These days, people are becoming more conscious about their health. Whether it’s cooking healthier meals, shopping in the organic section or exercising more, the health-conscious mindset is becoming more common each day.
Part of taking charge of your health is the decision to become more active and exercise regularly. But sometimes the hardest part is actually getting started and staying motivated.
Luckily, there are a host of health-focused tools that can help you become more active and stay on track.
Here’s a list of fitness tracking tools that you might want to consider using to help you stay inspired:
Pedometer
A pedometer is a simple, low-cost tool that can help you review your activity level throughout the day by counting your steps. Depending on your level of physical fitness, your physician may recommend that you aim for 10,000 steps or more per day.
One of the greatest benefits to using a pedometer is consistency. After you clip it to your belt or waistband, it will routinely catch small changes in activity, like taking the stairs or walking to get the mail. Wearing a pedometer helps you notice how important these extra steps can be while also tracking them continuously.
Tracking Applications
Applications that help you track your food intake along with any exercise are continuing to gain favor. These mobile and web-based applications are designed to make tracking easy and help you log your calories in or out in real time.
Studies show that keeping some type of food diary can help you double your weight loss. And keeping track of the calories you’ve burned in the same place can help you see how your food and activity choices impact your daily caloric goals.
Some applications available include MyFitnessPal, Lose It and FatSecret.
MapMyWalk and MapMyRun
Even if you use a pedometer to track your steps, deciding where to run or walk can be a challenge. This is where applications like MapMyWalk and MapMyRun are a great help.
These will help you identify the distance of a given trail or path. They can also help you discover new walking or running paths in your area that you may not have otherwise known about.
Knowing your route when you begin a walk or run can be particularly useful, especially for those who are just beginning. With millions of routes to choose from, these tools can help you search for specific distances or types of areas. They can include running or walking as well as biking, hiking or even walking your dog.
Fitbit, JawBone, iPhone, or Apple Watch
Regardless of which piece of technology you use, the wearables market is booming. There are a number of different fitness trackers that can help you count more than steps.
These pieces of technology are versatile. They can track steps but also how often you sit or stand throughout the day or how many flights of stairs you climb. In fact, depending on which product you use, some can even track your sleep habits.
One great thing about all of these products is that they track your progress over time. They give you a visual snapshot of the various ways you are active over days, weeks, months and even years.
Accountability and Information Fuel Motivation
If you’re using any of the above, keep these three things in mind:
- Accountability: Setting a goal is one thing. But it can be very difficult to find a way to achieve it. Using technology, counting calories, and maintaining a fitness or dietary log helps to keep you accountable. The record it provides allows you to measure your success or see opportunities for improvement.
- Motivation: Keeping a food journal or using a wearable piece of technology motivates you by showing you the progress you’ve made and challenging you to keep pushing forward. There is nothing that can compare to that sense of pride.
- Information: Lastly, all of these types of tools help to form a well-rounded solution driven by information. This way, you’re not guessing at how many steps you take or what you eat on a regular basis. By tracking your progress on all fronts, you’re able to see what’s working but also what might not be.
Ultimately, there are many fitness tools available if you are looking for ways to get motivated, become more active and reach your fitness goals. Thankfully, there are several to choose from and they can be combined to make significant changes in your life.
If you’re not sure which tool will work best for you, seek out a certified health coach who can learn your goals and lifestyle and help you form a plan that is right for you.
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