The [easyazon_link keywords=”Fitbit” locale=”US” tag=”masterherald-20″]Fitbit[/easyazon_link] is a wearable watch which has numerous functions that track and monitor everyday activity in order to encourage the wearer to live a healthy and active life. It was developed in 2010, in California, and has 23.2 million active users worldwide. The Fitbit has evolved over the last 7 years and the tracking features makes it any fitness enthusiast’s best friend. The world has made a shift towards health awareness and maintaining a healthy lifestyle and the Fitbit has slotted right in with this craze.
There are currently 6 Fitbit devices on sale, and each have their own features. Here is a list of the general features and functions of a Fitbit:
Track Physical Activity
Fitbit gained popularity at a rapid rate when the public were told to start aiming for a set number of steps per day in order to combat the effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Fitbit’s primary function is to track the number of steps in a day. This created a very competitive atmosphere because friends are able to see each other’s step count and try to outdo each other.
Calorie Counting
The Fitbit records calories burned and distance walked. In order to lose weight, the body has to be in a calorie deficit and, by calculating your Basal Metabolic Rate and monitoring how many calories you burn with activity in a day, an individual will have the tools to optimize their weight-loss.
Food Logging
This links with the previous feature in order to ensure that the wearer is not consuming more calories than they are burning.
App Pairing
Once the Fitbit is paired with an app, the wearer will be able to monitor their sleep patterns. In addition to exercise and healthy eating, it is important to ensure that you are getting enough rest in order for your body to function at its best.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The Fitbit monitors the heart rate at rest and during exercise. Monitoring the heart rate while at rest will give the wearer an idea of their fitness level; generally the slower the heart rate, the fitter the individual. During exercise, the wearer will be able to ensure they are pushing themselves hard enough to reach their peak heart rate and get the most out of their workouts.
Other functions include:
Music control which allows the wearer to change the music they are listening to with ease, GPS tracking in order to get an accurate reading of the routes run, time tracking and call and text notifications.
The Fitbit craze has taken the world by storm and has left many people with the disillusionment that walking 10,000+ steps a day will keep them healthy. There is more to health and fitness than simply counting calories in, calories out and steps walked. The body requires vital micronutrients and macronutrients which, counting calories does not account for, in order to function at its best; a slice of cake may have the same amount of calories as a wholegrain sandwich loaded with chicken and vegetables, but the benefits the body obtains through the sandwich will be tenfold.
While Fitbit is the blanket term for all fitness trackers, there are many competitors which track in the same way and are just as effective as the Fitbit. These products include:
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Jawbone” locale=”US” tag=”masterherald-20″]Jawbone[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Garmin Vivofit Band” locale=”US” tag=”masterherald-20″]Garmin Vivofit Band[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B0182KOO10″ locale=”US” tag=”masterherald-20″]Jaybird[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B01FDPW3B0″ locale=”US” tag=”masterherald-20″]Samsung’s Galaxy Gear Fit[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B01K9S260E” locale=”US” tag=”masterherald-20″]Microsoft Band[/easyazon_link]
It is evident that many, some already established, brands are joining in on the health and fitness hype train. There isn’t much difference in these fitness trackers and the final decision will have to be based on the individual’s preference. There are many different styles and extra functions, such as water-resistance, waterproofing, slim style or chunky style, which allows for the wearer to get the best tracker to fit their lifestyle and showcase their individualism.
Any one of these trackers will render great results. Bear in mind that you get what you pay for and, if you opt for a cheap knock-off, the tracking may be inaccurate which will render unsatisfactory results.