Happy Labor Day everyone! 🙂
Today I’m blogging about a tiny device that has had a HUGE impact on my life. About 10 weeks ago, I made the decision to get healthier. I started small by cutting out soft drinks and ice cream and have gradually increased my discipline over the weeks to monitoring water intake, counting calories and hiring a personal trainer. I still have a long way to go but I’m proud of my progress this far.
It hasn’t been easy but I’m determined to become more deligent in my habits and focus a bit more on myself as I think it will improve my output into everything I do.
Early this summer, Amelia and I traveled to Asheville, NC for Lindsay + Ryan’s wedding. While we were there, we bought our first pedometers. We figured with all of the in-city walking and out-of-city hiking it would be neat to count our steps…but we had NO idea it would send us on this journey.
I loved my pedometer so much that when I returned home, I began researching the fitbits. My friend Katie owns the Jawbone UPÂ which inspired me to research lifestyle monitoring devices such as these.
Long story short, I took a risk and bought the fitbit one. I ultimately made the decision because I love its ability to sync via bluetooth to my smartphone. It was $100 and I found mine at Target. I was a little apprehensive spending the money but now I know it’s worth every penny. In fact, I love it so much I wanted to share my thoughts on how it works for anyone interested in their own personal journey to becoming healthy.
Below is the interface that can be found on fitbit.com. It’s the overview of my daily steps, calorie intake, water, sleep, and calories burned. It’s also the homepage where I can upload a photo and connect with friends. Since I bought my fitbit, I’ve lost 6.5 lbs and have connected with a dozen other fitbit users that I know personally!
It’s become a fun challenge to compete with others on a 7-day average for steps and an even more fun challenge to compete with myself daily regarding calorie & water intake, activity, etc. I’ve set a personal goal weight and goal date…per fitbit’s encouragement…so I’ll see where it takes me.
Within the dashboard, you can revist any particular day of progress. This is my BEST day so far!!! While we were in San Francisco for Natalie + Will’s anniversary session, I did LOTS of walking!
It’s a bit confusing when you go to purchase the fitbit because they have more than one option. It’s simply a matter of personal preference but I chose the fitbit one (below) because it’s small and no one knows that I’m wearing it. I can clip it to my bra or put it on my pocket depending on what I’m wearing.
I’m also a total nerd and love the flower graphic that grows when you’re active. I have black (of course). Amelia actually has one as well now and hers is purple!
Two of my friends purchased the fitbit zip. It’s purpose is similar to the fitbit one but it doesn’t track your sleep. I’m also not too sure how the apps for the two devices differ but I do know there are slight differences between the fitbit one and the fitbit flex.
Below is the fitbit flex. I do envy my friend who has this one because you never have to take it off (even when you shower) so you don’t risk losing it or washing it with your clothes. The only downfall is that you would have to find a way to disguise it should it not look good with your outfit. There are also a few differences in the app as well as the flex’s inability to display your progress on the actual band; you’ll need to check the app for that.
This is a peek at what the app looks like on my iphone. (again…this was my best day ever) but I most definitely have days where my stats are in yellow and red should I not meet my daily goals.
I am by no means a fitbit expert, nor did I get paid for this write-up. I’m simply a fan of how it’s a positively affected my life and I hope that it can positively affect yours too. If you do have any specific questions about the fitbit feel free to leave a comment I can do my best to answer them!
As a wedding photographer, I know that lots of couples use their wedding as a goal date for getting fit. I hope this device can help you on your journey!
Have a wonderful labor day!
Cat
