3 Ways To Track Your Step Count
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As a society, we’ve grown increasingly sedentary over the years. We sit at our desks, sit down for meals, sit while scrolling through social media, sit while we watch TV, etc. It’s actually astounding how much time we spend sitting (on average, 6.5 or more hours a day), and how many of our daily activities require being seated. It’s no wonder that many of us struggle to hit our daily step count, or even get outside once a day.
In the spirit of the Pure Joy Wellness Walking Challenge—which is going on right now, until November 1, 2020—I wanted to show you a few tools that will help you track your steps each day. These products take the guesswork out of movement, and can contribute to an overall healthy lifestyle!
Here are a few tools I like...
1. Fitbit Tracker
When you hear the word “activity tracker,” you probably think of Fitbit. In the last decade, Fitbit has become a household name, as well as a brand known for their product innovation and tracking accuracy. Ever since the first Fitbit launched in 2009, the company has created numerous wristband trackers, clip-on trackers, and even smartwatches.
What I love about Fitbit is that they offer a variety of products at different price points, all with different functionalities and capabilities. The Inspire 2, for example, will run you about $100, and tracks everything from your step count, distance, and caloric burn to your heart rate and sleep schedule. You can also use your Fitbit to log your food intake, do guided breathing sessions, set reminders to move, and so much more. Note: The Inspire 2 doesn’t have GPS tracking; if that’s important to you, the Charge 4 is a great option. Also, reviewers have said the Fitbit Versa 2 smartwatch is comparable to an Apple Watch, and it’s under $200.
2. Garmin Watch
Garmin watches are best for runners and people who lead generally active lifestyles (or aspire to!). Most of their watches come with a heart rate monitor, step counter, and GPS tracking—which, if you’re a frequent walker or runner, may be an important feature for you. Many folks swear by the Forerunners (both the 35 and 235 models), because they can track steps, indoor runs, outdoor runs, bike rides, and more, depending on the model. They also have GPS smartwatches, like the Venu and the vivoactive 4, that offer workout plans, touch-free payment, access to your calls, and texts, etc. For some, these are just bells and whistles, but hey, to each their own!
The step counters on Garmin products are generally very reliable, and, like Fitbit, they have multiple models and smartwatches with various capabilities. My advice is to check out all the products on their site and look up reviews for each—you need a product that meets your needs, but you don’t want to pay for extra features that you won’t use.
3. Apple Watch
My personal favorite step counter (and the one that I use every day) is the Apple Watch. Not only does the Apple Watch track your steps, but it also monitors your overall daily activity with rings (one for exercise, one for movement, and one for time spent standing). It also has a heart monitor and GPS tracking. I love my Apple Watch because it’s able to track all of my workouts, like running, HIIT, and weight lifting—not just my walks. Another cool feature is that you can have fitness accountability partners, meaning you can connect with any friend who has an Apple Watch and push either other to hit your step count or compete in weekly fitness challenges. The downside is that the Apple Watch is rather expensive, so if you’re considering buying one, it’s essential to do your research and really make sure it’s the right fit before investing (and if you’re simply looking for a step counter, a cheaper option could suffice).
Whatever you end up choosing, having a step tracker can be an incredibly helpful tool for both achieving your daily step goal and working towards your longer term health goals. I hope you’ll head over to our Private Facebook Group and join us for the Pure Joy Wellness Walking Challenge!
xo
Renata