Every day, we are faced with the realization that our health is a fragile thing. Generally, we lead unhealthy lifestyles, and it is no wonder that people try to remedy its negative effects.
There are various ways in which one can do that; one of the key elements that we should keep in mind is that nothing can replace a healthy diet, as that is the foundation of our lifestyle. If you are used to visiting your local fast food place every other day, it would be wise to reconsider this and opt for a healthier, more balanced diet. Exercise is the next significant step, as it strengthens the whole body, and prolongs your life. Research has shown that cardio exercise, no matter the amount, has only positive effects in terms of the length and quality of life. Thanks to the technology that we possess, we also have fitness trackers that log our activity, so that we have a more accurate insight into our workout and our health. However, are they really good for exercising? Here we will explore some good and bad sides to these ingenious little devices.
What are fitness trackers?
These little machines have become incredibly popular among people who exercise, and they usually come in the form of a watch or an armband which is connected wirelessly to your smart device, and which do all the math for you –they measure your steps, your pace, the distance that you covered, your pulse, the quality of your sleep, and the calories that you burn. In short, all of the things that were taking place behind the scenes in your body are now available to you in numerical values.
So are they good for you?
Pros
One of the biggest pros of fitness trackers is that you get a real picture of how your body functions, and put your lifestyle into perspective –it might take more than a 20-minute walk to burn off that burger and fries. You can even get advice and share your activities with other people who are doing it. Another big plus is that you constantly track your activity, which helps you be more consistent and get better results. Once your performance increases, it will be easy to go to the next level and push your limits.
Cons
Although it seems that these little gadgets are the best thing that ever happened to athletes and fitness aficionados, there are still a few things that should be taken into consideration when wearing one of them.
You should never completely rely on the calorie values that you find, as every meal is different, and sometimes a different environment for your exercise may impact the number of calories that you burn. Also, your needs may not align with how the device is programmed, and you should not rely too much on numerical values. While they do help us understand how our body functions, it is still important to remember that it is the exercise that matters, not the math behind it.
Are fitness trackers good or bad?
While they have their good and bad sides, they were not created with any bad intention, and it is up to the user to take the information they offer and use it in the way that is best for them. No two people are equal, but everyone could benefit from using these gadgets, as long as they are careful.