FIVE WAYS TO GET MORE FROM THESE ACTIVITY TRACKERS

01 SHOOT FOR THE MOON

Customise your goals. The trackers will start with default daily step, floor and sleep goals, but once you get an idea of what numbers you tend to rack up, you can set some goals for yourself that are both a little elusive but also attainable, which will ideally prompt you to gradually increase the time you spend exercising.

02 STRESS LESS

Once you have a handle on the patterns of your HR, a tracker can help you keep an eye on your stress levels. The Fitbit’s guided breathing sessions won’t appeal to everyone, but they can bring some calm to people who feel stressed out.

03 MONITOR FITNESS

HR is a great gauge of your improving health and fitness. As you exercise regularly, you should see your resting HR come down over time. Sporty folk should expect a resting HR in the region of 40-60bpm. Over time, you should be able to run at a pace, such as 5:00/km, with a lower HR score than you used to get, as your fitness increases.

04 GET YOUR SHUTEYE

Prioritise sleep. Training is a cycle of stress then rest, but so few of us get the rest part right. A good tracker is the perfect device to help you consolidate the gains you should get from your training, by getting enough shuteye. Even if you’re not in training as such, good sleep is always good for you.

05 CHALLENGE YOURSELF

Floor climbing is better for burning calories than simple step counting, but it also builds strength in your legs and backside, and helps make them curvier. The tracker apps include many social and challenge options, so if motivation starts to dwindle, give them a go.