For many, the reality of owning a fitness tracker doesn’t quite live up to the hype. Maybe it just quietly counts your steps without actually having impact on your fitness. Maybe you stopped wearing it after the first couple of weeks. They say “that which is measured, improves,” but in my experience you also have to actually do something in order to see results.
The problem is not lack of will or a poor metabolism. It comes down to time. You’re busy. We all are!
Fortunately, I’m the Android guy who believes he can get anything done in just 7 minutes. And I can. Just ask my wife.
Here’s how to get in shape by using your fitness tracker for just 7 minutes (per day).
The theory
Fitness trackers are much more than just step counters. They can carefully monitor athletic performance, health and fitness, and feed you the raw data you need to transform your physique. This kind of technology was once the reserved for professional athletes, so it’s almost criminal not to use it to its fullest.
This kind of technology was once the reserve of professional athletes
First, it’s important to define our goals. My promise here was that you would be able to “get into great shape.” By that, I mean fitter and healthier, leaner, and more athletic. Lofty aims for 7 minutes, but I’m sure we can achieve it.
Next we need to create an athletic profile based on your current stats, so we know what to aim for. This is where the use of technology will first come in very handy.
We are going to work on your ‘lactate inflection point’ or ‘lactate threshold’ (essentially, your anaerobic threshold). This is the point at which your body switches to an anaerobic state, where you tax your body so much that your aerobic system can’t deliver energy fast enough. In other words, burning fat and bringing it to the muscle is taking too long and so your body has no option other than to burn sugar from elsewhere. During anaerobic exercise we switch to the lactic acid system, which uses blood sugar and glycolysis to provide us with usable energy (ATP).
This is the central concept behind High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). HIIT uses short bursts of intense activity, followed by short periods of relative recovery. That could mean sprinting for a minute, then jogging slowly for a minute, then sprinting for a minute again. This forces the body to switch between its aerobic and its anaerobic systems, so that one moment you are burning fat and the next moment you are burning glucose from your blood.
Switching to an anaerobic state is highly beneficial for weight loss and performance because it removes the stored glucose in your muscles and blood, forcing your body to subsequently burn more fat. This is sometimes referred to as the ‘afterburn effect’ and studies show it results in greater fat loss over time.
The lactate inflection point is also the point at which your body starts to increase in acidity (due to an increase in hydrogen ions), resulting in the ‘burn’. This is what keeps you from remaining in an anaerobic state and forces you back to the ‘cleaner’ aerobic state.
“Anaerobic threshold training” will help you to increase your threshold and your body’s ability to use lactate as a fuel source, so you can run faster and longer. It can even improve your tolerance in this state, allowing you to go all out for longer. A highly trained athlete may be able to sustain activity at 90 percent of their maximum heart rate.
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HIIT also has a host of other benefits. It increases your VO2 Max, the volume of oxygen you can use during a workout, which in turn can be used to predict athletic performance; mitochondrial density, the number of energy producing units in your cells; and brain power. Some recent studies even suggest it can help to turn back the clock and rejuvenate damaged cells.
Some recent studies even suggest that HIIT workouts can help to turn back the clock and rejuvenate damaged cells.
A lot of people use HIIT but don’t actually enter an anaerobic state, so they aren’t getting the most out of it. It’s kind of the whole point of HIIT. By using your fitness tracker to calculate and then monitor your state this way though, it’s possible to maximize the results from a much shorter workout.
A 7 minute workout, in fact.
You’ll get all those benefits, including increased weight loss, better athletic performance, and anti-aging, in just that short amount of time.
The 30 minute test
Grab your Fitbit, Garmin, or whatever else, and get ready for the 30 minute test. Ideally, you want the most accurate heart rate tracking possible, so I recommend using an external heart rate monitor from a brand like Polar. If you haven’t got one, a wrist worn tracker will do for now.
The 30 minute test involves running, cycling or anything else aerobic as fast as possible for a full, uninterrupted 30 minutes. Yes, it’s pretty brutal. Make sure to set the lap button on your tracking device to 10 minutes and then stop after 30 minutes.
The average heart rate for the last 20 minutes is going to be your LTHR, or your Lactate Threshold Heart Rate. This is your heart rate at the lactate inflection point. It’s the most you can sustain for a prolonged period. Therefore, this is the heart rate you are aiming for during your training.
It’s not a perfect test, but many trainers use it to decent effect. You’ll need to make sure that you re-measure about once every 6 weeks as your threshold improves.
Keep in mind this is a tough workout and it’s only advisable for those that already have a base level of fitness. If you have any concerns about your health, consult a doctor first. If you just don’t want to go through the test, you can roughly estimate your lactate threshold at around 70 or 80 percent of your MHR, depending on your fitness level.
