Do you wear a fitness band, possess an activity tracker or keep checking health apps on your smart phone quite often? Then, this article is for you.

Fitness gadgets and apps that keep track of our step count, calories burnt and even heart rate have become quite a rage in the last few years with many of us sporting one or sometimes two comparing fitness levels every day, if not an hour.

And for the fitness freaks out there, welcome to the world of new age addiction. And remember, these strap-on wearables serve the right purpose as long as you don’t get obsessed with the device.

Read on to learn the dos and don’ts.

Number Obsession:

Initially, you may be finding it encouraging to watch numbers soaring, counting calories as you walk more or workout. But, make sure it doesn’t turn into an obsession. Tracking your activity is helpful but don’t get obsessed about achieving certain amount of step count, calories burnt or even heart rate. Divert your focus from numbers and focus on your activity.

Understand How Your Body Works:

Your body may react in a different way during different workouts. Your heart rate may increase, and more calories are burnt while lifting weights but with brisk walk you cannot achieve the same number. Do not push yourself and put that extra effort to get your desired number on the fitness tracker as it may ultimately lead to injury. 

Listen To Your Body:

Your mind and body always sends you messages  about its needs, and you must listen carefully. Pay attention to your body than data to feel confident and accurate about your desired results. If you are tired and cannot exercise, it’s okay to take a break.

Don’t Sacrifice Food:

If you are counting calories in each morsel you eat, you are on the wrong path. Do not compromise on taste or stick to a strict diet regimen as it leads to several health, nutritional problems and issues related to calorie deficit. You may soon suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder or become anorexic. Make sure to eat wholesome, healthy, vitamin rich food to feel energetic all the time.

Do Not Compare:

If you have a friend or a family member wearing the same gadget or app, and is able achieve more numbers than you, stop worrying about it. Remember, each body reacts in its own way and those extra calories burnt by your friend may not mean anything. If you feel stressed out about comparisons, stop working out together and follow your own regimen.