Should you wear a fitness tracker to get better results

I learned a long time ago that working out is not only about building muscle or keeping yourself in shape. And also, that fitness is part of a holistic approach as it involves, not only our bodies but our minds. However, embracing a healthy lifestyle is greatly beneficial for your well-being but also can be a challenge to stay inspired and focused. Like many of you, I have struggled to keep my motivation alive for many years. If going back to exercise is really hard, let alone staying engaged. So that’s why as a last resort, I wear a fitness tracker during exercise and other activities to keep me active and monitor my progress.

Thanks to these wrist companions I am more inspired to exercise and keep moving. Not only do I use one during my workout but every day. In my experience, exercising with or without a fitness tracker is almost the same. However, the health data on the device is essential to keep improving.

Recommended reading: How to use a fitness watch to smash your goals

For many reasons, some users did not have the same satisfactory results but in my case, a fitness tracker has helped improve my quality of life.

Awesome, right? I know that many of you need a bit of extra help in sticking to your fitness program. That’s why I am more than happy to explain the importance of using a fitness tracker or smartwatch to achieve your goals. I also want to share my very personal and unbiased experience with using a fitness watch and how it helped me stay motivated.

if you are too busy or unmotivated to lead an active lifestyle you are in the right place.

Let’s explain the evolution of fitness trackers briefly so you can familiarize yourself with fitness wearables.

A brief history of fitness trackers

Also called smart bracelets or fitness wearables, they are wrist-worn devices that track steps, heart rate, and other bodily functions. In addition, they use your health data and stats to provide you with suggestions on how to improve your performance to help you reach your fitness goals.

You can find the most basic fitness watch to the most sophisticated ones. However, they all can deliver a good user experience depending on your needs and preferences.

Believe it or not, heart rate monitors were available to athletes in 1981. Later, in the early 2000s, wireless heart rate monitors used in commercial-grade fitness equipment, we are available in consumer electronics.

Fitness trackers have upgraded step counters or pedometers. They track calories burned, mileage, heart rate, and sleep quality just like the original Fitbit which was launched in 2009. It was a clip-on tracker that can be worn 24/7. This Fitbit tracker, currently unavailable, also monitored activity intensity.

Then, the Jawbone UP was launched in 2011. It monitored steps, eating habits, calories, and sleep quality. In addition, it was water-resistant and had a rechargeable battery.

Apple introduced the Apple Watch to the market in 2015. As a result, smartwatches gained a lot of popularity over the years.

As you may see there are many kinds of wearable technology and compared to previous years they can be more functional with better technology.

This is why I wear a fitness tracker every day

When we exercise, a lot of things are going on in our bodies. Have you asked yourself whether your program is as effective as you expected? There is no way for us to know unless we track our physical activity or sports. And using a fitness tracker can do the trick.  Additionally, it can be our coach or assistant to help enhance our performance and achieve our goals.

One of the many benefits of using smart bands during your fitness training is that it will optimize your program to make it more efficient. In addition, you can receive recommendations or feedback to help improve fitness levels.

Another way a fitness tracker can help is not only by encouraging physical activity but also ensure a long-lasting engagement to work out.

Also, the more you monitor your performance the more inspired to stay in the program. Tracking your progress allows you to find better ways to reach your fitness goals.

On the other hand, health data will help you determine how likely you will reach your goals. It will simplify your workout. For example, many fitness watches can tell if you are exercising at the right intensity.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) recommend 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity,  such as brisk walking for 75 minutes per week of high-intensity activity such as running.

Therefore is very important to monitor your activity to make sure you achieve the goal and continue exercising.

Why I will never put my fitness watch away

Ever since the very first fitness tracker was launched I never thought I would need to wear one.

Like many of you, I found it difficult to remain active. First, I switched from yoga to Pilates to belly dancing. In addition, I used to hike and walk.  I could do a variety of physical activities. However, something was missing in my workout.

There were times when my motivation turned into frustration which sometimes made me quit.

I used to say very often “If I can’t stick to my plan this time I will stop working out.” sometimes I used to think I may need a new pair of sneakers, Fitness clothes, or simply get some new music to keep going. However, none of these worked for me.

Then I asked myself what I need to do to stick to my workout routine or to stay active. I asked myself “Is my workout ever effective?” “What do I need to do to turn my boring program into a more exciting and enjoyable experience?”

As a result, the following crossed my mind:  How come I have a fitness goal but I don’t know how I am doing?  And do I know my plan is working? That’s it! I found what I was looking for.

