For many teens, getting in shape and staying in shape is a
challenge; however, this process can be facilitated by the many fitness tracking
options now available.
One such common tracker is the Fitbit activity tracker. There are many different versions available including ones that can measure a person’s heart rate and ones that work as a fully functioning watch as well as a fitness tracker. These stylish and easy-to-use products can track many different health aspects including daily step count, sleep patterns and calories burned.
These devices can teach users things they may not know, such as how a person’s sleep pattern is preventing them from maximizing their potential energy.
“The Fitbit is a great way to track my activity during times where I have to divert my attention elsewhere,” said junior Trevor M, who uses a Fitbit whenever he refs local soccer games.
Trevor M. uses the Fitbit Flex 2, which is waterproof, lightweight, and can be made to have the tracker detach to fit in a necklace or a chain if preferred.
“Fitness tracking shouldn’t be something that only athletes and people looking to get in shape should use. The most casually active person could find a lot of use in this product and it promotes a healthier lifestyle for any user,” said Trevor M.
Fitbit devices are more commonly used for tracking progress
when walking or running with a focus on long-term goals.
“It’s really helpful for the Fitbit to keep record of my steps and time so I can just focus on running. I also use it to look at different factors that affect my running, such as my sleep the previous night or if how much I ran in previous days affected my running today. It makes me better in my sport and really just helps me analyze things that I wouldn’t be able to otherwise,” said junior Ethan D.
A healthy eating plan and diet are just as important as
exercise when it comes to staying fit. The MyFitnessPal app, by Under Armour,
is a valuable way to track eating habits. Users can scan the barcodes on any
product and enter how many servings were consumed. The app will then give the
amount of calories and other nutritional information that is in the food or
beverage.
The app gives daily recommended amounts for each nutritional
category, depending on whether a person wants to lose, maintain or gain weight.
The Fitbit Flex 2 starts at $59.95 and can be ordered online
or found in a local Best Buy. The MyFitnessPal app can be downloaded on both
the App Store and The Google Play Store, and it contains in-app purchases.l
Jordan R.
Published November 2018