working, relaxing or playing can have big effects. To help you improve your posture, we’ve pulled together a list of the best posture correctors. These wearables will help train your body into sitting properly and hopefully help you avoid the need for physical therapy.

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UpRight Go 2 | Lumo Lift | Sense-U | Zikto Walk | Mevics

UpRight Go 2

Now under the DarioHealth Corp umbrella, Upright manufactures the best known smart posture correction gadgets you can buy today. Now on its third generation, Upright Go 2 is a small, comfortable and discreet device that attaches to your back with a hypoallergenic adhesive. The company has turned to crowdfunding twice in the past to develop its products, which have since gone on to become amongst the most popular wearables for correcting bad posture.

The original device was primarily intended to correct your lower-back position while sitting down. Upright Go and now Go 2 are smaller, they attach to the upper back, are more affordable, and are designed for on-the-go lifestyles. This means it is easy to get in the habit of wearing it – you can use them while sitting, standing, walking or driving.

The newest edition is sleeker looking, more sensitive and it has 3 times longer battery life than its predecessor. This amounts to up to 3 day of use. It also fits more comfortably on the spine, thanks to its larger adhesive. The sensor has also been upgraded to provide more precise monitoring and better feedback.

In 2021, the company unveiled Upright Go S making perfecting your posture more affordable than before. This is a small, comfortable and discreet device that attaches to your upper back with a reusable, hypoallergenic adhesive. The tracker is designed for on-the-go lifestyles monitoring your posture while you are sitting, standing, walking or driving.

Amazon*

Lumo Lift

Lumo Lift is not your average wearable although it does keep tabs on steps taken, distance travelled and calories burned. This gadget tracks core position, upper body position and other nuances of posture.

Lumo Lift is made up of two tiny lightweight devices, the tracker and a small, square magnetic plate. The
polycarbonate tracker houses the internal components, while the plate holds the Lift in place on your clothes. Most people will mistake it for a fashion accessory so it seamlessly fits into your lifestyle.

According to Lumo, the Lift works by “detecting curvature at the top of your spine, in addition to the positioning of your shoulders, chest, and upper back.” Using angle displacement as a measure, the biomechanics monitoring sensors in the device allow for the Lumo Lift to know when your body slouches, and gently vibrates to let you know.

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Amazon*

Sense-U

Similar to Lumo Lift, Sense-U Clip is a posture trainer that attaches magnetically to your clothes. Just clip it on and you’ll get vibration reminders whenever you slouch. That’s all there is to it. It helps correct posture based on proper balance and comfort.

The accompanying smartphone app allows you to set daily and weekly posture training plans and follow your progress over time. The company behind the wearable says the gizmo can improve posture in just 10 days.

Sense-U Clip also doubles up as an activity tracker. It will monitor your steps, distance and calories burned to motivate you to stay active. It even keeps tabs on your sleep statistics.

Amazon*

Zikto Walk

Zikto is a virtual coach that analyzes your natural walking movements and sends a gentle vibration alarm to your wrist whenever imbalance is detected. It can also be used as a basic activity tracker on the top of the call/sms information functions.

As we walk, our arms swing in a symmetrical motion to maintain optimal body balance. Zikto has a built-in gyroscope that detects subtle variations in this motion, together with an accelerometer that measures the swing speed at which we are walking. Based on these measurements, the tracker gives a gentle reminder with a vibration on your wrist when you have bad walking posture, such as looking at a smartphone, putting hands in pockets, or hunching your back.

Zikto Walk also detects your body balance. Normally, you wear the device on your preferred side. If you wear it on the other arm once a week or month, Zikto Walk collects and compares data from both. It then isolates core areas of the body that need correcting and recommends various exercises to strengthen core muscle groups to avoid further complication or injury.

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Amazon*

Mevics

Mevics is minimalist and inconspicuous and also doubles up as a basic activity tracker monitoring physical activity throughout the day.

The capsule-like device adheres to your clothing via a magnetic fastener. When it determines you have begun to slouch, it will alert you with a gentle vibration thereby nagging you to sit up straight. Because its hardly noticeable, Mevics is a perfect fit for those who work in a professional setting. The company says the wearable is also great for children, allowing parents to keep an eye on their development.

