Americans love gadgets. In everything from gaming to business, modern technology is completely intertwined with life. It was only a matter of time before workouts got a next-gen upgrade, too. Unfortunately, many smartwatches and fitness devices cost a pretty penny. Are they worth it for your health?
Fitness Trackers: The Value Proposition
Like any technology, the value of fitness trackers depends on how often you use them. Wearing a smartwatch can be handy, but the results are only as good as the effort you put in. No watch is going to burn calories for you, no matter how many state-of-the-art features it has.
For some people, their tracker has been an amazing tool for focusing on health. These devices can help you feel in control of your schedule and your physical activity during the day.
For other people, a fitness tracker can have the opposite effect. It can reduce the drive to exercise, especially if you feel like a lost cause.
Important Steps for Success With Exercise
Like many things in life, the decision of whether to buy a fitness tracker isn’t as black or white as you may think. It’s not “good” or “bad.” It’s a smartwatch, not a life coach, for crying out loud. With the right approach, you can take advantage of the potential benefits and use fitness trackers as an energizing tool rather than a temporary band-aid.
Learn How To Exercise
First, start with the basics. If you don’t know how to get in shape correctly, that should be a priority. Smart exercise tips can help you enjoy working out and you can avoid hurting yourself.
No fitness tracker is going to turn you into an exercise enthusiast with the body of a Greek god magically. Check out online videos or take advantage of a friend’s gym pass trial to pick up some workout basics.
Stick With It
Consistency matters big time in exercise. That monster one-hour workout is great, but not if you can only do it once a month. You may get more benefits from exercising for 20–30 minutes three times a week. Above all, pick a workout schedule you can stick to for years. Your end goal with fitness trackers is to live a more active life overall.
Don’t Overwhelm Yourself
A common issue in fitness is the “noob” problem. Put simply, everyone starts out as a noob when they start working out, but they don’t act like it. When you try to start, nothing feels worse than getting embarrassed because your personal trainer uses words you don’t even understand or expects you to have incredible endurance.
For some people, online exercise courses with pre-recorded videos are a better choice at the beginning. They can help you learn the “moves” without feeling everyone is looking at your mistakes.
The Potential Benefits of Having a Fitness Tracker
Wearable fitness devices can potentially make it easier to stay active by helping you set and reach activity goals. Having clear goals is often more productive than setting a nebulous objective of “exercise more.” You may determine that you want to hit 10,000 steps a day or reach another personal goal.
With this tool, you could technically get small burst of exercise all day long. For example, you may get into the habit of walking during your lunch break, skipping the elevator for stairs or riding a bike to work. Deciding to walk more instead of driving everywhere can increase your daily physical activity.
Some trackers also remind you to drink water, let you know how your sleep quality is doing or offer training programs for fitness. There are even downloadable maps you can use to create customized “trails” in the city.
The Role of Your Personality
How beneficial a tracker is for you often depends on your personality. Put simply, these devices are useful to self-motivated individuals.
Are you the type of person who gets a motivational boost by setting and reaching goals? You may love your tracker. Exercise enthusiasts can also benefit from the heart rate stats for burning calories.