The 7 minute workout
With this in mind, we can now begin our 7 minute workout. The aim is to spend as much time as possible above our lactate threshold.
I recommend choosing a form of ‘resistance cardio’ to use for your exercise. Running can be counterproductive for this, as it takes 7 minutes just to put on your shoes and leave the house. What’s more, choosing resistance cardio (a form of cardio where you’re pushing or pulling against resistance) will tone and firm up muscle while burning fat. This will lead to greater fat burning in the long term, seeing as muscle is more metabolically active than fat. Toning is as important as fat burning – if not more – when it comes to body recomposition.
Not only that, but using resistance allows you to reach your anaerobic threshold quicker, because it takes more energy to complete the movements. Finally, it will protect your muscles against being cannibalized for fuel (BCAAs can help with that too).
More:How to use your fitness tracker to get fit – a comprehensive guide
A great option is to use battle ropes. These are heavy ropes which you can beat against the ground in order to tone muscle in the shoulders and arms while burning fat. Kettlebell swings are also fantastic and will help to build your posterior chain for explosive power. Switching between the two could give more of a full-body workout, and make the heart work harder too.
This is the routine you will follow to begin with:
- 30 second warm up
- 1 minute fast
- 30 seconds recovery
- 30 seconds fast
- 1 minute recovery
- 30 seconds fast
- 1 minute recovery
- 30 seconds fast
- 1 minute recovery
- 30 second cool down
Constantly check your fitness tracker to make sure you’re really hitting that zone and going above it (most people can sustain effort above their LTHR for about 20-40 seconds). You can watch your wrist to ensure you’re actually reaching that point and set heart rate zones on many devices in order to be alerted when entering and exiting that state.
This workout will change over time, and you’ll spend more and more time in your LTHR. As you get more confident, you can also reduce your recovery periods. It’s worth retesting your LTHR about once every 6 weeks.
Don’t worry if you don’t like my workout, there are plenty of HIIT workouts out there – in fact there are plenty of 7 minute HIIT workouts right on the Play Store.
For those with more than 7 minutes to train, this form of exercise works excellently at the end of your regular routine. You can use it at the end of a workout in order to add cardio benefit and lean up without damaging muscle gains.
If you don’t like my workout, there are plenty of other HIIT workouts out there – in fact there are plenty of 7 minute HIIT workouts right on the Play Store. It’s down to you to ensure you’re working hard enough.
Losing weight
This routine is all well and good, but doesn’tguaranteeweight loss. Calories in and out are a huge factor in this. If you consume more calories than you burn (called a calorie ‘surplus’), you gain weight. If you burn more than you consume (called a ‘deficit’), you lose weight.
If you use this 7 minute HIIT workout daily but you also increase the amount you eat threefold, then it’s not going to help you lose weight. If you make sure that you are eating less than you burn during the day—taking the HIIT into account—you’ll lose weight.
There are other strategies to this, like fasting to ramp up your metabolism, but the easiest and most practical strategy is just to lower your food intake.
Fortunately, the device on your wrist can keep track ofprecisely how many calories you are burning and the one in your pocket for can keep track of how many you are taking in. That way you can ensure all the hard work pays off in the abs department.
You have a device on your wrist that you can use in order to know precisely how many calories you are burning and one in your pocket for how many you are taking in
My Fitness Pal will allow you to log all the calories you consume simply by scanning bar codes or entering the values manually (found on the back of the packaging). Regular items will be available from a handy list so you don’t need to keep scanning them. Once you’ve used it for a few days, it gets much quicker. Quick tip: dieting is a lot easier when you maintain somewhat consistent eating habits. This way, there are fewer confounding variables.
Syncing My Fitness Pal with Garmin Connect, S Health, or other apps will help you see a log of all the calories going in and coming out. If your 7 minute workout was intense enough, you might find that you manage to maintain that deficit without making any drastic lifestyle changes. Otherwise, walk a little extra, eat a little less, and use your devices to keep tabs on it all.
Wrapping up
A fitness tracker can be much more than just a fancy pedometer. Let me know in the comments down below how you’ve been using yours to stay in shape.
Features
How-to's
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FAQs
How quickly can you get in shape? ›
And if you exercise regularly, over time you will gain even more fitness benefits. “At 6 to 8 weeks, you can definitely notice some changes,” said Logie, “and in 3 to 4 months you can do a pretty good overhaul to your health and fitness.” Strength-specific results take about the same amount of time.
