An email from IDEA popped up on my computer this week with the subtitle "Do Fitness Trackers Make You Healthy?" Without reading the article, I can answer the question. No! Fitness trackers such as pedometers, the FitBit, or even an app on your phone are certainly beneficial but do not stand alone to the answer for health. Good health is a combination of issues. Exercise is one. Clean eating is another along with quality sleep, relaxation, drinking plenty of water, etc. Fitness trackers are helpful in monitoring activity and indicate if you need to sit less and move more. While we read a lot about 10,000 steps a day, it's not for everyone. Most can set their own goals. One of the issues the article brought to light was that while gadgets can be motivating, they can be stressful. Are you a competitive person? Most likely you will find yourself checking your steps several times during the day and maybe even getting a little grumpy with others getting in your way. Here's another interesting fact. A study from "Endeavor Partners" reports that 1 out of 10 U.S. consumers over the age of 18 have a fitness tracker. One-third of them quit using them after 6 months and one half of them no longer use them at all. My suggestion? Get a fitness tracker. Use it! Have fun with it!
Resources: http:// endeavourpartners.net, IDEA Fit Tips April 2015
