In today’s fast-paced world, we’re always looking for shortcuts and time-saving opportunities when it comes to our health and wellness. We crave the quickest solutions to achieve our desired results. There’s a booming market of fitness gadgets, supplements, and anything that promises instant gratification. But the harsh reality is that most of these gimmicks don’t work, and they can even be quite expensive!
Quantify Yourself, But at What Cost?
Fitness trackers like Fitbit and wellness devices such as blood pressure apps are becoming increasingly popular. There’s even a movement called the “quantified self” where people utilize these gadgets to track and measure their wellness behaviors, such as the number of steps taken in a day, blood pressure readings, and calories burned or consumed.
The downside to this is that studies have shown these tools to be more wasteful than beneficial, and some are even inaccurate. This is partially because instead of focusing on building a foundation of wellness through exercise, diet, and stress reduction, we place our trust in more technology rather than ourselves.
The Sad Truth About Fitness Trackers
While sales of fitness trackers are projected to hit $50 billion by 2018, plenty of people are using them, but the results just aren’t impressive. A study published in JAMA found that most wearable devices do not accurately measure total energy expenditure and can produce significantly different results when tested against “gold standard” methods.
Top medical experts have also warned that there is little evidence that extreme monitoring enhances outcomes or motivates long-term behavior change. It’s not just the fitness trackers either. Smartphone blood pressure apps have also been called into question for their accuracy.
Standing Desks: A Grand Idea with Poor Execution
Standing desks are another workplace trend, aimed at reducing the negative effects of sitting all day. Yet a study examining their ability to boost productivity provided little evidence supporting their effectiveness in the short term, and no evidence that these devices made any significant difference in the long run.
A Return to the Time-Tested Basics
So what’s the solution to this disappointing news in the world of fitness gadgets and workplace health solutions? We need to remember the cornerstones of wellness: diet, exercise, sleep quality, and stress reduction. Instead of relying on high-tech devices, make a conscious effort to lead a wellness lifestyle, incorporating healthy habits as often as possible.
When it comes to exercise, it’s essential to find an activity you enjoy, making it easier to stick with the habit. Whether it’s walking, jogging, swimming, or rollerblading, the key is to stay active and engaged. If you find you’re too busy to fit in a workout regimen, try parking further away from your office or the grocery store to add in some extra steps. Take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible, and consider joining a group fitness class to help you stay motivated and accountable.
Incorporate fresh, whole foods into your diet, avoiding processed and fast food options. Ensure you drink ample water daily, and create a balanced sleep schedule to help your body recover each night. Consider taking up a mindfulness practice such as meditation, or simply perform deep breathing exercises throughout the day to help reduce stress.
By focusing on these basics steps, rather than relying on gadgets and gimmicks, you can truly begin to build a wellness lifestyle that brings long-term results. By the time your next physical or medical exam rolls around, the difference will be evident. Remember: a personal commitment to leading a healthy lifestyle starts with yourself, not with the latest fitness gadget on the market.