However, I didn’t want to invest a lot of money.  After all, I just wanted to know how it feels to wear one first.

Looking for a fitness tracker or smartwatch? Our helpful and comprehensive post “How To Choose A Fitness Watch: Your Most Essential Guide” will be of great help. Learn what each brand offers, features, and great tips to shop for the right fitness watch.

10 most important lessons I learned from using a fitness watch

After more than two years of using a fitness tracker, I can say that the experience has been very satisfactory. I did not imagine I could stay committed, unlike the previous times. Between fitness and me, there was always an on-and-off relationship. However, this time working out now is a part of my life and not just a mere activity.

Here is what I learned from wearing a smart band that I am very sure will help you be inspired:

• They are not perfect.

  A fitness tracker or a smartwatch is never 100% accurate. Instead, they are useful tools that you can use as a guide to monitor your progress and your vitals.

• The more you move the more they can collect data.

Although this is obvious, the truth is that a fitness watch will not work unless you keep moving. As you monitor your progress and vitals it will be easier to determine if your fitness routine is effective.

• Not to obsess over numbers.

Just use health data as a guide. However, reviewing my progress has helped me a lot and I have pushed myself more. If my fitness tracker shows that I burned 250 calories in a one-hour walk, I will try to increase intensity. Nevertheless, I would listen to my body rather than improve numbers. I will not use the data to judge myself. This has given me a lot of good results and it will keep me motivated.

• For better results, wear a fitness tracker every day.

  Your tracker collects health data as you move which is important to get an insight into your health condition and workout performance.

• I know my body more.

Self-monitoring my progress and health vitals has allowed me to be aware of what is going on in my body during my workout and any physical activity. I have learned many things about myself that I did not know before.

• You will reach your fitness goals only if you want to.

You can have the best fitness watch but if you don’t have the persistence and commitment you would not achieve them.

• Competing with myself.

Tracking my progress has helped me focus on myself more. Because this piece of information is unique I cannot compete with others. In addition, how long it will take me to reach my goals is determined by my persistence, health data, and progress.

• Quality over quantity.

Using a fitness wearable has helped me avoid any foot injuries. Besides, it also helps me determine if I need to push myself more. The bottom line is you can use your data to personalize and optimize your fitness plan.

• It has changed my life.

  I am currently more motivated and active than ever. I used to exercise for around 2 months and then I stopped. However, I have been using a fitness watch during my workout for 4 months (4 or 5 times a week). This is one of the reasons why I decided to wear a fitness tracker.

• Great results take time to achieve.

  Ever since I’m using a tracker, my attitude about fitness has changed. You have to work hard to achieve your fitness goals. In my case, I started to see my results a little bit after 3 months. Should I be working out harder? Now, I will look forward to doing better I’m pushing myself a little bit harder.

How did a fitness tracker help me stay motivated and inspired

You already know what I learned from using a fitness tracker. Now, I will explain how it helped increase my motivation without skipping workouts.

I love technology because they simplify our lives and help us make things better in an efficient way. When it comes to fitness watches, working out, besides being a fitness activity, can be a positive learning experience for many.

Ever since I started to use a fitness watch I started to create awareness, habit, and accountability. The more you know about your body the better you will appreciate it, love it, and accept it.

A rule of thumb: Wear a fitness tracker or smartwatch every day. You need to know how your body reacts to exercise, sports, and other physical activities. It will help you do better and make changes to your routine.

Now, let’s talk about numbers or the data. They are not 100% accurate but this piece of information can help you simplify and maximize your workout. No matter whether your tracker is a cheap or expensive one, self-monitoring your progress will help you get more involved. If you are not committed enough you will start procrastinating and eventually, you will quit.

It is hard to stay engaged but it is not impossible. Hence, it is a great challenge that we all need to overcome.

Are fitness trackers worth the money?

From counting steps to tracking heart rate, a fitness tracker watch is super popular these days. In a society where meeting deadlines, working in highly demanding jobs, and leading a sedentary lifestyle, these wrist companions seem to make our lives easier.

Compared with many years ago, many individuals are more concerned about their health and fitness more than ever so they have added a fitness watch to their exercise routine.

In addition, people who are just starting to exercise or have never worked out can use a tracker to learn how to exercise correctly and stay engaged.

Many claims that fitness trackers have helped them keep moving, lose weight, and adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Keep in mind, however,  that Fitness wearables only can deliver as long as you stay active. The more stats and health data it collects the more you know.  Now, what you do with the numbers will make a big difference in your fitness program.

How can a fitness tracker make a difference in your lifestyle?

