Wearing a fitness tracker is a great way for you to really understand just how much exercise you are getting in a single day. You might think you’re moving more than you are. We all know the importance of staying active. Being active is one of the easiest ways to get and stay healthy. The trend of counting steps is growing in popularity for a good reason—it works. Here’s how fitness trackers are promoting better overall health:

1. Lower blood pressure and boost heart health

Walking is a common recommendation for those suffering from high blood pressure. Getting moving is a great way to lower blood pressure and improve heart health. Regular activity strengthens the heart. Using a fitness tracker to gauge heart rate will show you just how much of a workout your heart is getting. There are different target ranges you’ll want to hit. Your tracker will help you better understand just how much exercise you need to achieve those rates.

2. Reduce stress

Many fitness trackers come with calendars that track how often you are taking a step back from everything and simply breathing. Ten minutes of quiet can go a long way to reducing the stress of a day. Your device will allow you to keep track of how often you are meditating every day.

3. Better sleep

If you wake up tired every day, even though you’ve been in bed for eight hours, the quality of sleep you are getting may not be high enough. Wearing a fitness tracker to bed can give you better insight into your quality of sleep so you can make adjustments. Quality sleep is key to feeling energetic enough to get the activity you need to be healthy.

4. Help maintain healthy body weight

Everyone knows weight plays a huge role in your overall health. Getting active for fifteen to twenty minutes a day is one way to help shed a few pounds. A healthy weight can naturally reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol. Your body will feel better in general. Using a tracker to make sure you are getting active at least five days a week can help you control or lose weight. You can also regularly log your weight and set weight goals in most fitness tracker apps.

5. Encourage activity and movement

There are a number of different brands of trackers that offer different functions. Some will alert you with a gentle vibration on your wrist when you’ve been sitting too long. You can set a goal for how many steps you want to take every hour. When the hour is coming close to ending, you’ll be reminded you have not met your step goal. It’s easy to get distracted with work or watching TV and a quick reminder can get you moving. At the end of the day, you can see how many steps you took. The devices are a great way to tap into that competitive spirit as well since you can challenge friends, family, and coworkers.

We live busy lives, and it isn’t always easy to remember to stay active. Those that work in jobs that require them to sit for the bulk of their day might not realize just how inactive they are. A tracker that gives you details about how many steps you’ve taken, heart rate, and quality of sleep gives you an inside look at your health. The power is in your hands to make changes that will lead to a healthier life.