A calorie counter watch is a device that allows the user to track the amount of calories he or she burns during an exercise session. The term "calorie counter watch" is slightly misleading, because such a thing does not exist on its own; the calorie counting feature is usually added onto a pedometer or heart rate monitor watch in order to accurately estimate calories burned. This device can be an excellent way to track weight loss goals, however.
A calorie counter watch is worn on the wrist like a wristwatch. If the calorie counter is part of a heart rate monitor, it may also feature a chest strap that is worn simultaneously, for real-time measurement of heart rate. If the calorie counter is just part of a pedometer, however, it may just be a wristwatch, measuring steps with swings of the arm.
To use a calorie counter watch, it will generally be necessary to enter height, weight, and age into the device ahead of time, so that it can more accurately measure body fat percentage and exertion. During the workout, the watch will display distance or steps traveled as well as calories burned. If it contains a heart rate monitor feature as well, the user can also determine if his or her heart rate is in her target heart rate zone for fat burning.
These watches may also include time and stopwatch features, as well as the ability to switch the display with the touch of a button. Some of the more expensive fitness watches may be connected to a computer, and will be able to upload their data to be viewed in chart or graph form. This can be a great way to track progress and see improvement. Finally, a calorie counter watch may even have a GPS feature as well, to track terrain traveled and create maps.
Keep in mind, however, that a calorie counter watch only tells part of the story in regard to calories. While it does clearly display the amount of calories burned, it does not include or take into account the amount of calories one has eaten that day. It is the responsibility of the user to keep track of the amount of food he or she is eating, either independently or with an online calorie counter. The fitness watch will then be much more useful, as one can then know exactly how many calories he or she needs to burn off in order to lose weight for the day.