Fitbit Pros and Cons

For Christmas I got a Fitbit Flex.  Several people have asked me if I like it or if it "works" so I thought I would share a the things I like and don't like about it:

Reasons I Like My Fitbit:

1. I am definitely more active than I would be without it.

2. I have lost all of my "baby weight" in the last six months which probably would not have happened unless I was exercising in addition to "bottle nursing".

3. Walking is "exercise" I can handle.  The baby can come too (and the stroller is great for holding my coat/wallet/stuff)!

4. My friends with Fitbits (indirectly) motivate me to get up and moving.  I hate to look like a lazy SAHM slacker. :)

5. I listen to podcasts (more on that coming up) while I go for my daily walk.

6. It syncs to my phone so I always know where I stand.

7. It isn't huge or annoying on my arm.  When I push the stroller I attach it to my shoe or put it in my pocket so it still counts my steps.

8. There are a few "challenges" you can invite friends to participate in and compete with them.  I am regularly in at least one challenge during the week.

9. It tracks your sleep.  I found this really helpful in the early newborn days when I was convinced I wasn't sleeping at all.  Fitbit gave me some perspective.

10.  It is pretty accurate.  There isn't much worse than going on a several mile walk to find out your pedometer wasn't on or only counted half a mile or something weird.


Things I Don't Like About My Fitbit:

1. I think the competitive part of it could be easier to use and more effective.  I was using a pedometer app on my phone a few years ago and I liked it better for that purpose.

2. I got mine right before they introduced the Alta.  My Fitbit flex is fine for what it is, but the Alta has a clock on it without being larger which is exactly what I wanted.

3. The battery has to be recharged.  Obviously this isn't really a bad thing, but there have been several times I have forgotten and not realized until late in the day (thus none of my steps counted!).  I also hate feeling like I'm losing steps because it has to charge.  It does send you notifications when the battery gets low which is super helpful.

4. It isn't waterproof.


And there you have it- significantly more pros than cons!  Anybody else have a Fitbit and want to be friends?