Smart phones are great tools for monitoring fitness and diet goals. They give constant reminders and it is easy to check progress. But these trackers and fitness apps have both advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages:

  • Compatible with most phones

There are a wide variety of fitness/health applications and trackers available. Most of them are being developed for almost every operating system. Millions of users across multiple smartphone operating systems are benefiting from the use of these fitness applications and trackers

  • Get Workout Ideas For Free – For any intensity level

If time is a valuable commodity for you or you don’t have access to a gym or trainer, some fitness applications provide an amazing variety of workouts for all levels of fitness. These workouts are generally quite effective, free of cost and can be done almost anywhere. They provide you with clear instructions on the exercise form and workout tips that are easy to follow.

  • Set Your Own Fitness Goals Suggested By These Apps

You need to set a goal before starting any exercise routine. These fitness tracking apps allow you to set your goals and even track progress. Some applications regularly remind and motivate you in case you’re falling back on your goal and progress. That’s almost like having a personal trainer.

  • Yoga Guide

Yoga is one of the most ancient forms of exercise to stay fit and healthy. Some applications act as complete yoga guides, with poses and their specific health benefits.

  • Daily Diet/Calorie Monitoring

Certain applications help you manage your diet and calorie intake. There is a comprehensive list of foods with their nutrition and caloric information. Calorie counters are available to keep a track of the total calorie intake. You can even monitor your calorie intake over the last few days or weeks. Diet is one of the most essential components of fitness and these smart apps can help you in monitoring that.

  • Variety in Workouts

Fitness applications provide a variety of workout options ranging from aerobics, pilates, crossfit training, kickboxing to focused muscle workouts and more. With so many options available, it is easy to change your workout if you are bored of your current routine.

  • Additional Health Information and Data

Health and Fitness trackers can track your blood pressure, blood sugar, heart rate, pulse, etc. This additional information might be valuable in identifying what food or exercise you need at that point of time, and in assessing your overall health. Many running applications can count your steps and the distance covered in case you are running on an unmarked track or on the road.

Disadvantages:

  • Chances for errors, injuries, and inaccurate diet information

With certain high intensity and complex exercises, it is easy to make a mistake while working out without proper guidance, leading to injuries. Also, some of the diet data might not be up to date and might be inaccurate, leading to miscalculation in your diet and calorie requirements.

  • Apps and Trackers are Under Developed

While apps allows people to scan the barcode of a food product to go into their digital diary (and record all nutritional information), sometimes the scanner will not find the product, and requires constant updating. Additionally, the program does not let members edit quantities of food. For example, if you wanted to record that you ate less than 100 grams of oats, then the app might not let you edit that.

  • Mobile Dependability

Yes, Apps works on the go, but if there is no wireless signal, it is impossible to log on and save and view data. In certain situations, people are not always in areas with strong wireless signals.

  • Health Drawback

While basic science does say a calorie is a calorie, there are other factors are also at play. There are several scientific reasons why food choices should be based on various other aspects – not just calories. Calorie counting seems to be the easiest way to lose weight and achieve fitness goals, but different types of food affect the body in different ways. Two separate diets consisting of the same amount of calories, but with different variations of nutrients (fat, protein, and carbohydrates), may have a much different satiety effect. That’s why it’s important to focus on factors other than just the calories. Also, the application is not aware of your medical issues and the effect of certain foods on your body.

Hope these tips can help you decide if fitness trackers and apps are the right choice for your health and fitness goals. But it might be useful to have them handy and available on your smartphone to be used occasionally at least.