Ever since the first Fitbit was released, the fitness game has never been the same. Smartwatches and smartphone apps have become very popular. Being able to look down at your wrist and seeing your heart rate, progress, and even being able to set goals during a workout changed many people’s perception of working out and has even inspired some to start…but did the momentum last?

Are Fitness Trackers Legit?
In 2009 almost everyone who exercised would be seen with a Fitbit on their wrist, but what about today over 10 years later? After several studies were conducted, it was proven that after a year, the Fitbit’s usage declined in youths. Initially, smartwatches were considered a fashion fad, but that isn’t necessarily the case
Keep reading to find out if fitness apps help you stay active!

Fitness Apps
Apps immediately became popular, and then came fitness apps. Fitness apps are not only remarkable due to the multitude of features such as tracking progress, calories, and even sleep, but they can also help you set goals that help you stay motivated.

According to a study conducted within the Harvard Medical School, the app “MyFitnessPal” is essentially a workout coach on your phone! Once you enter your personal information, such as your age, height, current weight, and the desired weight, you can access food logs, recipes and can even calculate calorie goals to keep track of progress!

The study was almost six months long and involved researchers assigning over 200 overweight middle-aged women to two groups. The first group used the App-MyFitnessPal to assist with their weight loss, and the other half didn’t have access to MyFitnessPal but were under the supervision of a doctor. Both groups of women lost about 5 pounds, and the group with the MyFitnessPal began to use the device less and less after the first few weeks. This research study proved that two things are necessary for successful weight loss; motivation and, using the product long enough to see results.

Here are my top 5 recommendations for apps (paid & free) to help you want to get up and get going!

#5 – Nike Training Workout App – With over 100 different exercises from beginners to pros, this app is perfect to keep track of workouts you like, progress, and even create your folders to save everything organized!

#4 – Strava – This app is perfect for the athlete in you. It’s geared to people who love challenging themselves and friends by competing in virtual challenges with friends, evaluating personal performances, and even adding motivational comments on other athlete’s posts/achievements.

#3 – Daily Yoga – This app is for all the yoga lovers out there! With over 100 yoga and meditation classes, this app is perfect for helping you stay balanced while participating in an online community, sharing results, and even making friends! If you are a beginner, worry not! With this app, you can start building your practice gradually.

#2 – MyFitnessPal – As previously mentioned, the MyFitnessPal is one of the most known and used tools to motivate you, learn about ingredients, and even find you a coach that will push you into becoming the best version of yourself!

#1 – Asana Rebel – This app is not only made for personalized workouts but can even help you learn how to sleep and eat better. This is an incredibly personalized app with a multitude of functions. Trust me, you will never get bored.

What the Researchers Say
Another research study conducted by Dr. Laranjo and his team from 2014 to 2019 analyzed the results of women and men ages 18-16 who used a variety of fitness trackers and apps and also had a control group with no trackers for comparison.
The analysis showed that the trackers and apps that could be more personalized and provided positive support via text were used more than any of the other digital platforms.
Director of the sports, health, and activity research at the University of Michigan and author, Michelle Segar, agrees with the personalized aspect of these devices, “To best cultivate lasting motivation — that goes beyond the initial excitement over starting something new and continues to motivate you when the novelty wears off — people need to become very clear about their “why” for wanting to make a change, such as feeling happier, having more energy, or feeling more mentally sharp after exercise, says Dr. Segar.”

The Truth
From Fitbit to Apple watch, to Fitness Apps, research shows that tracking your progress, setting goals, and seeing those accomplishments helps people stay active. The rewarding feeling of completing a workout, yoga session, or a good run helps you want to get ready for the next one.