Gone are the days when exercise was reserved exclusively for the gym. With such busy lives, many of us are gravitating towards flexible, accessible ways to add physical activity into our lives.
The vast array of fitness trackers, smart watches and fitness apps play a big part in this shift – allowing us to log in to a fitness class from anywhere, or head out for a walk, run or park circuit with our own digital personal trainers. Plus, with shareable data capabilities, they’re a great way to interact with friends and increase your motivation levels.
“Fitness trackers, smart watches and fitness apps are definitely a lot more abundant, popular and accessible than they once were,” confirms personal trainer Libby Babet. “They give you a clear goal to hit each day and it feels really good to have that little win.”
Consider nib your health partner when it comes to looking after your body and mind – and when it comes to using tech to keep you motivated, we had a chat with Libby to get her expert advice.
So what are the best options in the fitness tracker and app world? And does anything really substitute a real-life trainer? Here, Libby takes us through the trending tech.
What are fitness trackers?
Fitness trackers are essentially just that – watches or apps that track your physical activity. If you’re keen on boosting motivation, hitting goals and seeing results, consider them your new best mates.
“They’re a great accountability booster – proven to increase overall steps by at least a few thousand each day too!” says Libby.
A study of over 72,000 people found that every extra step, up to 10,000 a day, reduced the risk of death by 39% and heart disease by 21%, even if you spend the rest of the day sitting; meaning extra digital motivation could make a big difference to your overall health.
Best fitness tracker watches
If you’re headed to the gym, don’t leave your wearable tech at home. Integrating it into your personal or group fitness sessions is a great way to plot your progress, get reminders and make mini goals with your trainer, Libby says. When it comes to hunting down a compatible model, Libby says there are a few market standouts:
Apple Watch: The beauty of this is that it helps you squeeze in more physical activity without disrupting everyday tasks, Libby says. “I can listen to my music, pay for things, text or call my family from my watch without having to bring my phone on a walk, run or surf; they’re waterproof!”
Fitbit: “They’re little slim bracelets and have a long enough battery life to wear overnight so you can track your sleep and wear them as an alarm clock,” she says.
Garmin: “My run-addicted colleagues all say Garmin make the best smart watches for passionate runners and triathletes/ironmen – lightweight and easy to read during runs, rides and swims.”
How to choose a fitness tracker app
While tracker watches are full of obvious benefits, so too are downloadable apps that you access on your phone. Loads have features that allow you to sync-up with a smart watch – which makes things like importing your own music, data and contacts even more seamless.
“Just like with fitness, finding an app that’s right for you is really personal,” says Libby. “It depends on the kind of workouts or sports you love, the budget you have and other things that interest you, like sleep quality.”
Where will you be using the app?
Think about where you’ll mostly be working out – at home, the gym, outdoors, or a mix of all three. For example, if you enjoy running outside, look for an app with location tracking. Also, check if the app’s workouts require specific equipment, like dumbbells or a yoga mat, so you can be prepared.
Your goals
What kind of workouts are you interested in? If you’re a runner, apps like Strava are perfect for tracking your progress, whereas apps like FitOn offer yoga, dance, Pilates, HIIT, Barre and more. Whether you’re aiming to move more, run faster, or try new fitness styles, look for apps that match your goals. Some even let you customise them or connect with a personal trainer.
Budget
There’s an app for every budget, from free options to paid subscriptions. Take advantage of free trials to see if the app aligns with your needs before committing. Although a huge advocate for next-gen fitness offerings, Libby stresses the importance of keeping a balance between tracking your progress and staying present while you sweat it out.
“Take all the data with a grain of salt and focus on how you feel,” she says. “Just as with anything in the fitness world, a healthy level of attention is great, but obsession isn’t.”
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Please note: The tips throughout this article serve as broad information and should not replace any advice you have been given by your medical practitioner. Always consult with your medical practitioner before starting a new fitness program.