Skip to content
  1. Latest News

Everyday Health: Can Fitness Trackers and Apps Give Your Exercise Routine a Boost?

Recent studies have demonstrated that a wearable fitness tracker or smartphone app can motivate you to exercise more and be committed. Healthcare practitioners should trust in recommending fitness trackers and apps to their patients who want to become more physically active. Since applications and trackers provide feedback and accountability, it tends to boost results. “These findings are important and show promise for using these technologies to improve physical activity,” says Mitesh S. Patel, MD, an associate professor of medicine and healthcare management at the Perelman School of Medicine and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, and director of the Penn Medicine Nudge Unit, which studies and promotes healthy behavior change. Dr. Patel was not involved with this study. And whatever app or tracker you choose, Patel says it may work best if you also have accountability and support from a structured program, such as a workplace wellness program or with a supportive friend or family member. Read more at Everyday Health.