Turning your daily actions into data can motivate you — at least, that's the dream behind many quantitative self devices that help you track fitness, movement, what you eat and how you sleep. Many of these devices are wristbands and most offer the same basic features, and come with a companion iOS or Android app that will help you make sense of the data. But of course, there are nuances.
Our Twitter Advice Column, #MashAdvice, helps you navigate digital questions related to relationships, productivity, fitness and more. Your answers will come from people who have experienced the very same issues firsthand.
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This week, we discussed the pros and cons of various fitness trackers thanks to a question from Maddi:
@DaniFankhauser I'm interested in buying a quantified-self fitness tracker: FitBit/Nike Fuel, etc. Which is the best? Pros/cons? #mashadvice
— maddi masino (@maddimasino) October 3, 2013
The most well-known options are the Jawbone UP and Nike FuelBand, but a reddit user rounded up a few lesser-known options including Indiegogo successes Shine and Amiigo.
Do you plan to purchase a fitness tracker? Let us know what one you prefer in the comments.
Choosing a fitness band depended on people's personal goals.
@mashable #mashadvice The best tracker is determined by what part of self you wish to #quantify.
— Chelsea Rising (@ChelseaRising) October 8, 2013
I tested 4 fitness trackers simultaneously & you need to weigh personal pros/cons to choose the right one http://t.co/MFX8cwkE55 #MashAdvice
— Mark Krynsky (@krynsky) October 8, 2013
@fitbit is building a strong community. Heard @explorence has a really cool game on the platform...making it more fun! #mashadvice
— Adriana Herrera (@Adriana_Herrera) October 8, 2013
The FitBit was a favorite.
Fitbit flex. Love the wristband. Great all round activity & sleep tracker. Silent alarms are super handy.#MashAdvice
— Nims (@dharshi595) October 8, 2013
I like using the FitBit One...it's discreet so no one knows I'm using it and connects wirelessly to my smartphone. #MashAdvice
— Randi Zuckerberg (@randizuckerberg) October 8, 2013
So far #fitbit is the winner for us. Though its personal, based on style. My husband thinks the band is cooler&i love my ONE. #MashAdvice
— Corina Tudose (@Healthyvore) October 8, 2013
Most people wanted to track movement but being able to compare movement data to eating and sleeping data proved useful for some, as well.
@mashlifestyle Sleep, activity, mood & steps—using the @Jawbone #Up for that. Would love to track distance & heart rate #MashAdvice
— melissa schaff (@melissaschaff) October 8, 2013
@DaniFankhauser movement and fitness. keeps me motivated to reach my goals and see patterns. sleep not so much. #MashAdvice
— Corina Tudose (@Healthyvore) October 8, 2013
@Healthyvore @mashlifestyle I fix it by adjusting my diet and going to bed earlier. #MashAdvice
— ©lifewoboundaries (@RAwoBoundaries) October 8, 2013
@DaniFankhauser my main goal was to set a daily baseline to achieve and try to hit it on a daily basis #MashAdvice
— Mark Krynsky (@krynsky) October 8, 2013
Of course, a little competition works as motivation, too.
@mashlifestyle My husband and I said we won't compete, but once he got his flex, game on! Comparison creates competition #MashAdvice
— Corina Tudose (@Healthyvore) October 8, 2013
What's the future of fitness trackers? Hopefully further integration with other services.
@mashable I'd like an open standard so that I can bring any tracker to any app and integrate. #MashAdvice
— Robert Yocum (@rcymozart) October 8, 2013
What question should we tackle next? Tweet us your advice question with #MashAdvice and tune into our Twitter chat on Oct. 8 at 3 p.m. ET.
Image: Flickr, kortunov