For years, wearable fitness trackers have been a staple of the health and wellness industry. These small devices allow users to track their daily activity, sleep patterns, and other key metrics in one place. However, as smartphones have become increasingly powerful and sophisticated, it's now possible to track many of these same metrics - if not more - using just your phone.
When we think of tracking our steps or monitoring our sleep, we often reach for a smartwatch or fitness tracker. But what if you don't need an extra device at all? The good news is that most smartphones can already track these metrics on their own, with no additional equipment required.
For iPhone users, the built-in Health app offers a range of tracking features, including step counting and distance traveled. This data can be accessed by tapping on your profile picture and selecting "Devices" then your iPhone. Similarly, Android phones have a built-in tool called Health Connect, although this requires an extra step to enable.
But there's more to it than just built-in tools. A range of third-party apps are available for both iOS and Android devices, offering everything from sleep tracking to detailed metrics on exercise performance. One notable example is the popular Strava app, which doesn't require a wearable device at all - instead using your smartphone's camera and sensors to track your runs, walks, and other activities.
Even more surprisingly, there are apps available for monitoring heart rate too - like Cardiio on iOS and Heart Rate Monitor on Android. These use your phone's camera to take readings from your skin, providing a convenient alternative to wearable devices.
So what does this mean for those who may have been hesitant to invest in a smartwatch or fitness tracker? It's worth considering whether you need an extra device at all - with the power of your smartphone, many metrics can be tracked just as effectively.
When we think of tracking our steps or monitoring our sleep, we often reach for a smartwatch or fitness tracker. But what if you don't need an extra device at all? The good news is that most smartphones can already track these metrics on their own, with no additional equipment required.
For iPhone users, the built-in Health app offers a range of tracking features, including step counting and distance traveled. This data can be accessed by tapping on your profile picture and selecting "Devices" then your iPhone. Similarly, Android phones have a built-in tool called Health Connect, although this requires an extra step to enable.
But there's more to it than just built-in tools. A range of third-party apps are available for both iOS and Android devices, offering everything from sleep tracking to detailed metrics on exercise performance. One notable example is the popular Strava app, which doesn't require a wearable device at all - instead using your smartphone's camera and sensors to track your runs, walks, and other activities.
Even more surprisingly, there are apps available for monitoring heart rate too - like Cardiio on iOS and Heart Rate Monitor on Android. These use your phone's camera to take readings from your skin, providing a convenient alternative to wearable devices.
So what does this mean for those who may have been hesitant to invest in a smartwatch or fitness tracker? It's worth considering whether you need an extra device at all - with the power of your smartphone, many metrics can be tracked just as effectively.
. But now that I think about it, I've been using my iPhone to track my steps and sleep for ages! It's crazy how much data we can get from our phones already 
. I mean, sure, some apps are more accurate than others, but overall, I'm happy with the built-in tools on my phone 
. And now that I know about Strava, I've been using it to track my runs and walks too - it's like having a personal coach in my pocket 
! Maybe I'll even ditch my old tracker for good 
...
. I've been using my iPhone for years and didn't even realize it had a built-in Health app. But now that you mention it, I'm starting to wonder if there's really a need for separate wearable devices 
And what about data security - do I really want my health and fitness data stored in the cloud, just waiting for hackers to get their hands on it? 
. Where's the source on this stuff? Can someone point me in the direction of a reputable study that shows smartphones can track sleep patterns just as effectively as dedicated devices? 
But, at the same time, I do kinda miss tracking my steps and sleep in one place... it just feels less cluttered having all those stats in one app. And yeah, apps like Strava are super convenient - love how they use the camera to track runs and stuff! 
. I mean, who needs a separate gadget like a fitness tracker when your phone can do the same thing? It's like, we're already carrying around these powerful devices with us all day, so why not use them to track some important metrics too?
. But I told him about Strava and how it uses your phone's camera to track his runs, and now he's thinking of ditching the extra device altogether 
.
. Anyway, back to fitness trackers - yeah, my friend just got one for their birthday and it's been kinda cool, but I'm not sure if they really need it since their phone does all that stuff now 
. Has anyone tried those VR gaming headsets? I wanna try one out...
! With smartphones getting more advanced 
️, it's awesome that we have so many cool features built-in 
and I can track all my fitness goals without needing an extra device 
. Plus, there are tons of awesome third-party apps like Strava 
that use your phone's camera to track your activities - genius! 
And the heart rate monitor apps? 
Mind. Blown. 
. But on the other hand, does this make us too reliant on technology? We're already spending so much time staring at screens and monitoring our every move 
my android phone has that health connect thingy and it's been super helpful but now with all these cool third-party apps, the options are endless!!! i mean strava is literally one of my fave apps ever, tracking my runs and walks is so much easier now 
i can finally say goodbye to cluttering up my wrist with a separate tracker 
like, no more clutter on ur wrist 
! phone can do it all 
, it's about time someone mentioned that most smartphones already have what you need to track your fitness goals. I mean, come on, a built-in Health app on iPhone? Android's got its own Health Connect tool? Those are like, basic features 
. And don't even get me started on third-party apps like Strava and Cardiio - they're like the smart ones, using your phone's camera and sensors to track your runs and heart rate... meanwhile, wearable devices are just collecting dust 
!
.
and dont even get me started on how convenient it is to track ur heart rate with ur phone 
. I mean, sure, smartwatches still got their own perks like tracking heart rate on the go 
but for those who just wanna stay active without breaking the bank, this is a total game changer 
. You can still get a good fitness tracker if you want one, but honestly, using your phone is more than enough for me. Strava's app is so fire 
for tracking runs and walks, and the heart rate monitor apps are super accurate too 
?