Fit Tech For Motivation and Accountability

There is no time like the present to integrate technology into your fitness and health goals. Fitness technology come in all shapes and forms: watches, wrist and/or waist bands, clothing, pedometers, apps and many more. Throughout this article I will be touching base on popular activity trackers aka "gadgets" and apps, breaking down each one into what they track, key features, and most importantly how an app or gadget can hold you accountable and provide motivation--getting you that much closer to your fitness and health goals!

Three questions you should consider when purchasing a gadget or downloading an app:

1. Which device should I purchase?

2. How accurate is the device?

3. Will the device help me achieve my fitness/health goals?

**Side note: Click on any of the pictures below to learn more about each product**

GADGETS:

When it comes to which gadget to purchase, Fitbit, Apple Watch and Basis Peak are the three most reliable and accurate devices to purchase. Fitbit has a well stacked product line--being the first to come out with wireless fitness/health tracker in 2008. Innovation has evolved and Fitbit currently has seven wearable technology trackers ranging from three levels of fitness: everyday, active, and performance with their newest addition: Wi-Fi Smart Scale.

When you purchase a product from Fitbit, you automatically can download their Fitbit App to your smartphone or desktop computer. The Fitbit App has a purpose for every part of your day: helping you keep track of your progress, stay motivated, inspire others, and stay connected with your friends, family and trainer for support!

That's just the start, Fitbit App will:

Send your phone notifications to get up and moving--holding you accountable for your goals.

Earn Badges for hitting a milestone or crushing a goal.

Challenge friends and family.

Log workouts, runs, and share those with your Fitbit friends.

Track weight, nutrition and hydration.

(Image found on the web, compares each of the seven Fitbit devices)

Apple Watch:

It's Apple! Therefore you're guaranteed: sleek designs, innovative and evolving research making your product more efficient overtime. Each Apple Watch tracks similar data as Fitbit blaze and surge (steps ,calories, distance, clock, heart rate, active minutes, inactivity, and phone notifications). Data that Apple Watch does not track: sleep. Apple Watch can be multi-sport (depending on what type of design you choose). Oddly enough, you can even pay bills on your watch (busy momma's this is for you).

Dress up, dress down; Apple Watch can be for you!

**Highly recommend Apple Watch if you have an iPhone or any Apple product.**

No Apple product? Wrong move. Go Apple!

And it is Apple so there most definitely is an App for that!

Tracking data, sending notifications, staying connected with friends--it does it all!

Basis Peak:

Out of the three fitness trackers, Basis Peak--compared to others, maybe a new one you're learning about today! Basis Peak is an Intel company, so you're guaranteed reliable data and durable design. Pairs with iPhone and some Android smartphones, being able to send your watch notifications, receive incoming calls, and share data with friends! For the triathletes out their you do not need to worry...Basis Peak is waterproof! Downloadable app helping you track and adjust your goals, progress, and help you define your "habits".

As you read through each product, notice the similarities. Pretty consistent right? When it comes to decision making time for purchase, you will probably go with a company you're familiar with and offers comfort and design. Find one that works best for you and stick with it!

APPS:

Two of my favorites apps I use on a daily basis to help me become educated on workout and food techniques, and track them as well!

Fitness Buddy:

App designed to:

Help you track your workouts

1700+ exercises with step-by-step instructions, animations and videos

Discover new exercise moves and workouts

Share workouts wirelessly with other Fitness Buddy users

Free and premium plan ($2.99+). Personally I have the premium plan and have used Fitness Buddy app since 2014.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND to familiarize yourself with each exercise and track your workouts. You can track each exercise moves weight and how many repetitions and sets you performed. Great tool to see to track your overall workout progress!

MyFitnessPal:

App designed to:

Log food consumption into your diary with exact portion sizes and calories.

Over 5 million food items in database helping you quickly log them to your diary.

Exercise Journal.

Save previous meals or food recipes you used for easy navigation and logging.

Macronutrient percentages, and target calorie goal you should strive (customizable options are available)

Free to use!

MyFitnessPal will help you familiarize yourself with portion sizes, calories, macronutrient counting (protein, fats, and carbohydrates) helping you lose weight or gain health getting you that much closer to your goals!