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Wearing a fitness tracker 'makes gym sessions more enjoyable'
Those who use fitness trackers are twice as likely to enjoy their gym workout (61 per cent), when compared to those who don’t (30 per cent).
The figure comes from a study conducted by UK leisure centre operator Better, which surveyed 2,000 gymgoers to find out how wearing gadgets might affect exercise habits and motivation.
According to the study, more than half (55 per cent) of gym members who wear a tracker during exercise experienced increased motivation, while 53 per cent noted that they are exercising more frequently and consistently.
Wearing tech can also help in real terms – 48 per cent of those using trackers during gym sessions accredited the tech with them reaching their personal fitness goals.
The most frequent users of fitness tech were men between the ages of 45 and 54.
When asked about the main reason for monitoring fitness activity, respondents identified the tracking of progress as the most important reason (71 per cent), while 62 per cent do so for increased motivation to reach fitness goals. Just under half (46 per cent) track their activity to understand their body better.
According to Dr Haider Raad, wearable tech expert and professor at Xavier University in Ohio, US, wearable trackers are becoming an integral part of the gym experience.
“A number of fitness trackers allow the users to compete with friends and share their accomplishments and physical transformation via social media, which could be a great way to get support and staying motivated,” Raad said.
“In fact, recent studies confirm that using trackers with online community-based support promotes motivation and is highly effective at increasing engagement and adherence to the physical exercise.”
To read the full report, click here for the Better website.