Mevics is still in development so is only available to pre-order.

mevics*

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Some of the potential benefits of weightlifting are obvious. For instance, you know you’re going to build muscle and bulk up. You know that you’re eventually going to be a lot stronger than you are now.

Essential reading: Boost your gym session with these gadgets

What you may not know is that making weightlifting a regular part of your life can change you for the better in other ways, as well. The following is just some of what you can look forward to.

You learn to set goals

If you’re serious about becoming the best possible version of yourself inside and out, goal setting is critical. Weightlifting helps you develop an ability to do this, and meet the goals time and time again. Stick with it for long, and you’ll notice you’re getting better at this in other areas of your life.

Your balance will get better

The more your muscle strength improves, the more you’ll notice other things about the way your body performs improving. For instance, you’ll find your balance is better and that you’re more coordinated as a result. After a while, you’ll also notice that your posture is really on point. Not only will you feel better but you’ll look better, too. Others will notice.

Your mind will get stronger and tougher

While it might be tempting to think that weightlifting is all about physical strength, you’d be wrong. The strength of your mind also has a lot to do with your success or failure. That said, lifting weights teaches you to test your limits and to push yourself further, not only physically, but mentally. A mentally tough person in the gym is also a mentally tough person outside of the gym.

Your bone health will improve

Your muscles aren’t the only body parts that will benefit immensely when you dedicate yourself to weightlifting. Your bones will become a lot stronger and healthier as well. Just ask your doctor! He or she will confirm that lifting weights is one of the best ways to prevent bone loss and stop existing bone loss from getting worse.

You’ll be less likely to develop diabetes

When your body can’t deliver glucose to your various cells as effectively as it should, diabetes can potentially develop. Any kind of physical activity, including weightlifting, helps stimulate and strengthen the pathways responsible for this function. Your chances of developing diabetes become a lot lower as a result

You’ll increase your overall sense of well-being

Lifting weights regularly doesn’t just make you stronger. It also increases the levels of known chemical mood boosters in your brain. Exercise of all kinds, weight training included, also helps ease the symptoms of depression, as well as combat the harmful effects of stress. That makes it a true tonic for the negative effects of busy modern living.

You’ll find it easier to remember things

Several controlled studies have shown that both strength training and resistance training can improve cognitive function in healthy older adults. This adds up to a variety of different benefits, including but not limited to improved memory. Make sure weightlifting remains a permanent fixture in your life, and you’re more likely to remain good at memory related tasks as you age.

You become an inspiration to other people

If you’re new to weightlifting, or to working out in general, then the chances are excellent just observing other people who are where you want to be some day inspires you to do better and be better. It’s only a matter of time before you become that person to someone else as well.

Your metabolism will go through the roof

The more often you work out and the more muscle you build, the higher your metabolism soars. The higher your metabolism, the more calories you burn. Metabolic function doesn’t just stay nice and high while you’re working out, either. It stays boosted for a good long time afterward.

You’ll meet new friends

One of the biggest perks that comes along with taking up any new hobby or pastime is the opportunity to make new friends. Weightlifting is no exception in this regard. You’ll meet other people who think like you and have the same priorities. Before long, you’ll have regular workout buddies. Take turns spotting each other and keeping each other inspired when the going gets rough.

Your heart health will improve

As is the case with any sort of exercise, weightlifting will help you improve the overall health of your heart, especially over time. To be more specific, you’ll develop a heart rate that’s lower when at rest than it is now. Lower resting heart rates add up to a lower risk of both heart attack and stroke over the long term.

Essential reading: Guide to lowering your resting heart rate with wearables

You’ll get exponentially better at sports

Have you always dreamed of successfully completing a marathon? Would you like to become the star of your office’s softball team or your competitive swim team? Start lifting weights and watch your ability to perform skyrocket. Weightlifting can help you push plateaus when it comes to both weight loss and athletic goals.

You’ll love the way you look more and more every day

Of course, not everyone starts lifting weights because they want to be more attractive, but you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who would complain about it. Body fat starts to melt away. Muscles become more defined. You’ll start looking better and feeling better about the way you look as a result.

Your dietary habits will improve

If you’re one of the many people who wish they could get in the habit of eating right, we’ve got good news for you. Strength training and weightlifting will basically force you to get your diet in check in order to properly fuel your body and maintain your shape. Sooner or later you’ll be wondering how you ever enjoyed the junk you used to binge on before.

