Gone are the days of guessing how many steps you took, estimating your calorie intake and wondering how much sleep you got last night.
Whatever you want to track, there’s probably a gadget or smartphone app out there to indulge your need to know. But is all that tracking doing you any good?
Catching ZZZ’s
Many tracking devices and apps monitor your shuteye. Some use estimates that you input, leaving room for error, while others track your motion and heart rate to estimate your sleep time.
Though these methods aren’t as accurate as sleep studies conducted by medical professionals, the information does shine a spotlight on how much sleep you get. And anything that encourages you to get the seven to nine hours of sleep recommended by the National Sleep Foundation is a good thing.
On the Move
Step tracking is nothing new, but the latest round of fitness trackers offers to act as pedometer, heart rate monitor, stair counter and exercise buddy all in one. While having a wearable device doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll suddenly be able to fit into skinny jeans, interactive features such as activity goals encourage wearers to be more active. Think of activity trackers as the tiny, electronic cheerleaders you never knew you needed.
You Are What You…
Unlike monitoring your sleep or steps with a handy device, food tracking takes a bit more input. But thanks to interactive website and mobile apps, inputting meals, identifying eating habits and checking the nutritional value of foods is easier than ever.
Organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Heart Association, and American Diabetes Association all endorse food tracking as a way to identify and improve eating habits.
Get the Most Out of Your Tracker
You’ve strapped on your new tracker and are ready to go. Try these tips to get the most out it.
• Wear wrist trackers on your nondominant arm for more accurate step counts.
• Use your height and weight or the calibration feature to establish your stride length.
• Set custom goals that fit your lifestyle.
• Connect with friends who use trackers to help stay motivated.
• Use the extra features such as food and water tracking that often come with tracker apps, or link your tracker to other apps for more functionality.
• Wear your tracker every day for the best results.
• Sync your data regularly. Many trackers create charts that help you keep track of active days and identify when you may need a little extra motivation.
It is always a good idea to discuss your fitness plans with your doctor and ask for his advice. If you don’t have a physician, Gateway Medical Group is here to help. Our convenient family practice locations welcome new patients. Give us a call at 931-502-3800 or visit GatewayMedicalGroup.com. Same- and next-day appointments are often available. Patients of all ages welcome! We accept most insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid.
This publication in no way seeks to diagnose or treat illness or to serve as a substitute for professional medical care.