Like quite a few of us, in 2020 I started going on daily walks. And what started as simply being able to get out of the house soon completely transformed my daily routine. Ever since then I've made it my mission to get outside and to make a few simple swaps to up my step count each day.
From taking the stairs when I can to getting off a stop or two early on my travels -- or forgoing the subway completely if it takes around the same time to walk somewhere -- the steps really do add up. And even if it's raining, snowing or blowing a gale, I still try to get outside for at least one walk a day.
Not only has it improved my fitness, meaning that I don't get the same tired or restless legs at the end of a long day. But getting outside also helps to break up my working day after sitting at my computer for hours on end.
You might remember that I bought a FitBit in 2020 to start tracking my steps more accurately and I've loved seeing my steps go up in real time. It's also so handy to actually have a watch on my wrist, especially when I'm trying to limit my screen time. So, when Very asked if I'd like to upgrade my smart watch I was certainly keen to give something new a try.
After doing quite a bit of research, particularly on Very's electrical page, I ultimately decided on the Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS) 45mm Pink Aluminium Case with Light Pink Sport Band. And after using it for almost a month now, I wanted to share my thoughts.
The first thing that really impressed me was how many different apps the Apple Watch supports. I almost felt spoiled for choice compared to my FitBit. Being able to receive alerts when I had certain emails or messages was brilliant, especially as a freelance journalist who often needs to reply rather speedily, even when I'm on my lunch hour and lunchtime walk.
It has also made tracking individual walks and workouts so much easier. So, if you're looking to keep an eye on the amount of calories you burn, sticking to a set time or working to beat your personal best, having dedicated activity trackers is so helpful. I mostly use the Outdoor Walk function and to see not only how many steps I take but how long I can do it in, as well as calories burned, for precise walks gives me even more of an incentive to keep going and to even try and fit in another walk if I can, particularly when the weather is that bit better.
You can also track other health and wellness stats, with ECG and temperature monitoring. So, if you're on a serious health kick, this is another big pro. Plus, you can also use it the water if you do a lot of swimming, stand up paddle boarding or even surfing.
Other little added bonuses such as being able to have my favourite beagle, Snoopy, as my watch face or being able to control my phone camera by remote just adds to the overall experience. I also like being able to check my calendar at the touch of the button, particularly when I'm not at my desk and it's already made me feel more comfortable to leave my phone at home when I go out for a walk or when I nip out to get some errands done. I have a feeling we could all do with putting our phones down, particularly if you feel a horrible sense of dread every week when it pops up with your screen time notification.
I can quite honestly say that I am over the moon to have upgraded my smart watch and to have finally started using an Apple Watch. I mean, it kind of makes a lot of sense when I already use a suite of Apple products on a daily basis. From my iPhone to my Macbook for work and my iPad for reading.
Do you own a smart watch or some form of wearable tech? If so, what do you think of it? And what are your favourite ways to keep fit and healthy?
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