Special Report: High-Tech Fitness
58 views · Published 10 February 2015 · 3:26 · Indexed 6 October 2026
Channel: WLOS News 13 · 2015 · News & Politics
ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- Americans are always looking for fast and easy ways to get fit, and in this high-tech world, fitness trackers are making their mark.
But what do they do, and are they worth the money?
Meril-lee Jones is one of tens of thousands of Americans fitting in with a new high-tech fitness trend -- fitness tracking devices. They say wearing one is like having a personal fitness coach with you all the time.
"I like it because I can keep up with the amount of steps I take in a day," Meril-Lee said.
They can track your calories, heart rate, sleep pattern, performance and even where you are with GPS.
REI certified tech Alec Woodward says fitness trackers are the store's number one seller right now and range in price anywhere from $50 to $300.
Not everyone is sold on the fitness innovation. Healthy living coach Fran Strazzella says it's all about progress and goals, not the goods.
"We have clients who come in and talk about how many steps they've walked in a day and the question is what does that mean?" Fran asks. "What are you trying to accomplish?"
Fran does admit, as a motivator they have merit.
"It really eggs me on to get 10,000 steps a day and I don't go to bed unless I have 10,000 steps a day," Meril-lee said. "And if I have to walk around my house to get them, I get them!"
Another facet of these trackers allow users to log on to websites and apps to gather data and compete with friends. Garmin has established online support.
"I link mine to MyFitnessPal so I do log what I eat every single day," Meril-Lee said.
We all know there are downsides to everything, and customer have had complaints.
"They either found it difficult to sync with their computer or their phone, they don't like the feeling of it on their wrist, they find that it's not what they expected," Alec said.
So are these trackers just the latest fitness fad?
"After a while the novelty will wear off for sure," Fran said.
"I think it's here to stay," Alec said.
Another great way to learn about fitness is by attending News 13's second annual Live Well Expo.
Join us at the WNC Ag center on Saturday, March 28 for free information about healthy living and everything the mountains have to offer.
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