As I get older, I’m starting to realize the amount of time I spend at a computer may not always be the best for me. I decided to make a change and start working on my health and stamina. A simple way to do that is to start walking more. I decided that would be a good area to start with as I do a lot of walking at conventions and being able to stay on my feet longer and not get as tired would be a good goal to work on. Like many people, I have played this game many times. I start out gung ho and get some workouts in. I’ve had gym memberships and fizzle out within months. Okay usually weeks. So like any good geek out there, I decided to turn to technology.
Several of my coworkers at my real life job are constantly moving and working toward a lofty goal: 10,000 steps per day. How do they track that you ask? With FitBits. The FitBit is the technological evolution of a pedometer. It tracks the number of steps you take and is able to be synced up to your computer, tablet, or smartphone. There are several models available to purchase. After a bit of research and a good sale at BestBuy, I decided to go with the FitBit One. This model clips on to your waist whereas more advanced models can be worn on the wrist.
With my FitBit on, I have started this journey. I have now had the unit for over a week and so far I have hit goal everyday. FitBit has an app for you phone that keeps track of your steps, miles walked, calories, burned, floors climbed, and how many minutes you have been active every day. You can also track other exercise, water intake, log food and sleep and a few other stats that I don’t have set up yet. I just have the basic tracking setup and it has really provided a great motivation to stay on track and get to my goals.
The FitBit software also provides motivation in the form of badges and challenges. The badges come when you hit a certain number of steps in a day, climb a certain number of floors, or walk the equivalent distance of certain landmarks and sizable countries. The badges also come with an option to share them on social media. The FitBit dashboard is also its own form of social network. You can add friends who have FitBits and see how you rank in number of steps taken. You can also compete in challenges to add motivation to getting your steps.
After a week I am definitely feeling better about myself and want to keep pushing myself. I just need to keep finding ways to get steps in.Although I did not realize when I ordered the FitBit that PokemonGo would be released the day I got it. It just seems like this was meant to be. I look forward to the first con I go to with this thing as I would love to see how much I really walk at a con.
All in all, I recommend the FitBit. It is helping me change my life for the better. I am also looking to see how else I can make fitness fun and nerdy. I’ll write more as those opportunities arise.
