Activity Trackers: Need One? Which One?

Dr. Susan at Halloween Hustle Race

My colleague Beth walked in the office last week and I immediately noticed a new toy on her arm…an activity tracker. Wireless bracelets, watches or clip on activity trackers are high tech pedometers on steroids. More than counting the number of steps you take, trackers let you set goals for weight, fitness and overall health.

It’s like having a registered dietitian nutritionist or personal coach on your arm holding your accountable. Smart and quite accurate, activity trackers can provide a broad view of what you eat, how much you move and even the quality of your sleep.

How much will a tracker set you back? Anywhere from $50 to several hundred depending on how many bells and whistles you want. Most pair with a mobile app or web account so via Bluetooth, you wirelessly send your information to a smartphone, tablet or computer.  For about $200 you can choose a tracker with an optical sensor that touches your skin and detects your heart rate.

Having trouble getting a good night’s sleep? Some trackers have sensors that detect if you wake up during the night, what time and for how long. You and your health care professional can analyze the data in an app or on a website. A couple even track sleep phases.

Worth checking out, trackers are another great tool that can help you be more mindful of your day to day activity level and help you reach goals.

Here are three good tracker reviews from USAToday and two from PCMag.

For much more information:

Please Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Please Like Our FaceBook Page

<a class="a2a_button_print" href="http://www.addtoany.com/add_to/print?linkurl=http%3A%2F%2Ffoodfitfabulous.