Should you use a fitness tracker?

Ever wonder “Should I get a fitness tracker”

The Answer is: Well it Depends. I know not the straight forward answer you had hoped for.

For some, it can be a very helpful tool. Especially if you are;

• Numbers oriented
• Have advanced or professional fitness goals
• Are able to look at data and not let data define you

In other ways though, fitness trackers may make some feel like they are never doing enough. These individuals tend to see weight, heart rate variability, or sleep quality as a statement of who they are.

You’re more likely to fall into this category if you;

• See the behaviour you are tracking as a chore – “I have to do this to lose weight”
• Don’t feel like there is a choice – “I don’t want to exercise but am being told I have to”
• Do the behaviour to avoid feeling guilty – you exercise because you don’t want to feel bad about not exercising

The Bottom Line
There is nothing wrong with trying a fitness tracker for most. They are a good alternative to tracking and analysing your body. Maybe not go buy the most expensive one right away until you are sure it is a good fit for you. Fitness trackers are also not needed for success in whatever your goal is. If you feel like it probably won’t be a good fit, or concerned with compulsive behaviour, look to other alternatives to track your fitness. Also, remember these devices are just guidelines, they are not a accurate professional representation of your health.

The Important Stuff
How do you feel when using one?
Is it helping your motivation or hurting it?
Do you appreciate the data or overthink it?
Do you feel engaged in a healthy way or are you feeling guilty and frustrated?
Do you feel obsessed when trying to reach or exceed number goals?
Do you have a constant urge to beat other people’s stats which potentially pushes you to over exercise?

Take some time to reflect on your answers above. Write down your answers and continue to monitor your answers as time goes on. If a fitness tracker works now for you, it could change in the future and vice versa.

Remember to just keep moving your body, tracker or not.