Fitness trackers have gained huge popularity these days. It is a useful tool as it can be counted as your closest friend who points out the strengths and weaknesses in you. It will track your every single step and achievement in order to let you enhance yourself. When you are wearing a fitness tracker means you are wearing a technology that can easily track how fit you are. Even if you are doing a more intense workout or any other physical activity, a fitness tracker can quickly trace it and you will have easy access to your fitness level.

What Is A Fitness Tracker? 

With a fitness tracker, you will get an opportunity to know all about your fitness level. It is a wearable hi-tech device and the integrated sensors in it are really helpful to measure your movements and motions. After wearing a fitness tracker, what you will get is a record of your general activities, sleep quality, total calories you’ve burned, how many steps you have taken, and the like. The data you will receive would be accurate so that you can trust them to know your potential and plan your fitness regime according to it. 

Pros:

1 You Will Be Accountable In Achieving Goals 

As you need a little bit of external push to get out of the blanket and put on your workout clothes, these devices will help you not to be hesitant and be accountable with your fitness plans. When you have the clear-cut data of your performance, you can share it with your friend and compare the achievements of each other. You can receive suggestions from your friend and be more responsible for yourself. This way you get to socialize with others and everyone knows that in such an environment anyone will become more accountable. 

2 Data Of Your Progress Is On Your Fingertips 

Since these devices have several benefits, you might have grasped how convenient it would be to use them. But, apart from all those advantages, what makes it special is the chance to see your achievement on the screen. Some of the available devices in the market can be connected to a particular app in your smartphone so that you can get a clear picture of yourself on your mobile phone screen. 

3 Stay Motivated In Your Venture 

Now you are able to see your progress visually, but the device would have already tracked everything about you. It will know your strengths and weaknesses better than anyone else. So it will give you timely motivation. As it already has a record of your activities, some of the available devices will even track details like when you will be more active and energetic. And at such moments, it would remind you to go for a run or do any other physical activity. 

4 Get A Good Track On Your Sleep

Studies have proven your sleep patterns greatly define how healthy you are. To make it clear, your sleep is directly connected with your mood, energy, and metabolism. 

Once you have the best fitness tracker with you, it will assess your sleep, including every movement you make during sleep and how often you wake up from sleep. 

Since a fitness tracker can note all these, you can easily make necessary and timely changes to the way you sleep, hence improving the quality of life.

Cons: 

The advantages of including a fitness tracker in your fitness routine are countless. As every coin has its two sides, there are also some drawbacks you can expect.

1 Lack of accuracy

Many available fitness tracking devices have this problem in presenting the accurate details of your performance. Imagine you purchased one to count the total number of steps you have taken or the total amount of fat you have burned, but you are not certain in those numbers. Your entire plan can be spoiled in case you have wrong data of your performance.

2 Low Battery Life

Due to the limited battery life of these devices, you have to charge them every day. Once you forget to charge your fitness tracker definitely it would stop functioning, interrupting your routine workouts. 

3 Expensive

It can be quite expensive to buy a fitness tracker. The money you have to spend on it can be used instead of something else useful. Many people have a fitness tracker in their hands as a luxury rather than a necessity.

4 Deceptive Calorie Count

For many reasons the calorie count given by the device can be incorrect. As an example, how you prepare a dish can be different from the usual way. You may make it more delicious by adding something special to it or replace any of the ingredients. Since the calorie rate already stored in the device on that particular dish can be varied, the ultimate figure you get could be pretty wrong. 

Wearing a fitness tracker can be a better decision you make while you work hard to get the final result.  But at the same time, in many instances, these devices showed themselves mistaken. It is always reasonable to seek the advice of a physician on working out and using such equipment in case you are suffering from any health conditions. For people who are undergoing severe conditions, the use of a tracking device can bring even more complications. Because the pressure and compulsion from it on physical activities can not be bearable for them.

When talking about fitness, moving your body and engaging in physical activities are secondary, and prime importance should be given to a healthy diet.

Because everything about you is directly linked to what you eat. The way you look like, perform and feel, depends on it.

Exercise Vs Eating Healthy: Which Is More Important?

Even if you are ready to live in the gym and workout out 24/7, it is true that you will not be able to achieve fitness until you follow a balanced diet.

In all studies to resolve the debate on fitness and diet, the diet has always come to the lead. This clearly indicates that,  apart from your regular workout routine, you have to make healthy eating habits part of your lifestyle.

As fitness is simply not counted on burning extra fat out of your body, it is the great key to success and you will be able to appreciate life more. And this way you will be free of the risk of deadly diseases and uncertainties.

Why Is Diet Counted As Primary?

When you shift your focus from unhealthy eating habits to a healthy and balanced diet, you will feel the difference within a couple of days. It can bring drastic changes, and let you live easier in a relieved manner.  

If you want to know why a balanced diet is given more concern than workouts, just go through the below reasons. 

✅ A Balanced Diet Has More Importance In Weight Loss

Many of us wrongly think that we can eat whatever we want and we can compensate for it by having extra workouts.

This is absolutely a myth, and in fact, wrong and unhealthy eating habits will not bring the desired results from workouts, but instead, it would counteract even the effects of a well-designed workout practice. Here, what you can do is stick to a balanced diet according to your needs. 

