Fitbit Flex

For the past couple of weeks, I have been wearing a Fitbit Flex, a wireless sleep and activity tracker.  Basically, it's a bracelet you wear pretty much 24/7 (even in the shower!) that tracks the steps you take and how restful your sleep is.  It syncs to your computer and smartphone and allows you to track your water and food intake, other physical activity, and weight.  I got it for $99 at Target.

from Fitbit website

The main reason I purchased the Fitbit?  I was curious how many steps per day I was taking, especially given my pretty sedentary office job.  As it turns out, not only was I not moving enough, but with a boyfriend on night shifts and a kitten going through a terrible toddler phase, I wasn't sleeping well enough either.

Fitbit has truly changed the way I spend my day.  It might be the most expensive guilt trip bracelet ever, but it makes me remember to move.  I started taking the stairs at work vs. the elevator (I work on the 4th floor!) and noticed that it really made a difference in my activity levels.  I even stopped having as bad an afternoon slump at the office.  I started walking at lunch instead of reading the news online.  I drink more water.  And when I remember to do it, I can track my calorie intake.  I only need to charge the Fitbit every five days or so, so it's been kind of a no-brainer for me.  (It even sends me a phone alert when it is getting low on battery!)

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I like the Fitbit for what it is... a pedometer on steroids.  I am also fascinated by my own sleep patterns, and I appreciate the silent alarm feature that makes the bracelet vibrate to wake me.  Much less disruptive than my phone alarm.  I enjoy celebrating when I hit 10,000 steps too.  (Fact: My most successful walking days include trips to the grocery store or mall.  See, shopping helps you stay fit!)

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I wish that Fitbit's food tracker was more like MyFitnessPal or Lose It...  I really think they ought to just buy one of those apps out and integrate the technology into the Fitbit app.  Heck, I wish there was a single app that could combine Fitbit, Lose It, MapMyRide/MapMyRun, and maybe even some workout music.  Bam.  I'd pay for that.  I also wish that like it competitor Jawbone Up it would vibrate if I was sedentary for an hour straight.

I haven't really lost weight, mostly because my diet sucks and I don't go to the YMCA anymore.  But I have realized that my poor sleep is impacting my motivation to stay active, so I'm doing things to mitigate that and hopefully get back on track.  For now, I'm pleased with my progress in being less sedentary for sure.  We'll see where the future takes me with Fitbit!