You may ask yourself, is a Fitbit worth it? Is it worth forking over $60-$150 or more for a gadget that tracks your activity? The answer is a resounding “Yes.” The features of the Fitbit provide motivation and accountability that are worth every cent, if not priceless. For those who may be new to fitness trackers – remember that toy you were inseparable with as a child? A Fitbit in the hands of a gym junkie evokes the same feelings of necessity and companionship: it is that friend keeping us on track, helping us live the lives we want to lead.
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Fitbit is arguably the NYT Best Seller of the fitness tracking industry. With a variety of models that all include the ability to track one’s steps throughout the day, FitBit, even in it’s most basic models, can provide encouragement and accountability to users through feedback and performance tracking. Models like the Alta and the Ace, which targets child consumers specifically, range from 59.95 to 99.95, and provide the most affordable option to those looking to track without complication or added frills. They allow the users to do what they cannot easily do for themselves: calculate calories burned during any active phase of their day.
Should Fitbit users desire additional features like heart monitoring and sleep stage tracking, they can purchase models like the Versa and Iconic. At $199.99, the Versa tracks how many floors a user has climbed, and gives users access to guided breathing sessions based on heart rate. It also includes a connected GPS, which tracks real-time pace and distance. These models go even further beyond the others with additional features such as tracking a woman’s menstrual and fertility cycles, as well as the ability to store and play up to 300 songs. The Ionic, which weighs in at a hefty $299.99, has more or less the same features as the Versa, plus on-screen Adidas workouts.
The Charge HR and Charge 3 provide more middle of the road options. I upgraded from the Charge HR (which is no longer available) to the Charge 3 right before a trip to Israel. I signed up for an insanely active trip with a lot of hiking and, honestly, I wanted a bigger display to show me how many steps I was racking up through the day. Besides the larger screen, the feature “Reminders to move” was new to me and, in the beginning; I would grin with glee that my Fitbit was being so kind as to remind me to get moving.
Getting your steps in doesn’t have to be a solitary victory. Having a Fitbit allows you to connect with your fellow “Fitbitters” by sharing data and competing against one another to earn the most steps or other metrics. Worried that a Fitbit will cramp your style? Go online and take a look! Fitbits can be as stylish or as low-profile as you are comfortable with. With so many styles and models to choose from, there’s bound to be one to suite your taste. And have I mentioned how comfortable they are to wear? You will forget you’re wearing one before long, except when you’re congratulated on reaching your step goal. You can also customize your step goal with a Fitbit. Think 10,000 is a bit of a reach to start off with? Go with 5,000 instead, and work your way up. All Fitbits need to charge every couple days or so, depending on the individual device. But don’t worry, in just two hours or less, you’ll be back out there, racking up more steps!
Many may wonder, are Fitbits water-resistant? Yes, they are. I recently wore my new Charge 3 swimming in a river on a recent trip. Instead of rafting like the rest of my group, I decided to swim 3 1/3 miles. I checked my Fitbit every so often, expecting to see a dark screen, having submerged it in water for forty-five minutes, but my Fitbit remained on my wrist, actively tracking my activity for the remainder of the trip. Fitbits can really increase your motivation to exercise, almost like a personal coach cheering you on. Before long, you’ll forget that you’re earning steps and exercising for your health, to lose weight or run that marathon you’ve been dreaming about, because seeing a flashing 10,000 on your Fitbit’s display will make you want to walk more, or have a private dance party celebration right where you are.
A Fitbit is a great investment in your personal health. My Charge HR put me on the path to achieving my personal weight loss goals. Before owning a Fitbit, I dreaded exercise and wanted to do anything but drag myself to the gym. Since slapping on my Fitbit, I found a new source of inspiration and motivation – and couldn’t wait to get moving and reach my step goal each day. I got excited when I discovered I had walked in the wrong direction and had to turn around because it meant more steps. And yes, I couldn’t wait to take the stairs! Now, my Fit-bit Charge 3 (which has made its home on my wrist) will help me continue to achieve my fitness goals and your Fitbit could help you achieve yours, too.
Do you have a Fitbit? If so, which one do you have? Please share your feedback below.