How do I get the most out of my fitness tracker? ›- Choose the right fitness device. The fitness tracker market is flooded with devices from brands like Fitbit, Apple Watch, Garmin, and others. ...
- Start gradually. ...
- Check in regularly. ...
- Make it social. ...
- Expect the unexpected.
Run or jog 20 to 30 minutes every other day. You can also do other moderate-intensity activities like walking briskly, swimming, or bicycling. After your cardio workout, do three to four sets of bodyweight exercises like squats, pushups, lunges, burpees, or Russian twists.
What age is it harder to get in shape? ›If you hit your 40s, or even go beyond the age of 35 without being in excellent shape, it can be tougher at that age to start shedding pounds or getting fit. Some people feel they've missed out on the opportunity to be fit if they're 40 and out of shape, but that's simply not true, because it's not too late.
Can you get fit quickly? ›Just 20-30 minutes of HIIT five times a week can make a significant difference to the way you look and feel. Push yourself hard and you can burn up to 700 calories in a 30 minute HIIT workout, which is more than regular running or cycling.
Where is the best place to wear a fitness tracker? ›Wear your device on top of your wrist. For best results, the back of your device should be in contact with your skin for features like heart-rate tracking. Make sure that your band isn't too tight. Wear it loose enough that it can move back and forth on your wrist.
Which wrist should I wear my fitness tracker? ›Wear it on your non-dominant wrist
Your fitness tracker is like a watch (and, in some cases, it is a watch), and should also be worn on your non-dominant wrist. That's your left wrist if you're right-handed, and your right wrist if you're left-handed.
Prolonged contact may contribute to skin irritation or allergies in some users. To reduce irritation, follow four simple wear and care tips: (1) keep it clean; (2) keep it dry; (3) don't wear it too tight, and (4) give your wrist a rest by removing the band for an hour after extended wear.
How to get in shape in 5 minutes? ›- Burpees.
- Jumping jacks.
- Mountain climbers.
- Push-ups.
- Running in place.
- Start your day with 10 minutes of strengthening exercises, such as lunges and bicep curls.
- While watching TV, slowly and carefully lift and lower weights for 10 minutes. ...
- If you're on a long phone call, do 10 minutes of squats or calf raises to strengthen lower-body muscles.
Can you get fit in 2 weeks? ›
Learning how to get in shape in as little as two weeks sounds daunting, but if you're motivated and have the time and energy to devote to it, it's certainly possible. Find an exercise routine that works for you, eat healthy, drink lots of water, and watch as the transformation begins.
How can a 12 year old get fit? ›- Walking or biking home from school.
- Playing team sports like soccer or basketball. ...
- Signing up for an active after-school program or rec center class, like swimming or karate.
- Do facial exercises. Facial exercises can be used to improve facial appearance, combat aging, and improve muscle strength ( 1 ). ...
- Add cardio to your routine. ...
- Drink more water. ...
- Limit alcohol consumption. ...
- Cut back on refined carbs. ...
- Get enough sleep. ...
- Watch your sodium intake. ...
- Eat more fiber.
Traditionally, experts have recommended not exercising at night as part of good sleep hygiene. Now a new study, published Oct. 29, 2018, in Sports Medicine, suggests that you can exercise in the evening as long as you avoid vigorous activity for at least one hour before bedtime.
Do legs get shorter with age? ›A. Our height is determined by the length of the leg bones, the spine, and the skull. While the leg bones and the skull remain pretty much unchanged in length after we reach adulthood, our spinal bones (the vertebrae) tend to shrink.
What age does body start to decline? ›After age 30, people tend to lose lean tissue. Your muscles, liver, kidney, and other organs may lose some of their cells. This process of muscle loss is called atrophy. Bones may lose some of their minerals and become less dense (a condition called osteopenia in the early stages and osteoporosis in the later stages).
How do you get insane shape? ›- Be Honest With Yourself. Some people are committed to getting up early and working out in the morning, others prefer to work out after work. ...
- Set Realistic Goals. ...
- Treat Your Workout like a Meeting. ...
- Find a Workout You Love. ...
- Find Your Motivation. ...
- Don't Ignore Your Eating Habits. ...
- Keep Going.
- Food is fuel, and what you reach for before and after exercise can make or break your workout success. Power up and maximize performance with these 10 fitness foods. ...
- Oatmeal. ...
- Greek Yogurt. ...
- Bananas. ...
- Chocolate Milk. ...
- Eggs. ...
- Nuts. ...
- Lean Meats.
A three-day makeover will deliver real results, but it's not the key to lasting fitness. It can, however, be the springboard to a longer commitment. Leal says, “The combination of positive mental game, eating right, and exercise can change your body in 2 to 3 days and lead to a lifestyle of health.”
