By Over the last few years, activity trackers have become popular among people of all ages. Probably because they are considered to increase a person’s physical activity. And yes, they can seem pretty expensive, but how much are they really expensive, for a device which improves our health? Is it worth the investment?
What is an activity tracker in the first place?
This is a device which is used for monitoring and tracking our fitness-related metrics (pulse, distance, calorie consumption, etc.). In the era of smartphones, there are many types of apps on the market, from quality body measurement apps to calorie counters, which can in fact replace an activity tracker. In fact, the right combination of fitness apps can replace even the best ones out there, without constant pulse measurement. There are apps that show you different workouts, apps that track your calorie intake, apps that show you how much you have walked, etc. And of course, there are basic devices which are called pedometers – devices that simply count the steps you take every day. Thanks to them, the trend of 10,000 steps each day started happening.
Cost
Well, if all you want and need to know is how many steps you take each day, you can then buy one that is on the lower end, since it will cost you a lot less than higher end and more modern models. The only downside is that it can be slightly less accurate than the new and improved models.
If you, on the other hand, are getting super serious about fitness, have specific goals and want to have data with you at all times, you actually should consider a more expensive device. Make sure you get one that keeps track of your calorie intake, your heartbeat, and which vibrates to let you know that you should get up and move. It’s as if your personal trainer was attached to your wrist 24/7. Also, if you are a swimmer, you can easily find a waterproof activity tracker as well.
All in all, it is up to you to decide how much money you want to spend and what you want to buy and achieve.
Know what you need to know
First of all, many people get carried away and think that a wearable device is going to magically help them lose weight. It is like expecting your phone to do your work and cooking for you – since it is with you all the time. These devices are designed to encourage you to work out and give you insight into your body and your results. You are using it as a helper for achieving your goals. For example, you decide that from tomorrow on, you will walk 10,000 steps every day. Your fitness tracker will be right there beside you to remind you, and bore you so much with its calculations, that you will feel guilty every time you consider not walking. Later, when you realize how healthier and better you feel, you will thank God for buying it.
Also, it uses its calorie intake meter to basically forbid you to eat that one last cookie or that one slice of pizza after the two you already had. Not just that, it also reminds you of your bedtime and wakes you up in the morning. It is a pretty useful little device if you ask me.
Like I said, it is really up to you whether you’ll spend a little bit more money on this or not, but the most important thing is to do your homework first! This means that you should sit in front of your computer, read dozens of reviews and think twice before making a big purchase. You will see that there are countless different models with different colors, designs and functions, and somewhere out there there must be at least one that will suit your goals and needs. All that matters is that you understand that you will still have to put a lot of effort into the process and give it your best. They may not magically erase your pounds, but they will surely help you erase them yourself.
