Fit Bit Anyone?

DivineMrsM

Do any of you use a fitbit? If so, and if you like it, what style or kind do you recommend? I am wondering if it might help me become a little more active or if it isn't worth the bother.

keetmom

I just got a Garmin one, (had 2 fitbits home, couldn't get them to charge) for the same reason

Midwest_Laura

I got a Fitbit last month.  I bought the Alta HR because 1) I was curious about how far I was walking each day, 2) I wanted to monitor my sleep patterns, and 3) I wanted to do all of this without a big, clunky thing on my arm.  (NOTE: My DH has a Charge HR, and I feel that the size of his Fitbit is just too big for my narrow wrist.  No where near as attractive as the slim profile of the Alta.)

Since I started using it, I have really gotten into it.  I like checking my steps throughout the day.  I like the little "cheers" and the "reminders" that it gives to me.  It does motivate me to get in a few more steps, a few more minutes of exercise, and to challenge myself to hit my goals.  I also like using the iPhone app to monitor the amount of water that I drink each day.  I'm on Ibrance, and I find that I get to the point of dehydration must faster than normal.  By logging my water intake, its a good reminder to me to get the water that I need.

Goincrzy8

I have the old fashioned fitbit zip. I clip it to my bra daily for my steps. It does motivate me to walk more. i do find that since I am off work I am not getting the steps I did while working so it is a good push for me. I dont have trouble sleeping and I personally dont want something on my wrist.

stagefree

Hey Divine,

Was asking the same q myself before. Consulted a professional friend. He explined the whole thing so good. As with routine workouts, you warm up, exercise and cool down.. so the steps in btw count actually. Otherwise, the counts are misleading. If do have smartphone/free version stick with it, don't bother paying for a professional one, especially in your case, he concluded.

I also asked MO, who said, walk as you can, swim as as you can. Counting and setting targets no needed, may add yet more daily stress.

Hugs

Ebr

cive

Divine, there is a fitness thread Z started that includes all things fitbit.  You might stop by that thread and ask.  Hey if playing with a new toy encourages you to do more physical exercise, I'm all for it.

Heidihill

I used my phone for the longest time to count steps but I usually only checked when going on long hikes. Fitbit gets you addicted to checking with all the badges you get in the beginning then it gets a bit boring as it gets harder to come by a new badge. My next goal is 35,000 steps in one day, for example, but who knows when I get to it. Maybe next year. To spice things up it really helps to have friends. So do join our Fitbit community if you decide to get one. PM Z. I use a Blaze which can connect to my phone GPS and has a heart rate monitor. It is nice to see my tracks when I go biking using the GPS (which I could also do on my phone). I use the heart rate monitor only every once in a while (like when I want to test my fitness level) but some people have it on all the time.  

illimae

Hi there, I use the Fitbit Alta, I've had it over a year and love it! It's not the HR because I'll worry myself if the heart rate seems too high without explanation. My favorite features are reading short texts on it without pulling out my phone, hourly reminders to walk and group challenges. The only minor issue I've had sofar is the battery life draining quickly, it's happened twice and is fixed by resetting it, which is just pushing a button on the charger. I love Z's group too, the stage IV ladies are some dedicated steppers

MameMe

Hi Divine Ms M, I was given a fitbit at Christmas, and have used it quite a lot. Its the larger fitbit charge model, which bothers my arm somewhat, with occasional rashes. I would get the narrowest one I could, and better yet, a pin on. The features I like are the step counting, and the elevation counting, which it measures in flights of stairs. It can measure your resting heartbeat, which I find valuable. When I was a bit more healthy, I tried to get that number down. Lately, since Doxil side effects and a Lyme disease dx, I just try for a two to three mile walk a few times a week. I am not much of a metrics wonk, but my husband is. He loves goals, measurement and competition. Let us know what you decide!

DivineMrsM

Thanks for all the feedback, ladies. It is helping me understand the product better.

Stagefree, I have thought about that side of it that you mention: gee, would I be adding unnecessary stress to my life?

Goicrzy & Mame, I did not realize there was a clip on available. That may be the route I take. There is something I don't connect with by having a black or any other color band on my wrist. Thanks for the tip. It may also be something dh would consider. He wears a watch and doesnt want to add a fit bit to his wrist.

Wiegp22

MameMe

What are you taking for Lyme Disease, I had it I the early 90's and researched it for years.

Paula.

MameMe

Hi Wieg, I was prescibed doxycycline, 100mg, twice a day. This script is for two weeks, but some sources recommend multiple series. Any advice or observations

Wiegp22

MameMe,

Oh yes, first of all if you have had any headaches, Roxy does not cross the blood brain barrier, I come from a small town in upper Michigan and made my doctor call a doctor in new Hampton New Jersey, he told my doc since I was allergic to drug of choice which was IV Rocephen so I had to take Biaxin and Zithromax for 2 years, if a strep multiply' every 7 seconds and you are put on a14 day course of antibiotics then how long do you think you would have to take something that can multiply every72 hours.

I also do d other things besides antibiotics

Paula.

Wiegp22

DivineMrsM,

I would like to get one, kind of expensive for me right next w, but I was also old a lot of people like the charge 2

Paula

txmom

I have the alta and love it! When you get a fitbit, join our stage iv group!