Is upgrading to a fitness tracker from a pedometer advisable?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have started to cover up to 12,000 steps a day. And currently, I am using my pedometer to keep the count. But it is a hassle device and pretty old. I inherited this from my father. I am thinking of getting one of those fitness trackers. But then I saw my phone already had an app to record the steps. I want to understand three things: Is walking good for overall physical fitness, like walking 10 K to 12 K steps a day? Next, how accurate are these fitness trackers? And the last thing, I have heard my friend saying that you get addicted to the gym. Can one seriously get addicted to exercise?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com

I understand your concern.

I appreciate your concern for devices, their accuracy, and your fitness.

Firstly, walking 10 to 12 k steps throughout the day is a good routine as you are not sitting for long. This along with some muscular training, stretching oryoga for 30 to 45 minutes five times a week is considered a good exercise.
Devices work on sensors and algorithms. They are not 100 percent accurate and they vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. It gives good indicators and keeps your activity trends when clubbed with a fitness-tracking app. Wristbands and watches are better than a mobile phone pedometer.
Addiction to anything is a state of mind. I mean to say if something is giving good results you have to get addicted to it to continue it.

You are on the right track keep pursuing this.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Regards.