In recent times, the fitness tracker has emerged as a captivating new technology, drawing the attention of today’s generation. According to Grand View Research, the global fitness tracker market size was valued at USD 44.8 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.6% over the forecast period.
These wearable devices are specifically crafted to monitor various aspects of our health and physical activities, complemented by alerts that promote an active lifestyle.
However, amidst the widespread popularity and buzz, it is essential to critically assess whether these fitness trackers truly live up to their promise of enhancing our health and fitness levels.
In this article, we will briefly go through the different pros and cons of using a fitness tracker for monitoring health and physical activities.
Let’s begin!
Pros of Fitness Tracker
Here are some pros of incorporating fitness trackers into our daily lives:
Easy Goal Setting
Various fitness trackers allow users to set daily or weekly goals for steps, calories, deep sleep, and much more. These goals then give timely reminders and alerts to keep up continuous movement and engagement in activities, ultimately leading to the accomplishment of daily fitness objectives.
Such features make fitness trackers a valuable tool for individuals seeking to achieve their fitness goals and sustain an active lifestyle.
Measures Progress
Fitness trackers help users keep track of their fitness goals and inform them precisely how well they are progressing in their fitness journey.
Therefore, to guarantee that one is consistently working towards their fitness objective, fitness trackers can be their ultimate partners.
Provide Personalized Guidance
Fitness trackers offer personalized and accurate health data for every user. Furthermore, many contemporary fitness trackers provide individualized advice that takes into account a person’s stats and preferred activities.
This customized guidance makes it easier to establish and keep up a training program that is right for the user.
Keeps User Accountable
It’s easy to get caught up in work or have a busy schedule where one doesn’t get time to look out for their health and fitness goals. This is where fitness trackers come in.
Fitness trackers remind their users to take a walk or perform other activities that require body movement to get the blood flowing. They work as a motivating partner that encourages one to stay fit even on a busy day.
Furthermore, fitness trackers not only send reminders but also monitor their users’ health by recording essential metrics such as heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and more.
Acts as a Source of Motivation
Fitness trackers play a vital role for many individuals who struggle to stay motivated and committed to regular workouts and fitness routines. They allow them to set attainable, personalized goals that align with their unique lifestyles and requirements.
Furthermore, fitness trackers allow users to track their progress over time, fostering a sense of accomplishment and continuous drive to stay on track with their fitness journey.
Cons of Fitness Tracker
Here are some fair share of the disadvantages of using fitness trackers:
Fitness Technologies are Expensive
Fitness technologies, including both fitness trackers and smartwatches, can be relatively expensive compared to other consumer electronics. While there are more affordable options available, they may lack certain advanced features that some individuals may desire for their health monitoring needs.
This creates a dilemma for potential buyers, leading to either investing in expensive fitness technologies that may strain their budget or giving up on the idea altogether.
Overestimation of Activities and Burned Calories
According to a recent study by PubMed, fitness wearable devices have a wide margin of error when calculating energy expenditure.
Fitness trackers rely on movement to calculate activity levels and estimate burned calories. However, this approach may lead to inaccuracies when tracking certain low-movement activities, such as weightlifting.
Additionally, other factors such as temperature, humidity, and altitude can also affect the accuracy of fitness trackers. For example, high altitude can cause the device to overestimate calorie burn.
Fitness Trackers Can Lead to an Unhealthy Obsession
Fitness trackers have the potential to trigger an unhealthy obsession among some users, as they become fixated on the numerical data, turning it into a constant and challenging pursuit that significantly impacts their self-esteem and overall well-being.
Furthermore, excessive focus on meeting specific targets drives individuals to adopt unhealthy behaviors, pushing themselves beyond their limits and neglecting important physical warning signs.
Conclusion
The integration of fitness trackers in the digital age offers a profound impact on our health and fitness journey. By acknowledging both their advantages and drawbacks, we can leverage the full potential of fitness trackers to enhance our well-being.
So, let us embrace this technology as a supportive tool and empower ourselves to make informed decisions and thrive on our unique path to improved health and fitness.
