The importance of fitness tracking

Fitness tracking is important because it can help you better understand where you are in relation to your goals. It can help you set realistic milestones, celebrate your achievements and stay motivated. Fitness tracking can ultimately help you see real results while holding yourself accountable. When you can see your milestones in real time, you can celebrate your wins and stay motivated. Let’s explore different ways you can track your fitness. 

Using apps and devices to track your fitness

There are many tools available to help you track your fitness easily. Some tools track your biometric data automatically while others encourage you to build healthy routines. Here are a few examples you can try: 

• Smartphone step tracking: Most smartphones have step trackers built in. See if there’s a health app that comes with your phone. Your phone’s step tracker will most likely connect to this app. Many third-party fitness tracking apps integrate seamlessly with your phone’s step counter. Your phone may also use your location data to track how far you’ve walked or run.
• Wearables: There are many kinds of wearable devices that are designed to track your fitness. Smartwatches, step counters and smart rings are a few examples. Some of these devices can automatically detect the type of fitness activity you are doing based on your heart rate, movement and location data. Some are even waterproof, so you can wear them while swimming or playing water sports.
• Fitness apps: Even without wearables, a fitness tracking app can be very helpful. Many apps allow you to set reminders so that you can stick to a routine. Some fitness apps are focused on a specific type of activity, like running or yoga. They may walk you through these exercises step by step and automatically log your progress as you complete them. Others let you add any kind of exercise you want. 

Tracking your fitness activity manually:

If you prefer to track your fitness manually, here are a few ideas to help you get started:

• Keep a journal: Log your exercise in a fitness journal. Keep track of when you worked out, what you did, for how long and how you felt afterwards.
• Track with friends: Join jogging or walking groups. Or schedule your fitness activity with a friend. You can mark your calendar to help you stay on track. Fitness tracking might be easier for some when it’s tied to a social event.
• Set an alarm: If self-accountability is an issue, set alarm reminders to get moving. Once you’ve completed your workout, mark it off on your calendar.