Can I wear my Fitbit in my bra? ›Clipping it on your bra is fine. There are plenty of (young) people who slip their phone in their bra when they don't have pockets 😏. The Fitbit does have a protective 'case'.
Do fitness trackers make you fit? ›
The studies showed that fitness trackers not only encourage exercise and weight loss, but may also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes and other health conditions.
Is it OK to sleep with a fitness tracker on? ›You shouldn't wear fitness trackers 24/7. You may have health issues if you use the device continuously, even while you sleep. Radiation levels from the device can cause wrist pain and burns in some people. Keep the device off your wrist and use it only for sleep tracking or fitness.
Should I wear my Fitbit tight or loose? ›Don't Wear It Too Tight
Make sure your band isn't too tight. Wear the band loosely enough that it can move back and forth on your wrist. During exercise, try moving the band higher on your wrist (2-3 finger widths above your wrist bone) to get a better fit so it's secure, but not too tight.
Even though it may be ok to shower with our water-resistant devices, not doing so reduces the potential for exposure to soaps, shampoos, and conditioners, which can cause long-term damage to your device and may cause skin irritation. We also don't recommend wearing any of our devices in a hot tub or sauna.
Is it OK to wear my Fitbit on my ankle? ›Wear it on your ankle to ensure you get your steps when your arms aren't moving. The band is SECURE and COMFORTABLE! It has an overlapping pocket to fully insert the Fitbit.
What is better Fitbit or Apple Watch? ›While both brands offer outstanding, high-quality wearables, Fitbit has more budget-friendly options, superior battery life, and better health and fitness tracking than the Apple Watch. The Apple Watch edges out the Fitbit in terms of accuracy, convenience, and extra features, but it may be too pricey for some users.
Why is my Fitbit leaving a red mark on my wrist? ›A Fitbit spokesperson said the rashes “are likely from wearing the band too tight; sweat, water, or soap being held against the skin under the device; or from pressure or friction against the skin,” Re/code reports.
What are the age limits for Fitbit? ›USE OF THE FITBIT SERVICE
Persons under the age of 13, or any higher minimum age in the jurisdiction where that person resides, are not permitted to access or use the Fitbit Service unless their parent has consented in accordance with applicable law.
Generally to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week, you need to burn 500 to 1,000 calories more than you consume each day, through a lower calorie diet and regular physical activity. Depending on your weight, 5% of your current weight may be a realistic goal, at least for an initial goal.
How can I get fit in one hour? ›- Bodyweight squats.
- Mountain climbers.
- Kettlebell swings.
- Ab bikes.
- Alternating lunge.
- Sit up touching knees.
- Burpees.
- Leg raises.
Can you lose belly fat by working out 10 minutes a day? ›
The good news is that yes, it is! 10 minutes of exercise a day can help you to lose weight, along with being in calorie deficit and make a big difference to your health and fitness levels.
How do actors get in shape so fast? ›Some actors spend as many as three hours in the gym per day to lose weight, and it is all done with a licensed trainer at their side, commenting on their form and suggesting workout options to them. A personal trainer is a secret weapon in the battle of the bulge in Hollywood, and can help actors drop weight fast.
How to get ripped as a female? ›The key to “getting shredded” is to start lifting weights (and not just any weights but heavyweights) and using HIIT as a more effective form of cardio, rather than hours of 'steady state' exercise. Most importantly, shredding is all about getting your nutrition on point.
What does 1 month of working out look like? ›After a month of regular exercise, you will be noticing improvements to your strength and fitness. "You may be able to do more reps in weight training or slightly raise the load, or you're able to walk, jog or cycle a bit faster," Robergs says.
How much should a 12 year old weigh? ›The averages for 12-year-olds are 89 pounds, for males, and 92 pounds, for females. However, beyond biological sex, many other factors influence someone's weight at this age, including their height, body composition, the onset of puberty, environmental factors, and underlying health issues.
Is working out at 12 OK? ›The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that school-age children get 60 minutes or more of daily activity. As part of this activity, muscle- and bone-strengthening exercises are recommended at least three days a week.
Should 11 year olds lift weights? ›Lifting weights can help kids as young as 7 years old. “Strength training can be a wonderful part of a sports program,” Dr. Nepple says. “It can improve performance and help reduce the chance of an injury, but children should want to do this and know that they must follow directions.”
Will face fat go away? ›Face fat, on the other hand, is somewhat permanent and results of a body type. Weight loss and consistent exercise are the only way to shed those extra kilos around your face area.
