A few years ago, way back in a mythical time when I was actually doing quite a bit of exercise (well, for me) and, perhaps even more surprisingly, actually starting to enjoy it (I know, right?!), I ventured into the wonderful world of fitness trackers – specifically, in my case, a small black-and-plum-coloured Fitbit Ultra.
When I clipped this tiny little device onto my person and wore it wherever I went, it magically told me how many steps I’d taken each day, how far I’d walked, how many flights of stairs I’d climbed, and even how long and how well I’d slept. Fascinating stuff! I loved my Fitbit Ultra, my only real frustration being how easy it was for me to forget to unclip it from my clothes and thereby accidentally run it through the washing machine (which very nearly happened a couple of times), or to have it fall off without my noticing and be lost forever. (In fact, I DID lose it at one point, and was devastated, but Fitbit very kindly sent a replacement to me and I was back up and running – er, walking – in no time.)
For awhile, anyway.
Fast forward (because it’s really not a particularly interesting story) past my ongoing paranoia about losing my Fitbit Ultra a second time, to starting to slack off on exercise, to quitting using my Fitbit Ultra altogether, to trying to motivate myself to get back into exercising, to buying a new Fitbit Force, to returning the Fitbit Force when it was recalled, and finally, to today… where I am the proud (and hopeful!) owner and wearer of a brand new black-banded Fitbit Charge.
I’ve only had it for a couple of days so far, but it’s terrific. Because the Charge is a bracelet style (rather than clip-on) it’s a whole lot harder to lose (or wash!) – plus since it doubles as a watch, and even notifies me when someone is calling my smartphone, it’s all kinds of helpful rolled up into one little device.
My main reason for wearing my Fitbit Charge isn’t because I’m planning to dive head-first into a major exercise program – but rather as inspiration and motivation to simply move more. Those of you who spend a lot of time sitting at an office desk – particularly when working from home, as I do – will understand just how challenging it is to get up, get moving, and get enough exercise each day. I’m hoping the stats from my Fitbit Charge will give me that extra push to beat my previous day’s step and stair count, and gradually help me move towards better overall fitness.
So off I go!
(P.S. – If you’re a Fitbit wearer as well, I’d love to connect with you for motivation and encouragement! I invite you to check out my Fitbit profile, and feel free to add me to your friends list if you so desire.)
Do you use a fitness tracker of any kind? Is it helpful to you?
Please share!

Twitter: texasebeth
July 16, 2015
the whole paranoia thing about losing or washing a Fitbit is exactly why I bought the Flex. I love it!
Elizabeth recently posted… New York City!
Twitter: alphabetsalad
July 17, 2015
I wish the Charge had the Tori Burch bracelet option that the Flex has!
Laurel Regan recently posted… (Re)joining the Fitbit world
Twitter: kaushiva
July 16, 2015
Don’t have a fitness tracker but do want to buy one! This seems perfect! Hope this keeps you going! 🙂
Aditi recently posted… Cambridge – Of History, Myths & Legends
Twitter: alphabetsalad
July 17, 2015
They are great little devices!
Laurel Regan recently posted… (Re)joining the Fitbit world
Twitter: ellytreehugger
July 17, 2015
I do not have one, though wonder if perhaps I should consider! 😉 I too sit at a desk a lot during the day, often making a point to get up and walk around the block or up and down the stairs or inside the office or stretch. 🙂 <3
elly stornebrink recently posted… The Versatile Blogger’s Award!
Twitter: alphabetsalad
July 17, 2015
You really have to be intentional about exercise when you work at a desk all day!
Laurel Regan recently posted… (Re)joining the Fitbit world
Loving my Fitbit Charge. It does help me get motivated.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
July 17, 2015
They’re great, aren’t they?!
Laurel Regan recently posted… (Re)joining the Fitbit world
Twitter: parul2411
July 17, 2015
I sooo want a fitbit! I recently got to know about it and all that I need now is a compatible phone. My current one is a 4 and Fitbit works best with 5 and higher 🙁
So I need to invest in a FitBit and a phone! How I wish these companies could send me a free product!
Parul recently posted… Do Maternity Trousers Protect Pride?
Twitter: alphabetsalad
July 17, 2015
I know, right?! I had to buy this one for myself, but it’ll be worth it. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… (Re)joining the Fitbit world
Awesome blog! Fit bit tracker is very useful for everyone. I am also thinking about to wear it because I spend my lots of time in my office. So it is not easy to check my healthy every day. Thanks…
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 6, 2015
It certainly is a helpful device!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Tangled Tuesday Break
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