Are you one of those people who is obsessed with fitness trackers? If so, you are certainly not alone. In fact, according to a recent survey, 27% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 own a fitness tracker, which is more than triple the percentage (8%) of 30- to 49-year-olds who own a fitness tracker.
The survey was conducted by the research firm Kantar Millward Brown and it included 1,000 Americans who were asked about their interest in health and fitness. The survey was conducted between January 17 and February 9,
So, what’s all the buzz? Why do so many people seem to be obsessed with fitness trackers? There are many reasons:
Fitness trackers are easy to use: All you have to do is wear it on your wrist like a watch and it will track your steps, distance, calories burned, floors climbed, etc. It will also give you an easy-to-read display that tells you how active you are each day. Some models even have a silent alarm that will vibrate when you reach your daily step goal.
Fitness trackers help you stay motivated: Studies show that people who use fitness trackers are more likely to exercise regularly than those who don’t use fitness trackers. This is because fitness trackers provide instant feedback on your activity and remind you of your progress. They also motivate you by showing you how active you were yesterday compared to today and how much you need to increase your activity to meet your goals.
Fitness trackers can be used by anyone: Even if you don’t have a personal trainer, a fitness tracker will still help you get in shape. All you have to do is wear it on your wrist like a watch and start moving more. In fact, a recent study found that people who use fitness trackers for just three weeks significantly increase their daily step count. This means that even if you only walk 10,000 steps a day, after three weeks you will be walking 30,000 steps which is the equivalent of taking a long walk or running a marathon. That’s pretty impressive, isn’t it?
Fitness trackers can be used by people of all ages: You don’t have to be a teenager to benefit from the feedback and motivation that comes with using a fitness tracker. In fact, studies show that people who use fitness trackers report an average weight loss of 3 to 4 pounds per month which is equal to losing one-third of their body fat. Plus, people who use fitness trackers also experience a significant reduction in their blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and risk of heart disease. All of this translates to longer, healthier lives.
Fitness trackers save money: Not only do fitness trackers help you lose weight and get healthy, they also save you money. In fact, a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that using a fitness tracker for just three months will result in up to $4,000 in health care cost savings. That means that after just three months, you will have paid for the fitness tracker itself.
There are many different types of fitness trackers: There are pedometers, step counters, calorie counters, sleep monitors, heart rate monitors, GPS trackers, and so much more. However, no matter what type of fitness tracker you choose, make sure it has a bright, easy-to-read display and is simple and easy to use. Also, make sure it has a silent alarm that will vibrate when you reach your daily step goal. This will help you stay on top of your activity and not wait until the end of the day to start moving.
Get one: If you’re interested in getting a fitness tracker, there are several options: You can buy one from a physical store such as Walgreens or CVS for about $60 to $100.
You can also buy one online from various retailers like Amazon, Ebay and others. Just do a simple search on “fitness tracker” and you will find many different models to choose from.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and I am not giving medical advice. These tips are simply based on my own research and experience as a personal trainer and health expert.
