The Benefits Of Having A Fitness Tracking Device

KYW's Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Exercise tracking devices make it easy to log daily physical activity and behavior and see your performance over a period of time. It is very interesting to monitor. Wear a tracker for a week to see how many steps you typically take per day.

Not only can you measure your activity but you can improve things. If you currently walk about 4000 steps a day, use your tracker to add 200-400 steps each day. You can just change your daily routine to get more steps.

It is easy to do: park further away from work or stores. Take a short walk after dinner. Pace when you're on the phone. Another benefit of exercise trackers is the power of friendly competition with people you know. People are more motivated to get physical activity when they have social support. In fact, research shows that people who have social support are more successful at making lifestyle changes.

A simple device like a fitness tracker can help change your approach to exercise.