Whether you are a fitness professional or you are a beginner the idea of having a wrist fitness companion can make a big difference in your workout plan.

Not only it will help to reach your fitness goals sooner but will keep you motivated. Here are 11 reasons why I decided to wear a fitness tracker during a workout routine that will transform your life:

• Smart fitness with a continuous heart rate monitor uses the heart rate data to better measure calorie burn all day.
• Many activity trackers can monitor your cardio heart rate 24/7 without an additional strap.
• In addition, multisport watches use a Heart Rate sensor while training and even while swimming
• They can use heart rate zones to find the right work intensity to help you adjust your routines.
• Some have a Recovery Heart Rate Timer. This feature calculates the speed at which your heart rate returns to normal after working out.
• Many have the blood pressure monitor feature which provides more information about the user’s health, in addition to the physiological cycle reminders, sleep tracker, and other features.
• Some help you manage stress through a guided breathing exercise. This reduces anxiety, panic attacks, and many breathing-related issues.
• Many of these wrist-based heart rate monitors help you relax during the day. Also, they feature personalized guided breathing based on your heart rate.
• Smart Fitness not only can measure blood pressure but also has a blood oxygen monitoring feature or oximeter which helps track your heart health.
• If your heart health is your top priority many fitness trackers can continuously and accurately monitor your heart rates and provide you a workout guidance
• The heart rate data can be used to determine the Cardio Fitness Level using your health data, such as heart rate.

Bonus tips that will transform your life

• Wearing a smart fitness tracker during your workout helps you customize your routine to avoid under-exercising or over-exercising.
• Being aware of your progress will help you set realistic goals using your health data
• Your self-esteem will improve and you will great about yourself while you exercise
• Believe it or not, using a fitness tracker while you exercise may get you the results you want in less time.

Do they help you lose weight?

Because many smart bracelets can track your fitness progress they may encourage you to stay active and improve your lifestyle. This is one of the reasons why I decided to wear a fitness tracker.

If you stay active your health will improve and depending on your persistence you may lose some weight as well. However, it is very important to note that if you have a health condition you need to consult your doctor.

Staying active can improve your overall health and prevent health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity,  joint problems, and other conditions.

The bottom line is that what we decide will make a big difference. Although using a smart health band during a workout is important, our persistence is truly important to reach our fitness goals.

When a smart band is out of the question

Probably you have made up your mind and decided that fitness trackers are useless. You may be in the best shape of your life without needing any kind of smart fitness. Well, congratulations!

However…

Our bodies change through the years, and so does the way we work out. Just ask yourself: would you work out the same way that you used to do 20 years ago, 10 years ago, or 12 months ago?

How do you determine that your fitness plan needs to be adjusted? How do you know that you are overdoing it? The reality is that being injury-free does not mean it is working.

Would you like to know if your fitness goals are realistic enough? How do you determine your workout intensity? How do you know you are making progress? Do you know why you are not seeing the results you ever wanted? Is your workout routine effective as you think? That’s also another reason why I decided to wear a fitness tracker, although I was a bit skeptical at first.

My favorite motto is “Less is more”. But when it comes to your health, the more you know about your body the better.

Just imagine how can a fitness or activity tracker help simplify your workout. No more excuses, no more guessing, no more procrastinating! Knowing more about your body will also help you change your mind about working out. You can adjust your fitness plan accordingly.

You will be able to see any changes in your heart rate, fitness levels, or changes in your overall health which will help you design a customized program. Many fitness trackers feature apps that will offer you guidance and will act as your fitness coach.

Final thoughts

In summary, smartwatches or fitness trackers can transform our lifestyle and our attitude toward fitness.

In my experience, wearing one has helped me stay active and encouraged me to move more. However, as I said before, it may not work for everyone.

Believe it or not, fitness wearable technology is expected to exceed $10 billion in 2022. According to a Pew Research Center survey done in June 2019, around 20% of adults use a fitness watch.

Remember that our bodies are constantly changing over the years. Therefore, an effective workout routine designed using your health data reflecting these changes can help set realistic goals, stay inspired, and obtain the desired results in less time.

In addition, using an activity tracker will make you aware of your bodily reactions.

Keep in mind that the effectiveness of fitness trackers will never be 100%. Health data should be used as a guide to help improve our progress. At the end of the day, we are the ones who need to do the job.  Also, how long it will take you to see the results depends on your age, weight, fitness level, health condition, and activity level.  It is best to be patient and stay focused.

We hope our post “Should you wear a fitness tracker to get better results” can help transform your life and make important changes to improve your overall health.

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.