What causes fat face? ›Increased facial fat is typically due to weight gain. It may also be as a result of water retention, which can make the face appear puffy or swollen. Making changes to a person's diet and lifestyle can help support weight management and prevent excess facial fat.
Does gum help lose face fat? ›Chewing gum does not reduce face fat.
It is a popularised myth that chewing gum reduces face fat. The simple fact is that you cannot reduce fat from one spot. Chewing gum can give your facial muscles a good workout but isn't effective in reducing face fat.
What eats belly fat fast? ›
- Pumpkin. Pumpkin makes it onto this list of the 32 foods that burn belly fat fast due to its high amounts of fiber and low calories. ...
- Chia Seeds. ...
- Tart Cherries. ...
- Sunflower Seeds. ...
- Quinoa. ...
- Peas. ...
- Blueberries. ...
- Beans.
- #1. Bananas. “Slice it and add it to your morning cereal to reduce bloating and stay in shape. ...
- #2. Yogurt. ...
- #3. Green Tea. ...
- #4. Chia Seeds. ...
- #5. Salmon. ...
- #6. Whole Grains. ...
- #7. Almonds. ...
- #8. Lettuce.
Aerobic exercise (cardio) is an effective way to improve your health and burn calories. Studies also show that it can be an effective form of exercise for reducing belly fat.
Can I get in shape in 2 weeks? ›Learning how to get in shape in as little as two weeks sounds daunting, but if you're motivated and have the time and energy to devote to it, it's certainly possible. Find an exercise routine that works for you, eat healthy, drink lots of water, and watch as the transformation begins.
Can you get in shape in 50 days? ›Is it possible to get a good body shape in just 50 days? Yes, it is. If you stick to a proper diet and weight loss routine, you can definitely transform your body shape and wow your friends and colleagues at the next upcoming event.
Can I get in shape in 7 days? ›One week is simply not enough time to get in great shape. Getting in shape is a dedicated process that requires time and consistent workouts alongside a healthy diet. You simply cannot get in shape in a week, but you can use a week to make strides toward a healthy lifestyle.
Can you get in shape in 3 weeks? ›You can't expect to go from sedentary to super fit in only three weeks, but you can certainly improve your fitness level. If you're not currently exercising, start by introducing a consistent weekly cardio and strength training program to enhance your fitness level.
Are 7 minute workouts effective? ›According to research, 7-minute workouts can reap some major rewards – with one study finding that seven minutes of bodyweight high-intensity exercise can improve your muscular strength, insulin sensitivity and V02 max.
Can I lose 20 lbs in 50 days? ›50 days is just over 7 weeks. The recommended amount of weight loss per week on a typical, healthy program is . 5 to 2lbs per week, which would be 14 pounds maximum. So 20 pounds is a little too much I'd say, at least for sustainable, healthy weight loss.
How to lose 10 pounds in 45 days? ›- Try cardio for weight loss. ...
- Eat fewer refined carbs. ...
- Start counting calories. ...
- Choose better beverages. ...
- Eat slowly. ...
- Add fiber to your diet. ...
- Eat a high protein breakfast. ...
- Get enough sleep every night.
How to lose 25 pounds in 60 days? ›
You'll need to cut out at least 750 calories daily. One pound is equivalent to 3,500 calories, so you'll need to lose 87,500 (3,500 x 25) over 60 days. To achieve this goal, you will need to lose 1,458.3 calories per day.
How to lose belly fat? ›- Eat a healthy diet. Focus on plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and choose lean sources of protein and low-fat dairy products. ...
- Replace sugary beverages. ...
- Keep portion sizes in check. ...
- Include physical activity in your daily routine.
Yes, you can improve your fitness with just a few workouts, especially if you're not in great shape to begin with and you're looking to boost endurance or cardiovascular health. If you're already near the top of your game, or your goal is to improve your strength, it may take a bit longer to reach that next level.
How do I shred body fat? ›- START STRENGTH TRAINING. ...
- FOLLOW A HIGH-PROTEIN DIET. ...
- SQUEEZE IN MORE SLEEP. ...
- ADD VINEGAR TO YOUR DIET. ...
- EAT MORE HEALTHY FATS. ...
- DRINK HEALTHIER BEVERAGES. ...
- FILL UP ON FIBER. ...
- CUT DOWN ON REFINED CARBS.
- Try Lemon Juice or Lemon Water. First, you can try to drink lemon juice in the morning. ...
- Eat Dinner Earlier. Try to eat dinner very early – a good aim is before 7pm, and then eating nothing after that point. ...
- Get Plenty Of Rest. ...
- Eat Healthier. ...
- Don't Skip Meals. ...
- Avoid Excess Salt. ...
- Exercise.