Many fitness enthusiasts are trying to determine whether or not to use a fitness tracker. It seems great for athletes but it looks like it does not help in losing weight. Yes, it has apps that help track sleep, calories you consume, steps, and so on, but some people are not convinced about its usefulness. Maybe they are not aware of the features of fitness tracker or maybe they do not use it properly. So, why do I need a fitness tracker?
A fitness tracker, or activity tracker, is a wearable device that tracks and monitors fitness-related activities like calories consumed, distance run/walked, number of hours awake or asleep, heartbeat, and so on. It now comes as a wireless smartwatch synced to a smartphone or computer for recording your data.
It is primarily used for medical purposes, specifically for obese or overweight individuals. With one device, there was evidence that there was less weight loss in 18 months of use. The fitness tracker used in this study has been withdrawn. Another study was conducted involving interventions like a healthy diet which improved weight loss results.
Why do I need a fitness tracker?
Some people who wear a fitness tracker are unsuccessful in their fitness goals. But this does not mean that it’s the fitness tracker’s fault. You may be using it wrong or have misconceptions about its functions. So, here are the top reasons why fitness tracker is a good fitness companion.
It tracks your progress
Fitness trackers primarily keep track of your progress and record your exercise figures, produce reports, a summary, and infographics. Advanced fitness trackers come with more functions like a step counter, a distance tracker, calorie counter, heart rate monitor, speed monitor, and more. When you’re into achieving a fitness goal or milestone, you feel the urge to know your progress; knowing it will enhance your motivation to keep going.
Bonus workout programs and tips
Fitness trackers usually come with different workout programs or tips tailored to your present fitness level and goals. It saves you time and money in having to go to a gym and hiring a personal trainer.
Sets realistic goals
Fitness trackers help you set achievable goals. For instance, you want to transform from a sedentary to a more active lifestyle within a month. You can set the tracker to help you achieve this goal within your required time frame. It helps you to be more motivated so you won’t quit anytime soon.
Manages your health
Fitness trackers record your heart rate, steps you walked, burned calories, and more. It also monitors your sleep by your movements. Some doctors advise using mobile health technology, and fitness trackers can help users manage their own health by knowing these activities. They are able to stick to an improved diet, sleep better, and move more.
Tracks your food and calorie intake
One important factor of fitness is your diet. Fitness trackers have apps to help you monitor the food you eat and your diet plan on a regular basis. Individuals who want to lose weight usually start with cutting caloric intake and fat consumption and adding more protein. One useful app is the Fitbit One which tracks food consumption and calories burned daily or weekly.
Things to remember when using a fitness tracker
Now that we have known several reasons why a fitness tracker is necessary, we will get to the things to keep in mind while using it.
Do not expect fast results
Fitness trackers are not magic wands that make your dreams come true in an instant. Because you wear this device, it does not mean that you are going to be fit. Remember that it is still a tool that when appropriately used, helps you keep track of your progress and keeps you motivated.
Calorie count is inaccurate
Forget the calories burned function of the fitness trackers; most of them are inaccurate. They are usually based on your age, gender, weight, and height which are not the only factors that make up the actual numbers of how much is really burned in your body.
Set small challenges
Fitness trackers are only there to record your activities all day. Relying on this function alone won’t create any effect on your everyday habits. To see change, you must set small challenges like walking more steps or eating less.
Now that you know the reasons why you should wear a fitness tracker, would you buy one?