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The study comes from an outfit called Lumoid. The San Francisco startup has a one of a kind setup. If you live in the US, it actually lets you try on Fitbits, Misfits and Garmins for a week to give you a chance to decide whether you want to buy them. Renting up to 5 at once costs $20. Lumoid says, one in three renters go on to purchase an item.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets for 2017

Because users need to fill in a form with some basic questions, the company has a unique insight in what people are after when it comes to choosing a wearable. And its come out with some interesting data.

Apparently, men are more keen on smartwatches than fitness trackers, particularly the Apple Watch. Why? Its not the counting steps or calories, but the notifications. They want to be reminded when to plan for their next meeting and to be notified as soon as a new message or email comes in.

Despite what they might say, it seems that many men also like to be nagged and told what to do. They tend to be fans of inactivity reminders, guided breathing exercises and prompts from posture trackers to stand up straight. Who would have guessed?!

Essential reading: Ten gadgets for advanced sleep tracking

Women, on the other hand, want wearables for other reasons. Non-Millenial women tend to look for fitness tracking functionality. They are interested in keeping tabs on steps, distance, calories and achieving fitness goals.

Interestingly, Millenial women are primarily concerned about sleep tracking. In fact, a whopping 72% stated that sleep tracking was their reason for renting the wearable.

In a sense its not surprising. Its well known that sleep plays a vital role in good health and well-being. Getting enough quality sleep at the right times can help protect your mental health, physical health, quality of life, and safety.

Better sleep starts by knowing what’s happening at night. While this industry is still in its infancy, there has already been a boom in health and fitness wearables offering advanced sleep tracking.

Sleep is big business and the global market for sleep technology is expected to hit $77bn in three years time. About 60% of the demand for such products comes from the anxious and sleep deprived people in the US.

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Posture is important for good health but many of us do not give it nearly enough attention. Being aware of any potential issues is the first step to breaking bad postural habits.

A new wearable that has just hit Kickstarter wants to help you eliminate any such issues. Mevics is minimalist and inconspicuous and also doubles up as a basic activity tracker monitoring physical activity throughout the day.

Essential reading: Wearables that help you with your posture

The capsule-like device adheres to your clothing via a magnetic fastener. When it determines you have begun to slouch, it will alert you with a gentle vibration thereby nagging you to sit up straight. Because its hardly noticeable, Mevics is a perfect fit for those who work in a professional setting. The company says the wearable is also great for children, allowing parents to keep an eye on their development.

The main novelty for a posture tracking device is, however, its ability to monitor your activity. Mevics will keep tabs on your steps, distance and calories burned throughout the day. The small wearable also dishes up notifications along the way to prompt you to move when you have been sitting for too long.

The Kickstarter campaign opened earlier this week and is about 10% nearer to meeting its goal. With nearly a month to go, there is still plenty of time to reach the $35,000 necesary to make Mevics a reality.

Price: $49 and up

Funding open:
$3,755 pledged of $35,000 goal
28 days to go

Estimated delivery: December 2017

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We’re a health conscious society today and good posture is a part of it.

One in two Americans have a musculoskeletal condition, costing costing an estimated $170 billion in annual treatment. Expenditures in lost wages are estimated to average over $850 billion. Even for younger people, how you carry yourself when working, relaxing or playing can have big effects.

We have seen a fair few wearables launched in recent years to help train your body into sitting properly. Most of these determine posture via devices fixed on your wrist, lower back or clothing. ALEX is different because it sits lightly on the back of your neck. Last year the company raised funds through crowdfunding and nearly 1,500 backers supported them. Now they are turning to Kickstarter once again to launch a new and improved version of the product.

Essential reading: Wearables that monitor your posture

The average person spends 2 to 4 hours a day looking down at their smartphones. When you crane your neck, you’re putting 27 kilograms of effective weight on your spine. This can have serious long-term implications. It is estimated that 45% of office workers suffer from text neck.

ALEX+ is a wearable that aims to replace years of poor posture habits in 21 days. At 25 grams the device is smaller and lighter than its predecessor, and its made of more high end materials. You also have more customization options, both in the hardware and software, and a new app.

