PERSONAL ACTIVITY INTELLIGENCE (PAI) PODCAST
We've started something new this week - podcasting about interesting things in and around Paradise. I chose to tell you about the new Mio measurement metric - PAI because it's the latest and greatest news here. Click on the link below and a new window will open and play the audio so you can listen to the podcast while still continuing to browse our site. If you prefer to read about the new Mio PAI metric you can read the transcript below.
Paradise Radio Podcast Episode 1 - PAI
"Today I wanted to talk to you about the activity trackers made by MIO that we carry here at the Paradise retail store. We’ve carried these trackers in our store for over a year now and have had great feedback on them because not only do they track your steps and heart rate but they can be tracked in the water. No other device does that.
That's why we recommend them as part of our fitness routine in Starr’s aquatic classes. It helps you see exactly how hard you are working your heart when she's working you through the paces of your high intensity interval training routine.
Recently, MIO has upgraded their trackers to incorporate something new - the personal activity intelligence or PAI tracking method. You now have the choice of tracking your activity through a series of measurements, which include steps, heart rate and sleep or through a single measurement that combines them all called PAI.
If tracking a single number that measures all your activity is something you want to incorporate into your life all you need to do is own a MIO tracker and download the MIO PAI app from either the app store on your apple device, or the play store on your android device. Once you have the app, sync it with your MIO tracker every day and work to keep your number at 100 or better. It’s that simple.
So, what’s the big deal about PAI? Well, it’s all about understanding your heart rate and working out your heart as a muscle to increase your lifespan. PAI measures your body’s response to physical activity by translating your heart rate data and steps into a single, accurate,meaningful metric that provides the guidance and motivation to maintain your optimal health.
The inventor of the PAI -professor Ulrik Wisloff - is a ph.D in exercise physiology. He’s highly credentialed and has done massive studies to validate the effectiveness of PAI.
So, why is PAI better than other metrics to measure your fitness?
First of all, it simple. You’ve got one number to watch that incorporates all your activities. The goal is to keep a minimum score of 100 for maximum health benefits.
the Second reason is it’s personal. Your PAI is calculated based on the intensity and duration of your activity. You choose whatever activity is right for you. It might be an aqua cardio class with Starr here at paradise or maybe using the pool on your own. Taking the dog for a walk, bicycling, running, or Zumba - you choose the activity and PAI calculates your score for you.
Thirdly - it’s scientific. MIO’s PAI algorithm is founded on data from the hunt Health study; one of the largest health studies over a 30 year period with 60,000 participants.
the fourth reason is its meaningful. The most accurate way to determine the health benefits from exercise is to analyze an individuals heart rate data. Other metrics such as steps are an inaccurate way to measure fitness activity, since not all steps are created equal, and not all exercise involves steps.
lastly, it’s flexible. Since it’s calculated over a rolling 7 day period, it’s adaptable to your busy lifestyle. You can work out more on some days, and less on others and still be able to maintain a desirable PAI score.
So let’s see how that works. If I walked to work, took the dog for a walk around the golf course and was moderately active during my day at work I could get 10,000 steps in. However this would only translate to a score of 10 PAI. However, if I drove to work, didn’t take the dog for a walk and had a busy day walking around the office I’d only log about 5500 steps. However, with the time i saved not getting the 4500 extra steps I took an hour long cardio class and raised my PAI score to 35.
So, you see, the PAI score is based on the intensity and duration of your activity. Your goal is to reach and stay above 100. You don’t have to exercise every day because you can make up your lost PAI on other days. By staying above 100 you’ve done enough activity to prevent the onset of cardiovascular disease. It’s clinically proven that on average you will live 10 years longer!
The PAI is now on all your MIO trackers. All you need to do is download the app and start working to get your score to 100. Unfortunately, the existing trackers won’t show you your score on your wrist just yet. You’ll need to see it on your app. However, Soon, we’ll be carrying their activity tracker the slice, which shows the PAI on the screen and looks much more fashionable than the current MIO lineup."