Nowadays, with the availability of Fitbit, Apple Watch, and other fitness trackers, traditional watches have become outdated. It can be challenging to stay updated with all the new features since new models are released quite frequently. Fortunately, we have compiled a list of some of the most helpful features that you can find on a fitness tracker. Here are some ways you can make your fitness tracker work for you. These features can be your health companion, helping you maintain and improve your health.
Heart Rate Monitor
The heart rate monitor is especially important for workouts as it can help you on your fitness journey. If you’re exercising efficiently, you’ll understand. Have you ever noticed how often you feel like you’re performing at your best, but then your tracker tells you a different story? It is also a helpful tool for monitoring your cardiovascular progress.
Sleep Tracking
Getting the right amount of sleep is just as important as exercise, and maybe even more so! It can have a huge impact on your overall health. There are many trackers available that can provide an analysis of your sleep during the night. You will discover the amount of deep sleep you get and the duration of time you spend being restless and asleep.
Celebrating Your Success
What could be more exciting than receiving a notification that you’ve achieved your exercise goal? Nowadays, many trackers have a vibrating alert feature and they also send you enjoyable messages to demonstrate the progress you’ve made. Studies have shown that using positive reinforcement can help you stay on the right path.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
This sensor is designed to assist you in monitoring your heart health. It may also help you detect atrial fibrillation. Many users have reported that this sensor has actually saved their lives, although there have been some mixed reviews about false alarms.
Tracking Your Water Intake
It’s widely known that water plays a crucial role in maintaining good health, but it can be challenging to keep track of how much you’re drinking. The apps that come with fitness trackers make it easy for you to stay on top of your hydration. They can even send you reminders throughout the day to drink more water.
Friendly Competition
Both Fitbit and Apple Watch offer their own versions of competitions, allowing users to either challenge their friends or check who has closed their rings first. Regardless, having this level of accountability is sure to keep you motivated for success.
Calories Burned
When you’re keeping track of calories, it’s really convenient to have a fitness tracker that can do the work for you and eliminate any guesswork. It’s also helpful to use this tool to keep track of your calorie burn over time. You can see how much you’re burning during exercise, as well as when you’re sedentary or sleeping.
Tracking Your Weight
You can use the apps on different fitness trackers to keep track of your weight and observe how it changes over time. If you’re looking to lose or gain weight, you have the option to set goals. This feature makes it easy for you to track and stay on top of your progress. Additionally, certain trackers have the capability to synchronize with smart scales in order to automatically record this information for you.
Movement Reminders
For sedentary office workers, it’s especially important to get a friendly reminder on your tracker to “move.” It can really serve as a wakeup call to take a break. With trackers, you have the option to set a daily step goal. These trackers can then help you divide this goal throughout the day, reminding you to take a certain number of steps each hour.
Pulse Oximeters
During the pandemic, monitoring blood oxygen saturation levels has become increasingly important. Previously, it was mainly associated with the gadget used during annual physical exams where you put your finger into. Some levels are known to be linked to medical conditions. Having this feature in the fitness tracker could be really helpful in addressing that issue early on.
Mindfulness
Meditation and stress management are important for your overall health, and they don’t rely on tracking your step count or calories burned. However, your fitness tracker can still be helpful in these areas. You can use various techniques like deep breathing and yoga to master this aspect of your overall health with the features in your tracker.
Coaching
Having a coach to support you on your health journey could make all the difference, although it’s typically a premium feature with most trackers. Attending various sessions that focus on nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness can be really beneficial.
Step Counter
Do you know what the golden number is? It really depends, despite the different reports. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is recommended that adults take 10,000 steps per day to stay fit. Receiving reminders throughout the day can be beneficial in helping you achieve your goals. It can also serve as a reminder to reassess and make adjustments to your goals if necessary, ensuring they are more attainable and realistic.