✅ Food Is Medicine

It is always better to prevent a disease rather than to cure it. And keeping a balanced diet and cutting off processed and fatty food items is an inevitable part of it.

Wholesome foods are the best option for you to balance your diet, fulfil caloric needs, and be victorious in your fitness journey. 

Once you receive all the nutrients in appropriate quantities, it would assist not only to get rid of the extra pounds but to improve all routine functions and make you healthier as well.

✅ Exercising Is Directly Connected To Hunger

As you exercise more, it would raise the level of your appetite. If your menu is without enough nutrition but contains more fat and calories, neither the exercise nor the food will bring anything good for you.

But every workout you undergo and every effort you take will turn vain. But if you are willing to follow a balanced diet and try to consume healthy alternatives, success won’t be far. 

✅ Obesity Levels Are Directly Linked To What You Eat

Excessive physical activities or workouts solely will not reduce obesity, if you are following unhealthy eating habits. A study conducted in the U.S also states in spite of a drastic hike in physical activities in people between 2001 and 2009, they could not prevent the risk of obesity during the same time.

And this clearly shows that it is not possible to prevent gaining weight or lifestyle diseases only with a perfect exercise regime. But, healthy snacks and meals with balanced nutrition will be ideal for you to get a healthy physique. 

✅ Exercise Is Driven By The Food You Eat 

A well-balanced diet will let you have the right calorie intake, sufficient energy, and the needed nutrients in your body. And without it, you will feel it quite difficult to achieve your goals towards the ultimate structure of your body.

You need to optimize the energy levels of the body to fuel it according to the intensity of your workouts. It will make you consistently shed the extra pounds and easily obtain your fitness goals. 

✅ The 80-20 Rule

The 80-20 rule implies 80% nutrients and 20% exercise, and it is the healthy key to conquer your body and reach the ideal weight.

Both exercise and nutrition are directly connected to each other. As mentioned before, a good diet is required to shed weight effectively.

But at the same time, eating healthy also will not solely help you too. You need a healthy combination of both of them. If you aim at a healthy and sustainable state of the body, you can follow the 80-20 rule.

In this rule, the 80% denotes a food plate that is perfectly combined with all the nutrients, including protein, fibre, fats, vitamins, carbohydrates, and minerals.

Being a fitness lover, you should have a track of what and how much you need to eat. It is also the same for the case of working out too. 

All these together will lead you to success in a more healthy way rather than simply cutting down the figures. 

Staying fit and healthy has a lot to do with exercise. To enhance the quality of life, it is important to follow a daily exercise regime. If you could set the best workout plan, just think that you got the keys to physical and mental well-being.

Best Tips For A Healthy Workout Plan

As we all are leading a busy life, it may not always be possible to spend enough time to take care of your own health. But, if you could spare at least 20-30 minutes every day working out, it would be a great gift you could give to yourself. 

There are countless benefits you could enjoy after having a healthy workout routine for all days. You will live life to the fullest as ;

• The condition of the heart and lungs are improved
• Muscle strength and motor abilities get enhanced 
• Weight gaining is regulated
• Your body becomes more flexible
• The immunity system gets improved
• Sleep patterns are better 
• Confidence and self-esteem get hiked
• Brain functioning is improved

Pre-requisites 

If you are new or returning back to exercise like you used to be, it could be a herculean task, to begin with. But as nothing is impossible, you will eventually develop the potential to follow a healthy workout plan.

Initially, all you need is a fitness plan and to prepare for it, you should have some p[rior knowledge or pre-requisites, and that would help you to plan effectively and follow it on a regular basis. 

1. Assess your fitness level 

As you are into staying fit and follow a healthy workout plan to achieve it, you should have a clear idea about your fitness. Assessing and getting your fitness scores will let you measure your progress well.

Assigning timely goals and achieving them would make you keep in touch with your routine workout. So record your pulse rate, waist circumference, BMI, and performance. 

2. Assign the best fitness /workout program

 To get the best workout plan, you have to seek the help of a fitness instructor or an expert in exercises. In this way, you can be risk-free as you tend to have a lot of injuries while working out without a trainer.

He will customize the plan according to your needs. And this plan will clearly define when, what and how much you have to work out.

3. Arrange everything

These include the required items that ease the process. Ranging from your gym clothes to a piece of better equipment like a dumbbell or treadmill. But, adding things to your list, be sure to focus on convenience and comfort, especially while picking the right equipment for you. 

4. Get started with your workout plan

If you are about to take your workout plan into action, always begin with low-intensity exercises. Gradually, add more intense workouts to your routine. And for this, your trainer would do the needful, as he already knows your strengths and weaknesses. 

He will keep in mind to : 

•  Begin slowly and eventually make your plan more advanced.
• Add breaks when needed.
• Be creative to let you never get bored with usual activities
• Never push you 
• Improve your flexibility and tone your body.

5. Observe your progress

As you start following your ideal workout plan, it is important to track your progress to know what you need to add more and replan. You can do the same measurements as the parameters you followed before starting into action.

