Fitness watches pros and cons that can help you save money

Do you want to boost your motivation to work out? Fitness watches are a great tool but, like anything else, they have their pros and cons. So, how familiar are you with them? As part of the buying process, product knowledge can determine the amount of money you will spend, and the user experience. 

I have worn a fitness wearable for over three years, every day. So I know what it is like using one, the challenges, and the opportunities. 

Therefore, I am more than happy to share the advantages and disadvantages of fitness wearables to help you attain a deeper knowledge of them before you make an intelligent decision.

If you want to learn more about them and what to expect, this guide is for you. Not only you will use your money wisely but also you will save time and get the most out of your fitness watch.

Do you want to know about the different smartwatches and fitness tracker features? Read our informative post “How to choose a fitness watch: Your most essential guide” to help you discover the functionalities to consider. 

How important is researching your fitness watch before you buy

I usually read and acquire some knowledge about any product or service for months before making a purchasing decision. Why? Because I made sure I did not waste my money. 

That’s why it is essential to know the pros and cons of fitness watches you like the most before you make a decision. Pricing, quality, and materials are not the only factors. 

According to a GE Capital Retail Bank study, more than 80% of consumers compare and research their products before shopping. Do you do the same?

Great user experience and satisfaction come with a smart choice. For example, you cannot buy a multiport fitness tracker if you don’t practice any sports.

If you want to make the best possible decision it is best to read reviews, positives, and negatives. Also, it will help you understand the product. Remember that fitness watches are not perfect. You may like the features but the price may be a deal-breaker.

When it comes to buying I do not follow the crowd. After all, our needs and preferences are different. Therefore, it is very important to keep it simple.

Don’t buy just because you like a brand. Every product has a good and a bad. Don’t forget it may also have a catch. 

Keep in mind that learning the advantages and disadvantages of a specific fitness watch can save you time, energy, money, and frustration.

Now, to help you make your buying decision easier, let’s discuss the advantages and then the disadvantages of wearing a fitness watch.

The best benefits of a fitness band or smartwatch

There is no doubt that they can help you attain your fitness goals and simplify your workouts. Want to know more about these wrist companions? Here are 20 ways they can help us remain active and stick to the plan:

Realistic goals settings

You can set up attainable goals to help maximize your workout which will help increase motivation. This is a great way of sticking to your fitness program.

Fitness data analysis

Health data or stats can be used to design an effective workout plan and show how much activity you are getting. You can use this valuable information to make changes to your lifestyle. 

Some fitness wearables can make recommendations using the collected data to help manage your goals and make improvements.

Increases health consciousness

You can learn more about yourself which encourages you to take care of your body and mind. You can also get an insight into your stress levels, heart rate, oxygen, and other health metrics.

Fitness plan customization

You can adjust your workout routine based on your performance and stats to maximize your fitness routine. also, many fitness wearables can allow you to create, delete, or specify your workout.

Also, you can share your progress with your trainer, you have one, to help him/her decide which program best suits you.

Result-oriented approach

You can focus on your progress which helps you to transform your body in the long run. You can receive suggestions based on your progress and performance.

Motivates your friends and family

Working out with your dear ones can inspire and teach them the importance of staying active. This is a great way to bring fun and motivation to your fitness plan while helping others stay in the game.

You can monitor your performance

Tracking your progress will help you create challenges to improve your numbers and turn your plan into an effective strategy. Self-monitoring your physical activity or sport can also keep you stuck to your plan.

Helps you stay engaged

Many fitness trackers like Fitbit can award you badges every time you reach a milestone or complete a workout. This will help you continue working out and getting better.

Learn new workouts

Some trackers with an on-screen coach will offer you personalized feedback. Also, you can get recommended exercises depending on your goals and progress. 

Tracks your favorite sports or physical activities

Many smartwatches or fitness trackers can track multiple sports or activities such as hiking, swimming, or yoga. Monitoring them will help break your records or to keep improving your performance.

Safer workouts

Using one during a workout will help you avoid injuries or sprains. Also, they can teach you to move at your own pace and intensity. Keep in mind that quality is more important than quantity.

Alerts you to move more

Many fitness trackers have a ‘move alert’ feature that alerts you when you are sitting for a long time. If you lead a hectic lifestyle you want to consider a fitness watch with this functionality.

Reminds you to drink water

Some fitness wearables can have a “drink water” alert feature to help you stay hydrated while you exercise or work. Hydration is very essential for temperature regulation, weight loss, joint protection, and other bodily function in general. 

Depending on the fitness watch you can choose a default or custom goal.

Creates a sense of responsibility

A fitness watch is a motivational tool that can help encourage adopting healthy habits. Since they are motivational tools smartwatches or fitness trackers can help you push harder and stay in your program.

Helps improve your fitness and cardio levels

A fitness wearable can use your heart rate data to build resistance and can tell whether you are ready to exercise. Also, some can monitor heart rate zones to help burn fat effectively. 

Encourage you to eat healthily

Some fitness tracker apps allow you to log in, not only to liquid intake but also to what you eat. This is a very smart way to help achieve your goals and stay in great condition.

Boosts your wellness

Regardless of the pros and cons, fitness watches definitely can encourage physical activity as they can track your steps taken and even stairs climbed.

