Is digital fitness tracking actually improving our health?

FILED - Many fitness clubs these days offers users the chance to record their measurements, such as heart rate and calorie consumption, digitally. Photo: Henning Kaiser/dpa-tmn/dpa

It all started with the Fitbit. These days, everyone seems to be measuring how many steps they are taking, counting calories with an app or measuring their pulse with a device around their wrist. 

Some fitness clubs even offer classes where participants can see their measurements – such as heart rate and calorie consumption – on a big screen, next to those of their classmates.