Advantages of a Wearable Fitness Device
Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of these little devices is that you will be able to join in on the cool factor by getting in on the latest craze. If you’re the type of person who wants to have the latest and most popular gadgets, these devices could help you to satisfy that craving.
Wearable fitness devices also provide the benefit of automatic feedback. For instance, you can look at your device and immediately see whether you are on target for your activity for the day or whether you are underperforming. If you have had trouble staying on track for your progress in the past, these devices could help.
Trackers also provide the advantage of fun challenges that allow you to compete against yourself or others. For individuals who have had trouble staying motivated in the past, this could be just what is needed to stay active.
Purchasing a fitness tracker also allows you to become part of a much wider community. As they have grown in popularity, fitness trackers now offer vast resources, including discussion groups and forums that make it easy for you to connect with others who are also passionate about fitness.
Disadvantages of Wearable Fitness Devices
There are some possible disadvantages to think about when considering the purchase of a wearable fitness device. Perhaps the biggest of those drawbacks is the abandonment rate.
The simple fact is that not everyone who starts wearing a fitness tracker will continue using it. Some statistics indicate that most people only use their wearable devices for about six months. And if you are going to invest in a device, it’s important to make sure you have a solid plan for sticking with it to make the most of your investment.
It should also be kept in mind that wearable fitness devices are not a magic solution to your fitness woes. Yes, they can motivate you to get up and moving, but these devices will not automatically make you healthier. You must still be committed to actually doing the work.
For some people, there is also the possibility of becoming addicted to tracking your activity levels. While this is not the case with everyone, some people have been known to become so addicted to meeting their goals, they tend to take it too far and could even become obsessed with it.
So wearable fitness trackers are great for getting you motivated because of the inherent competition factor, even if it is only with yourself, but remember that such levels of competition can only be sustained for so long.
Wearable fitness devices can also remove the spontaneous element from working out. Sometimes it can be fun to simply get in some exercise without worrying about tracking it. Although activity trackers excel in terms of convenience, they do remove the spontaneous element that can add some fun to your workouts.
Making the Most of a Wearable Fitness Device
To make the most of your investment in a wearable fitness tracker, try following these tips:
Set Daily Goals
Most fitness trackers come equipped with goals. Unfortunately, these preset goals can provide you with unrealistic goals, given that everyone is different. Instead, try setting your own goals or consult an experienced personal trainer to develop goals that are realistic for your specific situation.
Share Your Achievements on Social Media
One of the great benefits of a wearable fitness tracker is that you can be part of a much larger community. Take advantage of that and share your achievements with the community of other users to stay motivated. You may find you are much more likely to achieve long-term goals and stick with your routine if others are invested in seeing your progress by providing encouragement and support.
Be Willing to Reward Yourself
Being too strict can ultimately lead to failure, so be willing to reward yourself. In addition to keeping you motivated, a reward system can also help you to translate your progress from charts on the digital screen to the real world.
Keep Your Fitness Tracker with You
Perhaps the biggest complaint of fitness device users is that not all of their activity is tracked because they simply forget to wear it. In reality, the concept of using such a device seems relatively simple, but there can be many reasons for not using it, such as forgetting it or the battery is running low.
Not wearing your fitness tracker occasionally certainly is not the end of the world, but if you do it too frequently, it could cause problems. The best way to avoid this problem is to make wearing your tracker a habit. If you use a tracker with a charger, be sure to always charge it before you go to bed.
Keep a Food Diary
Remember that all of the activity in the world will not compensate for an unhealthy diet. Keeping a food diet along with using a fitness tracker can help you to be more conscious about what you are eating and assist you in making healthier choices.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that wearable fitness trackers can provide a number of benefits, including providing the motivation you may need to get up and get moving. If you have tried to start working out more in the past without success, the element of competition offered by wearable fitness trackers could make them well worth the investment.
At the same time, it’s important to be aware that wearable fitness devices do have some drawbacks. As long as you have realistic expectations, the addition of a wearable fitness device to your fitness routine could help you achieve your goals and have some fun at the same time.