Depending on the features, many can track your stress levels and help you relax. Even your heart can be benefited as some fitness wearables can monitor oxygen levels and blood pressure.

Bonus: May help diagnose or prevent health conditions

Some fitness watches allow you to share health data with your doctor. This may help him diagnose health conditions or find health patterns.

What are the downsides of fitness watches?

You have learned the positive side of using a fitness tracker. However, we also need to consider their bad side. To help you get to know them, these are the following drawbacks about wearing one:

You still have to work harder

Wearing a fitness wearable does not change anything about weight loss or staying in shape. You still need to stay active so your device can do its job.

But for many, this is great so you can stick to your routine and reach your goals.

Fitness watches emit EMF

EMF, a type of non-ionizing radiation uses less energy and is low frequency. However, this is something many concerned users should consider.

Our post “Do Fitness Trackers Give Off Radiation And Side Effects?” gives a more in-depth explanation and explains how to minimize radiation exposure. As an alternative, you can consider a non-Bluetooth fitness tracker.

Your privacy can be at risk

Most fitness watches can collect health and fitness data to send you alerts and suggestions on how to keep improving. However, how do you know your private information is safely stored?

Our post “How to use fitness tracker data to keep you super engaged” is great source information to help you understand how data is collected and most importantly, how to protect your privacy.

They are not perfect tools

Before researching fitness watches, their pros, cons, and other useful information, know that for some they may not be an ideal tool.

Keep in mind that the accuracy of fitness trackers or smartwatches is not 100%. For example, a fitness tracker may show 350 calories burned when in reality you might have burned more or less.

Therefore, the data can be used as a guide to help you improve your performance and remain inspired.

Can be expensive

Depending on the functionality and specifications they can be costly. Although, you can find simple and affordable fitness trackers without breaking the bank but with fewer features.

Need to wear it every day or at least during the workout

Not only do you need to exercise regularly but also you may want to wear a fitness watch frequently to get the most out of it. This means that the more data collected the more personalized recommendations you will receive. 

Complex health data

Although many fitness wearables can show easy-to-understand information, some stats can be hard to understand. However, reading the user’s manual may help get the most out of your device.

Charging the battery can be frustrating

Many fitness trackers require charging every two days depending on your settings, specifications, and usage. However, for a couple of bucks more, you can find one with longer battery life. 

For example, Garmin Vivosmart 4 has an irreplaceable battery that can last more than one year.

Numbers can be discouraging

The stats shown on the fitness wearable may not be what you expect. For example, you may have pushed harder but the device is telling you otherwise. 

There is nothing more disappointing than that. Therefore, it is best to listen to your body. Metrics can make people anxious and discouraged from exercising.

Just don’t get obsessed and keep moving towards a healthy lifestyle.

Are fitness trackers or smartwatches worth buying?

You just learned the most important fitness watches the pros and cons. Now, you may ask yourself if you should buy one.

Although they can help your motivation, fitness watches might not be for everyone. The truth is wearing a fitness wearable can help you make positive changes but you still need to do your part. 

A fitness tracker research done by Michigan State University concluded the following: “Long-term users had developed a habit of tracker use whereas other participants made an effort to employ various encouragement strategies to ensure behavior maintenance.”

According to the research social support motivated long-term users to keep using an activity tracker while “Short-term and former users focused on competition.”

Using your fitness watch for a longer time can help the device collect not only health and fitness data but also information about your habits as well. In the long run, the health data collected can be used to improve and make changes in your fitness plan.

These wrist companions are equipped with different specifications and functionalities to help deliver a great user experience. They can tell you how to exercise, give you feedback, and offer you suggestions to help you improve. 

Also, many fitness watches can help identify any patterns and habits such as most or less active days. This will help build motivation to keep moving or make any corrections in your behavior.

Conclusion

If you need a motivation boost you may try a fitness watch. The data may not be accurate but can be used as a guide to encourage physical activity. 

Keep in mind that using fitness wearables has its advantages but it should not be used for medical purposes. You can bring it to your doctor and test it alongside other medical equipment to check accuracy.

Researchers found that fitness watches are accurate enough for many consumers. Soon, they will become more reliable and functional.

There is no doubt that the health data collected can help improve your fitness levels, set up goals, and create a habit. 

However, the reality is that to achieve a healthy lifestyle, you do not need to wear a fitness watch. You can go for a walk or practice your favorite sports. The importance is measuring your progress will help you get better and keep you inspired.

We hope that our post “Fitness watches the pros and cons that can help you save money” can help you to make a smart decision.

And I still use my fitness watch and have a lot of fun with it keeping these things in mind.

Source:

JMIR publications

BLA

B.L.A is a webmaster, content creator, and blogger who loves fitness watches and working out.

After many attempts to stick to a fitness plan, she found inspiration in fitness wearables which has helped her remain active and lead a healthy lifestyle. She is committed to encouraging individuals who need help with their motivation.

When she isn’t researching fitness technology market trends and writing, you might find Brenda cooking delicious meals, connecting with nature, growing veggies, reading about technology, and enjoying life with her husband C. A.

Check out her other blog Breathe Out Panic Attack.