To use the wearable, simply put it on, adjust the fit, calibrate  on your app and you are ready to go. ALEX+ can track the angle of your neck and the position of your head, relative to your body, and it does this 10 times per second. It can tell if you’re looking too far down or if you’re holding your head too far forward. When you adopt poor posture for more than a few minutes, the device vibrates gently, encouraging you to improve.

The accompanying app allows you to monitor your posture in real time. The app also provides graphs that track your progress. The feedback settings let you set the length of time before ALEX+ alerts you to poor posture, the angle at which it determines your posture to be poor, and the strength of the vibration. With Dr. ALEX, a guided exercise program, you can work on habit-forming exercises for better posture.

You can store up to 4 weeks of posture data on the device with all of your posture progress stored in the cloud. The device will keep going for 10 days (with 10 hours of use per day), on a single charge.

Price: $49 and up

Funding open:
$4,297 pledged of $30,000 goal
28 days to go

Estimated delivery: July 2017

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Upright Posture Trainer is a small, comfortable and discreet device that attaches to your lower back with a hypoallergenic adhesive. Two years ago, the company raised funds on Indiegogo to launch the product, which has since gone on to become the most popular device for correcting bad posture.

The little gadget sits on your back and vibrates to make you aware when you slouch. It is fast, it is habit-building and it works as advertised, as detailed in our review. Designed to prevent backache and muscular pain, it strengthens back muscles, trains your muscles to work efficiently and prevents fatigue.

Essential reading: Wearables that help you with your posture

UpRight has now turned to crowdfunding once again, this time to Kickstarter, to launch a new and improved version of the product. The original wearable was primarily intended to correct your lower-back posture while sitting down. Upright Go is smaller than its predecessor, attaches to the upper back, its more affordable ($59), and its designed for on-the-go lifestyles with two modes for both tracking or training. This means you can wear it while sitting, standing, walking or driving. The new edition also does away with disposable adhesive pads and replaces them with reusable stickers, lasting an average of 15 applications.

The accompanying smartphone app provides you with a variety of custom programs to gradually train the upper back and shoulder muscles to build muscle memory, strength and awareness, and to encourage better postural habits. You start off by using it for 10 minutes per day, and as your back muscles strenthen, gradually lengthening the time of your training sessions.

In tracking mode, Upright Go can be worn to track and record the user’s posture data while moving throughout the day. This can then be reviewed in the smartphone app. By heightening awareness and strengthening the back, you will be working on creating a new lifelong habit that will not only have your friends say you look taller, but you will simply feel better.

“Poor posture looks bad, and can lead to decreased confidence and back pain.” said Oded Cohen, Founder and CEO of Upright Technologies.

“For the last three years, our team has been working to develop a habit-forming solution to conquer the modern epidemic of screen slouch.”

The campaign launched today, and just 90 minutes in has already surpassed its $25,000 goal! It runs till May 10th, with projected delivery to backers in the Summer.

[update 18/9/2017: Upright Go has now launched and can be purchased on Amazon]

Price: $59 and up

Funding open:
$70,487 pledged of $25,000 goal
43 days to go

Estimated delivery: July 2017

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SHFT launched a Kickstarter campaign this morning for the world’s first virtual running coach with Artificial Intelligence.

Created in collaboration with Intel, SHFT IQ takes hundreds of readings every second to monitor your full body running style and metrics. This is translated into simple coaching instructions which you can listen to in real-time on your headphones during your runs. The product builds on the company’s two pod solution launched last year.

Aimed at both the beginner and intermediate runner, the little gadget will provide you with a full breakdown of your technique with tips on which areas need work. After each run, you will get 3D animations, coach reports, complete run stats and training drills. This will enable you to maintain proper running posture and technique to avoid injuries.

“After releasing our two-pod solution, we quickly realized that we needed to both simplify and lower the cost for adopting any new wearable technology with the beginner and intermediate runners,” said Tony Motzfeldt, CEO of SHFT ApS.

“… So we decided to introduce SHFT IQ via Kickstarter to help us bring this product to market faster” Tony Motzfeldt continued.

You are meant to wear the lightweight pod on your foot or chest to measure performance. SHFT IQ’s hardware platform utilizes Intel’s Curie module, which will accurately measure the length of your stride, the strike of your foot and the tilt of your body. In addition, the device uses Intel’s Artificial Intelligence Pattern Recognition algorithms for more accurate and precise measurements.