It is recommended to do the second assessment after 6 weeks you start following the plan. Then it can be followed every 8-12 weeks. 

Some best exercise choices to include in your workout plan

There are a lot of exercises your instructor would add to your workout plan. The best exercises imply those which provide you with the best results, focus multiple muscle groups in your body, or let you shed more fat more effectively. Such exercises you can include in your routine are:

Walking 

It is one of the most convenient exercises that you can do anywhere. It is suitable for everyone, including those who have already achieved their fitness goals. 

For a beginner, it is always better to start with a 10 minutes walk and moderately increase the timing to 30. Health experts recommend adding 5 minutes each time. 

Interval training 

These are best to boost your fitness level and shed those extra pounds in your body. It involves a set of higher intensity workouts along with rest periods. These can be:

• Jumping rope
• Stair running
• Burpees 
• Spinning 
• Push-ups and the like
• Abdominal crunches 

It would help you to get a firm and flat core. They are excellent to get you quicker and best results but at the same time, you have to be careful to do it correctly as doing it wrong would bring reverse effects.

The best workout plan should be with a variety of activities. So you can also include exercises like bent-over rows, pull-ups, lunges, or squats to make you plan more effectively. 

Getting assisted by an expert fitness trainer means you have passed to finally achieve your fitness goal. Because, with a trainer, you will be more responsible to yourself and try your best to gain satisfactory results. 

Sports supplements always tempt us with the motto of more nutrients and extra energy. And the list of them is stretched to powders, gels, bars, drinks, and gums.

It is true that many of us have tried either one of them at least once in life. But have you ever thought like do we really need them? Or are they honestly good for health? 

Do We Really Need Sports Supplements?

Indeed, we can use these supplements to enhance ourselves as they can provide us with vital ingredients. But, can you say, how much is it healthy to have them by yourself or giving them to children? 

So let’s have a look at what way, these supplements are beneficial first. 

Pros

😊 Protein

Protein is essential, especially for muscle growth. Sports supplements are rich in protein, so they are packed with amino acids hugely.

Since protein is one of the most needed nutrients for athletes, fitness lovers as well as bodybuilders, they go after sports supplements. To meet their protein needs, they will only need to add protein powders or tablets to their usual routine. 

What these protein-rich supplements do to older athletes is notable. In this way, they are able to meet their daily needs of protein to maintain their muscle mass. 

😊 Creatine 

Creatine is a great source of energy boosters. As energy is most required by athletes and strength trainers, they consume it by mixing it with a glass of water in the morning.

Whoever consumes it, can enjoy the benefit of instant energy, as they can work out and do physical activities with much effort. 

😊 Vitamins

Vitamins are necessary for all. If anybody has a deficiency of any vitamin, they can prefer a supplement rich with the particular vitamin. In that way, they can beat the deficiency and be healthier. 

😊 Convenience 

As everyone is having a busy life, including athletes and fitness lovers, it is more convenient for them to have protein shakes made with protein powder or any other sports supplements. 

😊 Increased performance 

As they provide you with instant energy, you will be more comfortable in your all-around performance. Other benefits of sports supplements include more stamina, increased strength, muscle recovery, good blood flow, and enhanced muscle mass. 

Cons

😞 Risks on health 

Some manufacturers ignore the rules of the international standardization process and prepare their products. Any such products are considered illegal and they are risky to consume as they can bring disastrous results. 

😞 They are not essential

To get enough protein or other nutrients, you don’t have to choose any supplement. Some nutrient-rich food can help you to beat your needs.

In the case of protein, there are a lot of protein-rich natural foods you can fetch from a grocery store that are healthy. They include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, lentils, legumes, beans, and nuts. 

😞 They are not alternatives to whole foods

Sometimes, an athlete replaces real food with supplements. Because of this, he may not be able to get all the other nutrients that are also essential for them. If they are blindly trusted, athletes tend to pay less attention to their diet. 

😞 Contains Sugar and other additives

Since the manufacturers need you to buy his product often, they try to make it delicious. The awful taste of protein isolates is reduced with flavours and sugar additives. So what is the difference between having them and a slice of creamy cake? 

😞 The big business behind them

When we turn on the TV, it is certain that at least once in a while an attractive commercial appears on sports supplements. The companies create compelling marketing campaigns just for their benefits.

It is quite shocking that most of their claims are deceptive, and most of the ingredients in them could lead you to serious health conditions.

Final Verdict

Not all sports supplements are worthy of trust. As the industry of sports supplements beckons with their promises of better performance, it passively forces you to fall into their trap.

Most of them could give you additional nutrition to support you in your venture to reach the ideal fitness goals.  But the additives and flavouring agents in many others can bring adverse effects too.

You need a sports supplement if you are following intense training. You can take them before your workout, as it would help you to have the needed focus, energy, and better performance.

An intro workout drink to furnish your muscles with needed amino acids to reduce muscle breakdown and proteins to muscle build-up. Having it after a workout would enhance muscle recovery and muscle synthesis.

Whenever you choose a sports supplement, ensure that it works as claimed. Even if you find one that you can trust to consume, it could be expensive. So it is always preferable to take nutritious whole foods, as they are affordable and natural.