Today it seems fitness devices are must-have tools in the quest to lose weight. After all, the most popular fitness gadgets possess technology that can track sleep, miles, calories, speed, and even heart rates. Apps and devices assert that collecting this data helps the user better achieve and maintain his or her fitness goals.
What does science tell us?
In 2014, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission published a study titled “Consumer Generated and Controlled Health Data”. 1 The study found that twelve apps shared user’s health information with 76 different third-parties, often without the user’s consent.
Another study published October 4, 2016, in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, looked at the effectiveness of activity trackers to increase physical activity.2 The study was conducted over the course of 13 months and its researchers were unable to identify any evidence of improvements in health outcomes including weight, blood pressure, and quality-of-life measures.
So who really benefits from fitness devices and apps?
Users of these devices may want to consider an arguably equally effective, more private, and less expensive device called a pedometer.
Hospitals and clinics including the US Department of Veterans Affairs encourage the use of pedometers. A 2015 White Paper prepared for the US Department of Veterans Affairs titled “The Impact of Pedometers on Chronic Conditions – A Review of Reviews” found that that there are potential benefits of pedometer-based walking interventions for weight loss. Furthermore, the study concluded that pedometers could be an effective way to motivate patients with diabetes to make these necessary lifestyle changes needed to improve overall fitness levels and metabolic control.3
Omron is the industry leader in pedometers. Omron’s collection of the HJ-320, HJ-321, and HJ-325 are all great choices.
The table below summarizes the difference in Omron’s top three brands.
| Alvita | Alvita Optimized | Alvita Ultimate | |
| HJ-320 | HJ-321 | HJ-325 | |
| Clock | x | x | x |
| Auto Reset at Midnight | x | x | x |
| Steps | x | x | x |
| Distance | x | x | x |
| Calories Burned | x | x | |
| Aerobic Steps | x | x | |
| Steps Per Minute | x | ||
| Battery | x | x | x |
| Holder | x | x | x |
| Strap and Clip | x |
Users should note that Omron’s pedometers are not waterproof, can be carried in a pocket or clipped on a belt or bra strap, and are small and lightweight.
Although consumers have many options for fitness devices, why not try a pedometer first? It could be a step in the right direction.
WHERE TO BUY:OMRON ALVITA PEDOMETERS