This allows for a quite detailed set of metrics. These can be accessed through accompanying smartphone app and include: landing position, steps per minute, ground contact time, time in air, landing angle, toe-off angle, steps length, g-landing, watt, running efficiency, brake effect, body bounce and body angle.

Created by a group of passionate runners, SHFT IQ uses a 6-axis accelerometer and gyro sensors to monitor your movement. The liittle pod connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth and has 6 hours of battery life.

Price: $59 and up

Funding open:
$5,781 pledged of $50,000 goal
29 days to go

Estimated delivery: September 2017

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Most of the world’s population experience back pain at some point during their lives. In fact, this is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections.

Essential reading: Wearables that monitor your posture

The original Upright posture trainer sits on your back and vibrates to make you aware when you slouch. It is fast, it’s habit-building and it works as advertised, as detailed in our review. Upright prevents backache and muscular pain, strengthens back muscles, trains your muscles to work efficiently and prevents fatigue.

The second generation tracker is set to drop on Kickstarter in a few weeks time. Like the original device, Upright Go attaches to your back, and gently vibrates when you slouch reminding you to correct your posture. By nagging you to sit up straight, Upright hopes to be a daily reminder of the importance of a straight spine.

We don’t have all the details yet, but it seems Upright Go is intended for upper back training. The original wearable was primarily intended to correct your lower-back posture while sitting down. Sporting a more minimal design Upright Go is easier to wear no matter whether you are sitting, standing, walking or driving. This edition also does away with disposable adhesive pads and replaces them with a one time reusable sticker.

Correct posture is important. It results in physical health benefits and helps you feel more confident. Research shows that good posture releases hormones that positively influence your overall wellbeing in a similar manner to smiling and laughing. By training your core muscles to sit upright, and longer each day, you will be working on creating a new lifelong habit that will not only have your friends say you look taller, but you will simply feel better.

Upright Go is launching on Kickstarter in March for $59 (40% off retail). You can sign up for updates here.

[update 18/9/2017: Upright Go has now launched and can be purchased on Amazon]

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Over 80% of the world’s population experience back pain at some point during their lives. In fact, back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections.

The pain is not usually linked to any life-threatening conditions, but its effect can be debilitating and distressing. Did you know that just fifteen minutes reading or typing when using the wrong positions exhausts the muscles of your neck, shoulders and upper back?

Good posture is a way of doing things with more energy, less stress and fatigue. It portrays a more confident image, breathing becomes easier and deeper, it helps your muscles and joints, it nurtures a healthy spine and it improves circulation and digestion. Poor posture inflicts extra wear and tear on joints and ligaments, increases the likelihood of accidents and makes organs like your lungs less efficient.

Enter Upright, a wearable device that’s designed to train you to sit properly.

This little device attaches to your lower or upper back, and gently vibrates when you slouch reminding you to correct your posture. By nagging you to sit up straight, Upright hopes to be a daily reminder of the importance of a straight spine. The company originally raised funds on Indiegogo in late 2015, more than doubling its goal of $70,000. It has since gone on to become arguably the leading wearable device in this area.

Upright comes packaged in a smart little box. Inside you’ll find the small rubbery main unit, an Applesque charging cradle and cable, a large pack of adhesive pads and some alcohol wipes. The device definitely has a nice quality feel and is soft to the touch.

To start off, you need to download the Android or iOS app onto your smartphone or tablet and pair it with Upright via Bluetooth. It’s very easy to set up, and the app is extremely well designed, giving you clear, simple, step-by-step instructions. The app will also provide you with the option to view a series of instructional videos. It is worth spending an extra few minutes to do this, as the videos provide you with an overview of the basics.

The device attaches to your back with a hypoallergenic adhesive, which is velcro on one side and sticky on the other side. You will find 60 of these pads in the packaging, which should offer more than enough to get through the training program.

Upright monitors your posture via multiple sensors, and vibrates to alert you to correct your body alignment the moment you start to slouch. This essentially helps to gradually mend bad postural habits, which can ultimately help to prevent back pain. At least, that’s the idea. The gentle vibrating is without noise but it is still heard, similar to a phone when its put on vibrating mode.

You have the option of attaching the little device to your upper or lower back, but it is recommended you start off with the lower back because this builds a strong core foundation. Upright is meant to be used while you are sitting, but for the upper back, which trains and strengthens your shoulder and upper back muscles, you can also use it for walking.

