Should You Use a Fitness Tracker?

In the past few years alone, fitness trackers have essentially taken over the getting-in-shape population. From those looking to step up their exercising routine, to those who just want to keep track of how many steps they take in a day, wearing tech that counts for you has completely revolutionized the way we exercise. Following everything from movement, to sleeping patterns, these devices can help you upgrade your entire life toward a better bill of health.

What are Fitness Trackers?

You've likely seen them, even if you didn't know what it was at the time. They come in the form of bracelets and small clip-on devices that register body movement – generally steps, stairs, and other more strenuous forms of exercise. Most are rubber so as to be more compatible with movement, though many versions offer more stylish upgrades, such as leather or metal interchangeable bands. 

These trackers log your health goals, and remind you to move throughout the day if you've been sitting for too long. Or they let you know once you've reached a daily goal and update you of progress. 

What are the Perks?

With a fitness tracker, it can be much easier to stay on task. You have an automatic reminder letting you know how often you've been moving throughout the day (or if you've sat for too long). It also logs steps or exercise that takes place even when you didn't set out to burn calories, which can leave you with more progress at the end of the day. (Vs. just logging while at the gym.) Wearing this type of tech can also be a great stance in overall health, helping you to make movement a part of your daily routine. 

If you're considering getting a wearable piece to track your fitness progress, remember how many health perks they can provide and start researching your favorite model today.  

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5 Ways to Stick to your Workout Routine

One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is that of getting in shape. With it, though, comes one of the least-made goals: staying in shape. Though folks of all ages and sizes vow to start eating better and going to the gym, it’s often an empty promise. Months later, the majority will be back to their old habits and eating (and acting) just as unhealthy as ever.

To avoid the odds in 2015, check out these tips to help yourself make better routines. And to stick to your resolution for the entire year.

5. Create Manageable Goals

Don’t try and start out too lofty or you’ll never stay on board. Look to a diet that encompasses nutrition, but doesn’t cut out everything you love. While it might sound like a compromise, it’s a way to ensure you’re eating better, but won’t eliminate so much that you’re unhappy (and therefore more likely to “cheat”).

4. Mark Milestones

Write your achievements down. Then, write down achievements you want to make happen. Whatever form helps you keep track of what progress has been made, and what’s on the way, do it. It works as a measurable way to look at real-time progress. 

3. Tell Friends

Whether they’re joining you or just acting as encouragement, telling others what you wish to do is a great way to stay on track. Others can help hold you accountable and remind you when you’re doing a good job. 

2. Eliminate Temptation

Throw out the junk food, remind yourself couch lounging is not an option (at least for too long at a time), and more. By getting rid of the habits you don’t want, you can help reduce them once and for all. 

1. Reward Yourself

After all that hard work, you’re going to need some continual motivation. Take yourself shopping, buy that new car accessory, or have a cheat day (just one!) and eat something you’ve been craving.

Just by giving yourself a little slack, you’re far more likely to stay healthy for the long haul, increasing your chances at staying on task throughout 2015.

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New Products for Back Pain Relief

These products for back and body health are now available at Contour Living:

TracCollar is a comfortable, portable, and an effective home traction device that provides unprecedented control. The TracCollar is operated by 2 hand held inflation bulbs. Each one inflates one side of the collar and then both combined create an upward pressure on the head, providing traction and relieving pressure from pinched nerves and sore muscles.

Therapeutica Back Support for auto and office chairs. The ultimate in full back, side and lumbar support.

The BodySport Professional Back and Body Massager.

Thumper Versa Pro Massage for back, legs and feet. The VERSA PRO is the best total body massager made! For back, legs and hips, hands and arms, and feet. It has 13 different massage settings, a remote control and 7 auto programs. There is not a massager like this anywhere

Therabath Professional Paraffin Wax bath - Hospital grade paraffin wax warmer for hands, feet, face and body. Therabath has been the leader in paraffin heat therapy since 1962.

Fitball Office and task Chair - Work your body and back while sitting!

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Staying Fit After Forty

Have you ever heard of “boomeritis?” It is actually
a term that has been coined by the American Academy of Orthopaedic
Surgeons, referring to a growing number of sports related injuries
among baby boomers. In fact, the problem is so extensive, that the
AAOS has developed a web site, www.boomer-it is.org geared toward
helping active baby boomers avoid and cope with injuries.

Of course, the AAOS is not in any way discouraging boomers from staying active
and fit, on the contrary, the organization recognizes that the benefits
of exercise far outweigh the risks of injury. But don’t forget,
it’s a good idea to get your doctors approval before starting
any exercise program. So once that’s done and you’re
ready to roll, how do you avoid being sidelined by an injury?

Follow these five tips, and you’ll be well on your way:

1. Stay Balanced! Be sure to incorporate a good mix of stretching,
flexibility exercises and cardiovascular activity. The more well
rounded the exercise program, the less likely you are to sustain
an injury.

2. Variety is the Spice of Life! Mix it up a little bit. Don’t
do the same routine every day. Walk a few days a week, bike or go
to the gym and use the treadmill. By doing this, you accomplish two
things: You’re less likely to get bored with your routine and
quit, and by varying more likely to avoid injuries stemming from
overused muscles.

3. Stay Loose! Stretching seems to help keep injuries at bay. Tightness
can spell disaster, and since muscle tissue elasticity decreases
with age, older muscles are even more at risk.

4. Gear Up! Go for the bicycle helmet, make sure running shoes fit
properly and by all means, wear the wrist, elbow and kneepads while
skating or roller blading. Safety equipment can keep you out of the
emergency room and into your routine.

5. Take Your Time! Don’t try to do too much at once. Limit
yourself to increases of just 10% per week. For example if you’re
running for 20 minutes one week, increase to just 22 minutes the
next, and build from there. A rapid ramp up can be a real shock to
your system.

Contour is the brand leader in ergonomic products designed
specifically for comfort and support. Products include orthopedicpillows, Wedge cushions, chair pads, mattress pads and more. Visit
Contour Living for more information on solutions to improve posture, sleep better,
correct support problems and live more comfortably.

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