With the release of the Apple Watch, fitness trackers have become all the rage. There’s just one problem. Studies have shown that more than half of the people who bought them gave up on them in less than six months. They simply stopped using them.
That’s a pity, because used correctly, a fitness tracker can make a huge difference in terms of meeting your health goals. Of course, as with any tool, the trick is to use it correctly and optimally. Here are some ideas for doing just that.
Establish Your Own Goals
Forget about the goals that come preset with the device or app. You’re unique, and your goals should reflect that, so the first step is to figure out what you want to accomplish, and make sure those goals are reflected in your fitness tracker.
Keep It On – Constantly
The fitness tracker only “knows” what you’re doing and how you’re doing in relation to the goals you’ve set if you’re wearing it. If you only wear it on occasion, then it’s fair to say that you wasted your money by making the purchase. It’s got to be “always on,” and you’ve got to make its use a part of your life and lifestyle in order to get the full benefit from it.
Accountability Matters
After a while, seeing your relevant numbers on a display screen stops having any real meaning. To keep giving it meaning and relevance, one of the best things you can do is participate in one of the innumerable fitness forums or social media groups that are built around the various fitness apps.
This is actually a much more powerful tool than you might first think, because by regularly reporting your activities and results, you’ll hold yourself more accountable than you otherwise would. Plus, let’s face it, there are going to be days when you’re just not terribly motivated. By chatting with others who are going through the same struggle you are, you can help motivate each other.
The important thing to remember is that a fitness tracker is a tool, not a magic bullet. If you don’t commit to using the tool, you won’t see much in the way of benefit from having it.