Reading through the Amazon reviews, I’ve noticed some users report problems with attaching the device and finding the correct spot. I did not have any of these issues, and did not even need to use alcohol wipes to get the single-use adhesives to attach properly. But maybe that’s just me.

One other thing you need to do before you start training is to properly calibrate the device. This again is a quick process and consists of sitting upright, and then slouching. This enables the device to learn your back and is important for successfully training.

You have the option of saving the calibration details, but I found that reattaching the device sometimes meant I would need to recalibrate, presumably because the positioning has changed slightly. Once you are calibrated and the training has started, you can close the app, or even your phone, and Upright will continue to work.

The app was notably fast in reacting to my posture changes, and there’s something pleasing about seeing the sad red face move its way up to a green smile. I found myself sometimes tweaking the sensitivity setting, especially at the start of a training session. If you find that Upright nags you too much, lower the sensitivity setting. If you find you are not being badgered enough, ramp it up!

This is not a wearable that’s designed to be worn all day. The reason for this is that in Upright’s clinical trails, they saw that bio-feedback creates a quick learning curve. The theory is that short training sessions translate into an upright posture in all positions: standing, walking, static and variable alike, without having to wear the device.

You start off by training for a few minutes a day. As your back muscles strenthen, the app will gradually lengthen the time of your training sessions. All the programs are tailored to your specific details. My program consisted of 24 sessions, starting with 5 minutes per day and building up to an hour per day. When you finish your training program, the company suggests continuing to use the device for 30-60 minutes per session 1 or 2 times a week.

The app records and stores posture analytics related to your daily activities using its three fundamental elements: an accelerometer, multi sensors and an advanced algorithm. In the training summary you can see how much time you were sitting with upright posture, how many ‘mini-sessions’ you split your training into, and how much further you have to go with your training.

Between sitting through meetings and working at a desk, it seems that most of my time is in a chair. Over time, this leads to poor posture. Strapping the little device to my back quickly made me realize just how often I slouch.

One of the biggest advantages for me was the fact that this is not something I need to wear and use all day to see benefits. Unlike most fitness trackers, the Upright device is something that you only need to train with for a few minutes a day.

Just a few sessions in, I found myself adjusting in my chair and sitting straight even without wearing Upright to remind me. There is definitely an effect, even after you’ve taken it off. Perhaps because I have developed a fear of the buzz that kicks in! Only time will tell, though, whether the effects are long lasting.

Correct posture is important. It results in physical health benefits and helps you feel more confident. Research shows that good posture releases hormones that positively influence your overall wellbeing in a similar manner to smiling and laughing.

Upright Gadgets & Wearables may get a commission

By training your core muscles to sit upright, and longer each day, you will be working on creating a new lifelong habit that will not only have your friends say you look taller, but you will simply feel better.

And if you are still not convinced, the device comes with a 30-day money back guarantee and a 1 year warranty.

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As some wearables are dying out, smart clothing could very well be the next big thing.

E-skin is a new garment made by Japanese firm Xenoma, that measures movement, breathing, pressure, perspiration and body temperature. The futuristic looking shirt was showcased at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas earlier this month.

There is certainly no shortage of fitness trackers to choose from these days. A flood of statistics is churned out by these devices but, for the most part, it is left down to the users to sift through this data and draw meaningful conclusions. Your run-of-the mill fitness tracker can track steps, but it can’t function as a personal coach for monitoring and improving form. This is where E-skin steps in.

The machine-washable smart shirt is designed to be worn like a regular garment. It is made with printed circuit fabric so can be integrated into traditional textiles. The shirt features 14 silver motion-sensing circuits which are hidden within the fabric. A small hub sits on the chest to collect all the information and communicate it to a smartphone or personal computer for real-time number crunching.

The possibilities are endless. You could use the black zip-up garment as an input controller for gaming and VR experiences. In healthcare you could use it to monitor body movement, posture and respiration.

The shirt tracks bending and stretching movements and the position of your upper body, so can also be used in sports and fitness. For example, in golf, the shirt can dish out information on your swing, form and stance as displayed on the video below.

The Xenoma E-skin, which won a CES Innovation Award, definitely has lots of potential. The Japanese startup plans on selling the men’s version to developers on February 1st. The women’s version will follow soon after.

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