Fitness trackers provide daily step count data and allow users to track progress toward daily or weekly step goals, as well as provide other measurements such as heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking and monitoring of body weight.
Consumer wearable fitness trackers offer opportunities and challenges for healthcare professionals in health promotion research. As the market for fitness trackers grows, interest in leveraging these devices to improve healthcare is increasing among researchers, clinicians, and fitness enthusiasts.
Fitness trackers mainly measure steps, which is a simple and easy-to-understand method for self-monitoring of activity levels, especially for inactive people who rely on basic ambulatory activities. Step tracking is an accessible behavioral goal for those who find it difficult to exercise, making it an effective way to introduce a positive habit of setting and achieving goals around physical activity. Fitness trackers provide daily step count data and allow users to track progress toward daily or weekly step goals, as well as provide other measurements such as heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking and monitoring of body weight.
A GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT ACTIVITY TRACKING FOR YOU
Types of fitness trackers-
There is a wide and growing range of fitness trackers on the market and the major manufacturers are continually updating and expanding their product lines. Trackers vary in style (wrist or clip), battery type (rechargeable or coin), price (most are Rs 1,000-10,000), and features (heart rate monitoring, GPS , activity recognition). Other factors that may be important to some consumers include system requirements (for example, some trackers require a smartphone, tablet, or computer) and water resistance.
When to use fitness trackers-
Fitness trackers serve two basic functions: measure and promote activity. Before using a fitness tracker, it’s important to have a clear understanding of which (or both) of these features you’re looking for. They are more appropriate for the key result of steps or activity that occurs during ambulatory movement. Regarding its use as an intervention tool, physical activity trackers can be a good option for health promotion.
Choose a make and model-
You may want to try several different trackers to determine which one best suits a person’s needs, for example clip-on trackers seem to be more accurate than wrist trackers. One must consider fitness goals, design and comfort, price, battery life, and most importantly, features. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, build muscle, or just maintain your current fitness level, an activity tracker can be a valuable tool in achieving your goals. So this World Health Day, why not invest in your health and well-being by choosing the right activity tracker for you?
(Inputs: By Prerna Trivedi, Senior Dietitian, Sterling Hospitals, Vadodara)
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