My Fitbit One

I have recently upped the ante in my fitness routine thanks to a very small but functional gadget called "Fitbit One".   While I was at the Chicago Reunion which I posted about in my last entry,   I noticed that several of the ladies were highly motivated to make sure they got their steps in each and every day - generally, this translated to about 10k steps or as close to that as they could given the itinerary we had each day.  Coincidentally, my Omron pedometer "bit the dust" during the reunion (this was after I had placed a brand new battery in it).   That and the motivation my friends have with their Fitbit contributed to my decision to purchase one.  I've had mine now for just five days but I've already noticed a huge difference in my motivation level to "keep moving" - and get my own steps in.   I'm not saying I'm walking 10k steps each day as I do have knee issues but I've done well in planning out my walks so that I walk between 1.5 and 2 miles and I'm trying to get in at least 4-5 long walks a week.  I've gotten up to 9k steps, however, as the Fitbit One counts one's steps throughout the entire day.  Along with my walks, I'm also getting in my lap swimming a few times a week - would be able to do more but we seem to have had a number of "issues" with our pool - i.e. pool repairs have gotten in the way.

Besides giving me immediate feedback on the number of steps I take during the day, I can also track my fitness routines online with my Fitbit One.  Once I sync it with my Dashboard online, it gives me the following information:  total steps, calories, stair climbing (if any), low-medium-high activity bar graph, active vs sedentary, distance traveled, and then I receive "badges" for various milestones - such as the first 5,000 steps, the first 25 steps climbed, etc.  Definitely very user friendly as can be seen by the colorful graphic below:

There is also a Journal and Food Log on the website, but I'm only using the Journal.  I will probably sync my Fitness One a few other websites - one is Earndit.com which offers "rewards" for reaching various fitness goals.  The other is Endomondo.com which tracks fitness routes in the neighborhood.  In addition, I plan to familiarize myself with My Fitness Pal (myfitnesspal.com) which several friends use to track their food intake (Food Log) and then decide whether I will use that or return to WW for food tracking. I'm particularly drawn to the former as it is "free"!   As for the Fitbit One, if it continues to be a motivational factor in my exercise routine, it will be well worth the $89. I paid for it!    

Addendum:

Popped in to add that I not only got my 10k Badge yesterday after I wrote this blog entry - but also went up to 11,400 steps!!  WOW!   Yep - Fitbit One is definitely a "keeper"!  : )   A HUGE THANKS to KarenF, KarenC, Nancy,  Bonnie, and a few others!!!