Hey there, Stronger Fam!
There’s a topic buzzing around the fitness space lately. So come outta underneath that rock.
Today…we’re talking wearables and fitness trackers.
You know, those bougie gadgets like Apple Watches, Garmins, Oura Rings, and step counters. They’re like a stylish arm piece and we’re here to break them down.
Who are these for?
Are you the data nerds out there who absolutely LOVE spreadsheets? These will knock your rocks off faster than explosives mushroom mine.
A serious athlete? Why not look for better ways to boost precision and performance.
Trying to just kick being lazy and muffin tops? Let’s talk…
The Good Stuff
These devices can provide a wealth of information:
- Step counts
- Heart rate
- Cardio health
- Recovery metrics
- Sleep analysis
- Movement analysis
- Stress scores
Bulletproof right?…..Hold up….wait a minutttttte
Case of the Maybes
Here’s the catch.
(NERDING ALERT) These devices run on formulas and algorithms based on generalized data. They’re not personalized.
Some of the information may be inconsistent and unreliable. Can you see trends? Sure, but playing comparison trap will lead you caged in number crunching and frustration.
They can also be inaccurate.
For example: step trackers typically go by the pendulum swing of your arm. If you do something like sayyyy hold a clipboard all day…..you may be getting in more steps than you think.
The No-No’s
Keeping our skeptical eye brow raised……here’s more cynicism for ya.
Like our phones, they can become another vice, giving you those dopamine kicks you crave.
Another crucial example…..if you wake up feeling terrific, but your sleep tracker says you sucked, it can mess with your head.
And another one.
Having hella recovery score is great. Buttt we can’t be 100% recovered aloftha time. In order to get fit – you need to be challenged.
Data is beneficial, but take it with a grain of salt. Use it as a guideline, not a rulebook!
Final Thoughts
That’s all for today! If you want to dive deeper into my thoughts on wearables and other fitness trends, you can catch me discussing each of these topics in detail on my Build Not Break Podcast—give it a listen [CLICK HERE].
Fitness trackers can be a good investment and an asset to your health. But they don’t come without a warning label.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to me via my social media, website, or dr.tyler@team.strongerptpgh.com
My watch says I gotta go!
-Doc