Our ancestors relied solely on their senses to assess their well-being, but in today’s world, we rely heavily on gadgets for the same purpose. With the advancements in technology, we can now measure various health metrics such as heart rate, step count, exercise intensity, and sleep quality all on one sleek device.
These gadgets act as a bridge between our subjective feelings and objective measurements, providing us with valuable insights into our health and well-being. While our subjective assessments are important, they are not always accurate. Humans tend to struggle with quantifying their experiences and behaviors with precision.
For example, a colleague of mine believed he was eating within a narrow caloric window, only to discover that he was consuming an extra 500 Calories a day in barbecue sauce after tracking his intake carefully.
Some individuals, like Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson, possess exceptional abilities to assess themselves accurately. Johnson could predict his 100-meter time within a tenth of a second of the stopwatch readout, showcasing outlier performance in self-assessment.
However, not everyone has such innate abilities. This raises the question: how good are you at assessing yourself, and how can you enhance your accuracy using technology like fitness trackers to make better decisions about your health?
In this article, we will delve into the accuracy of data trackers, the usefulness of tracking, and techniques to improve self-assessment through technology:
- How accurate are data trackers and their measurements?
- When is tracking helpful, and when is it not?
- Can you train yourself to more accurately assess things by feel?
Let’s explore these topics further.
Examining the Accuracy of Data Trackers
Not all data trackers are created equal. Some brands offer superior products with better hardware, software, and datasets. While metrics like heart rate and step count are generally reliable, other outputs such as calories burned and movement velocity may have larger margins for error.
The reliability of various tracking devices is depicted in the chart below:
(For a detailed analysis of progress indicators’ accuracy, refer to our article: Are Fitness Trackers Worth It?)
Determining the Utility of Tracking
Tracking devices provide us with a wealth of data about our behaviors and bodies, but this abundance of information can also hinder decision-making. Samantha Kleinberg, a computer scientist specializing in decision-making, notes that even a small surplus of information can negatively impact our choices.
The paradox of tracking lies in finding the right balance: Too little information makes decision-making challenging, but an excess of data can be equally detrimental.
Today, individuals often face information overload, leading to analysis paralysis in various aspects of life. Striking a balance and acquiring just enough information to make informed decisions is crucial, especially in the health and fitness domain where complexity and customization abound.
If you find yourself overwhelmed by data, consider asking the question: Does tracking enhance my well-being and performance? Based on the answer, you can decide whether to continue tracking or discontinue using the gadget.
Three signs to watch for to determine if tracking is beneficial:
Sign #1: Tracking Reduces Stress and Validates Methods
For individuals like Zak, tracking data can provide reassurance and validation for their methods. Zak initially doubted the effectiveness of zone 2 cardio, but as he monitored his heart rate and recovery time, he witnessed tangible improvements in his performance.
Using a tracking device allowed Zak to align his perceptions with reality, leading to increased accuracy in his self-assessments. Similarly, coaches can utilize tracking to boost their clients’ confidence and alleviate performance anxiety by showcasing existing achievements through reliable data.
Continuous glucose monitors are another example of how tracking can validate certain choices and behaviors, but it’s essential to discern whether such monitoring is truly beneficial or merely a time-consuming endeavor.
The use of Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) has become increasingly popular among individuals with diabetes for monitoring their blood sugar levels. However, the question arises – should people without diabetes also use CGMs? The answer is not a simple yes or no, as there are various factors to consider before making this decision.
One of the key factors to consider is the potential increase in stress or negative impact on performance that tracking data can have on individuals. For example, receiving poor scores on aspects that are beyond one’s control can be disheartening and lead to unnecessary stress. Imagine a new parent receiving a poor sleep quality score due to their newborn’s sleeping patterns. In such cases, tracking may not be beneficial and can actually be counterproductive.
It is important to recognize when tracking is causing more harm than good and to reassess the situation. If tracking is causing undue stress or affecting performance negatively, it may be time to take a step back and reevaluate the priorities.
On the other hand, clear feedback from data can enhance motivation and ability. When individuals have the motivation and ability to make changes but lack the prompt to do so, fitness trackers can be incredibly helpful. For example, a client who used to have a glass of wine every night to help her sleep better realized through a sleep tracker that her sleep quality was actually worse on those nights. This prompted her to adjust her behavior and improve her sleep habits.
However, if data collection is decreasing motivation or ability, tracking may no longer be helpful. For example, an avid cyclist who became obsessed with breaking records on biking trails eventually experienced burnout due to focusing too much on numbers and performance rather than enjoying the activity.
Tracking can also help individuals understand themselves better and make more accurate self-assessments. By using data to gain insights into performance, recovery needs, and individual potential, individuals can tailor their training and lifestyle choices more effectively.
But, there is also a risk of over-reliance on data leading to a disconnect from one’s own senses and internal signals. When individuals become too dependent on tracking apps or devices, they may lose touch with how they feel and rely solely on external data for guidance.
In conclusion, the decision to use CGMs or other tracking devices should be based on individual needs, goals, and preferences. It is important to strike a balance between using data to inform decisions and staying connected to one’s own feelings and experiences. By understanding the potential benefits and drawbacks of tracking, individuals can make informed choices about incorporating these tools into their health and wellness routines. Fitness enthusiasts often find joy in the various activities they engage in, whether it’s running, weightlifting, winding down for a restful night’s sleep, or savoring a delicious meal. While objective data from fitness trackers can offer valuable insights, true fulfillment and results come from staying connected to one’s sensory experience.
Fortunately, fitness trackers can be utilized to enhance one’s ability to accurately sense what’s happening in the body. Here are three effective ways to achieve this:
1. Prioritize Self-Check-Ins: Before relying solely on external data, take a moment to pause, breathe, and tune into your body’s signals. By comparing your self-assessment with the data from your fitness tracker, you can better align your perceptions with reality over time.
2. Develop Mental Shortcuts: Estimating your physical limits, such as the number of reps you can perform before reaching failure, can be challenging. However, combining subjective estimations with objective data can significantly improve your accuracy. Utilizing prompts like “For a million dollars, how many more reps could you do?” can help gauge your maximal effort effectively.
3. Enhance Sensory Awareness: While fitness trackers provide valuable information, humans possess an intricate sensory network that technology cannot replicate. By tapping into mechanoreceptors, the vestibular system, proprioceptors, thermoreceptors, chemoreceptors, and nociceptors, you can better understand your body’s signals. Regularly checking in with your sensations and aligning them with objective data can refine your sensory awareness.
By honing your ability to interpret your body’s signals and integrating them with data from fitness trackers, you can leverage technology’s advancements while prioritizing your sensory experience. This approach allows you to optimize your fitness journey while staying attuned to your body’s needs and capabilities. The world of fashion is constantly evolving, with new trends and styles emerging every season. From bold prints to minimalist designs, there is something for everyone in the ever-changing world of fashion. One trend that has been gaining popularity in recent years is the rise of sustainable and eco-friendly fashion.
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