All physical activity counts and helps us live longer. Unfortunately, it can be hard to stay motivated and many of us find it hard to keep active, despite our best intentions.
Smartphone apps and activity trackers (e.g. wearable fitness bands and smartwatches) allow us to monitor, and get feedback, on our activity levels throughout the day.
A scientific review of studies recently published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that using a smartphone app or activity tracker has a small to medium effect on your daily step count, minutes in week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, number of weekly days exercised, and minutes per week of total physical activity.
Ones that involve sending reminder messages and have personalised features are more effective.
If struggling to stick with your plans to be active, using a smartphone app or activity tracker may be a good option for you.
To read the review in full, see here: BJSM
