Wearable Fitness Technology Can Help You Meet Fitness Goals

During the winter months, it’s easier to cozy up on the couch with a good book or a newly released TV series. For a healthy lifestyle, we need exercise and fresh air.

Most people need a little help and motivation to get moving. A good way to monitor your active lifestyle is by using activity trackers and fitness apps.

Americans Are Overly Optimistic about Their Exercise Habits

Generally, we want to be more active, but we rarely meet our exercise goals. Few people are able to self-monitor their fitness through self-discipline and habit. Many optimists begin recording their activity in a journal, but most lose motivation after a period.

Accountability is essential when trying to cultivate any lifelong habit, and fitness trackers provide accurate, unbiased records. A fitness monitoring device is a wearable gadget or mobile app that tracks physical movements. These include heart rate, calories expended and steps taken.

“Fitness trackers are a great tool for heart health,” said Johns Hopkins cardiologist Seth Martin, MD, MHS. “Being more active and changing your habits is important, but it can be difficult. Tracking likely helps a lot of people when combined with a clear goal to shoot for.”

Features of Activity Trackers

According to a poll, half of Americans use at least one kind of technology to track their health and fitness goals. Many people wear heart rate monitors and smart watches in the gym. Experts report wearable technology is the Top Fitness Trend for 2024 (ACSM).

Activity trackers are compact, handy and good for goal setting. Daily step count is the most tracked metric at 60 percent, followed by the following:

• Heart rate (53 percent)
• Calorie burn (40 percent)
• Blood pressure (32 percent)

Research shows that the most popular activity trackers are quite reliable when recording activity minutes and daily steps. Activity trackers can help adults meet the physical activity guidelines. Experts recommend 150 minutes per week of moderately intense activity and at least two days a week of strength training.

Benefits of Activity Trackers

A study with 1,000 American adults found that wearable fitness devices greatly impact our health and overall happiness.

• 80 percent of the study participants said they felt better physically and mentally after using a fitness tracker.
• 50 percent said they increased their physical activity when they began wearing a health tracker.
• 25 percent said they use fitness trackers to increase accountability and motivation for meeting activity goals.

Can I Exercise if I Have Arthritis or Joint Pain?

Are you concerned about how long-term physical activity may affect your joints? Research shows exercise can improve symptoms of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, it is the most effective non-drug treatment to reduce pain and increase mobility. Strong muscles can support and protect arthritic joints.

“Exercise is good. But exercise intelligently,” said Bashir Zikria, MD, an assistant professor of sports medicine in Baltimore. “Low-impact exercises, like walking, cycling or using an elliptical machine are smart choices. If you run, play basketball or do other high-impact activities, avoid hard surfaces and don’t do it every day” (Arthritis.org).

Consult Your Orthopedist

Talking to your doctor about your exercise plan is important. Exercise keeps your joints strong, improves your overall health and increases your quality of life. Always speak to your physician before beginning a new exercise routine.

If you have arthritis or have had a total knee or total hip replacement surgery, be cautious during physical activity. Your doctor may suggest physical therapy or aquatic exercise programs. Water’s buoyancy lessens the wear and tear on hips and knees and provides resistance to strengthen muscles.

Are you looking for an orthopedic center near you? Our physicians and staff have the leading technology to relieve pain, increase your mobility and improve your flexibility. Your doctor might recommend various treatments, such as therapy, exercise, medication, changing daily activities, losing weight or surgery to reduce pain. Call today to make an appointment.