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Friday, February 21, 2014

Fit Bit Reviews

As I had mentioned in my Valentines Day post, Darrell got his Valentines Day present weekend before last while we were out and about.  He's been talking about getting a FitBit band since he moved in, and so after doing a bunch of research a couple weeks ago, I caved and got him one.
We decided on a FitBit Flex for him. (this pic is of his {blueish one) on top of mine as a size comparison) This one was more waterproof than the Force and while it doesn't have the digital readout like mine does, he seems to really like it. He's always getting his daily goal of steps each day, but since he works in the restaurant industry, it kinda makes sense.  Here's a snippet from the website about the Flex:
"This slim, stylish device is with you all the time. During the day, it tracks steps, distance, and calories burned. At night, it tracks your sleep quality and wakes you silently in the morning. Just check out the lights to see how you stack up against your personal goal. It’s the motivation you need to get out and be more active."

We decided on the FitBit Force for me.
It's got a digital readout so it doubles as a watch for me.  I can also check my calories burned, steps, active minutes and flights of stairs climbed throughout the day too. I love it. It tracks my sleep and lately tells me I'm a crappy sleeper. lol. Since I work at a desk most of the day, I don't hit as many steps as I could... but I'm hoping that as soon as the weather cleans up, that I can start walking again. I'm really looking forward to setting some goals, and totally busting through them!

Since getting this, and since planning my trip to Las Vegas, I've decided to start climbing flights of stairs. Ya know, so I don't kill over while on the trip, and I figure it's good cardio and good for my legs.  I've decided to start with one flight, then increase it by one each day. Friday's count will flow over to Monday since I only have stairs at work and will be taking two days off.  Who knows if it will actually be beneficial, but i figure it cant hurt. (Other than my knees and my chest from breathing so hard!)

It also isn't a heart rate monitor. Sometimes I wish it was though, so it might calculate my yoga workout calorie burns better.  I'm at a loss as to how much I'm actually burning when I do a workout. Yeah, I get a general number from my LoseIt! log, but I'd still like to know something a little more concrete. Maybe that's just the OCD coming out in me.

Here's some info from the website...
"A powerful Force for everyday fitness, this sleek wristband is with you all the time. Stay motivated to keep moving with real-time stats right on your wrist. Track steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned, stairs climbed and active minutes throughout the day. At night, track your sleep and wake up silently with a vibrating alarm."
Speaking of the vibrating (silent) alarm... IN LOVE.  This is a much better option for Darrell and I.  I get up every morning by 6:20 (7:00 on weekends) so i have these alarms going of while Darrell is still sleeping.  With him coming in later at night than me, he sleeps a little longer.  I always feel bad about my alarm going off and waking him up. With this alarm, it vibrates some short vibrations and it actually does wake you.  And it's so much better than waking up to this great big loud noise every day!

Seriously... I like it.  I've only had my Force for a couple weeks, but I find it extremely helpful. I'm hoping that it helps me set goals, crush them, an re-set them! I highly suggest looking into the FitBit's if any of you are looking for something like this to help you step up your game.

Do any of you have a FitBit? I'm still learning how to use mine and how to set real goals and such. Any of you have suggestions?

2 comments:

  1. I have the FitBit Zip... the little guy who clips to your bra or jeans. He is wonderful! I top of getting little smileys throughout the day to tell me how I'm doing ( ^.^ if I'm doing good, :-P if I'm not ahead) I also get to know my steps, distance, and calories torched. It does not track sleep or flights of stairs, but I do not have stairs where I work or at home, and in FL they are a rarity (and I know I'm a crappy sleeper already!)

    I look forward to how you feel about your Force in a few months.... I was considering getting that one as an upgrade, and letting my husband take my Zip.

    As far as heart rate monitors go, I went to Amazon and bought myself a Gaiam one for pretty cheap (http://www.amazon.com/Oregon-Scientific-Se331-Gaiam-Trainer/dp/B0044RWYTA right now listed for $32.99 but I got lucky and bought mine for $25 at one point). It does have a chest strap, but it's not wide and it's not uncomfortable under my sports bras. And it's easy to clean and the watch is water-proof.

    :-)

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  2. Thank you for your input on the FitBit Zip! I was interested in seeing how it worked as well, as my grandma is having problems finding one that she likes well. At least in FL you have prettier weather more days out of the year to enjoy using it and meeting goals... you may not even need the stairs! I'll be sure to update on the Force after a couple of months of use!

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