A couple of weeks ago I signed up for a program through work called "Makin'
Moves".
The program set a goal of two million steps for the company, and each participant received
a pedometer. Participants record their steps and text them in to "Makin'
Moves". The idea is to increase one's awareness of their fitness level and to get people
to walk more for their health.
It's a nice idea, and a program that fits neatly in the current weight loss challenge
(also happening at work). So I'm hoping I can use this as another tool to help drop the weight I put
back on.
I've found, though, that the pedometer they gave us may not be accurate. Laurel had me
wear her electronic pedometer for a couple of days to compare (yes, I wore them both how
nerdy is that?) and the readings were very different... so she got me into
fitbit.
Fitbit uses a small sensor (called a Zip) that is roughly the size of a quarter coin. The Zip also
comes with a tiny USB-based Bluetooth transceiver that can be plugged into a PC or Mac for
pushing your fitbit data up to your account on the fitbit website. Fitbit also has
available, free iPhone and Android apps that do the same thing (without the transceiver).
The website and app let you get as crazy with your fitbit data as you please you can
log your food, log your activity, track your weight, and set goals.
Calories burned appear in blue against
my steps (yellow) over the day.
It even has a social
aspect, allowing you to share data with friends and set challenges. Fitbit uses a rewards
system with badges and achievements to help keep you motivated.
For me, the key right now is convenience. So far I'm impressed by how easy it is to use
the fitbit system. And, I'm encouraged by my activity and motivated to do more I find
myself taking occasional breaks to get up and go walk around the building, and I'm curious
to see my numbers at the close of the day (I still have to text them in during the challenge).
I hope this will be a lasting motivator!
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