7 Ways To Get the Most of Your Fitness Tracker

Fitness trackers can help to take your training to the next level. Over the past several years, fitness trackers and activity tracking have exploded onto the market. More companies than ever are hopping onto the bandwagon, with giants like Apple, Garmin and even Epson getting involved. But how do fitness trackers work? Whatever kind of tracker you use, the challenge is learning to use it effectively and make a positive impact on your health. We’ve put together a few tips, to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your device.

1. Know how to wear it

Many of us don’t know that our tracker should be worn on our non-dominant hand. There are advantages of wearing your watch on the less dominant arm. For example, your less dominant hand usually moves less. So you’re less likely to get incorrect data from your tracker thinking you’re taking steps when you’re not.

2. Get in the zone

Modern fitness trackers have developed an integrated heart rate monitor, which will tell your heart rate. The higher your heart rate is, the higher the burn. Stay in the peak zone for as long as possible through high intensity interval training, if you’re trying to improve your fitness level.

3. Customise your goals

Try to plan the best you can, but when you do fall off track, don’t beat yourself up. The most important thing is to quickly recognize what’s happened, forgive yourself and get back on the horse quickly. Interact with your device regularly. Update your goals every week, month or as appropriate.

4. Join a challenge 

A good way to stay motivated is to get competitive. If you find competition to be motivating, some trackers will allow you to add your friends and compare progress during each week. Go head to head with friends or running club buddies to encourage you to stay consistent with your training.

5. Utilise your data

Many fitness watches provide insight into recovery, making recommendations about when to take a rest day. Thus you can use your resting heart rate as a guide. If your resting heart rate is higher than usual without any workout, it’s a key sign of fatigue.

6. Set reminders 

Never start the day with a low battery because, by the time you make it to the gym, your device would be dead. It’s a matter of scheduling an appropriate time into your routine for charging the fitness tracker. Consider setting a reminder on your watch before a shower as it could be a good scope to charge the device.

7. Download the app 

Fitness tracker companies usually offer some form of app which allows you to easily track your daily, weekly & monthly progress and thus provides you a snapshot of improving your fitness levels. Spend a few minutes checking out your results on the app before you go to bed.

Looking for a new fitness tracker? Shop our top 6 watches below:

Best for outdoor adventures: