Last year the FitBit debuted at the 2008 TechCrunch 50. I read about it and instantly wanted one. This little gadget would help me with my neverending (and seemingly fruitless) quest for weight loss. Before I tell you about it, let me tell you about how I just now got my hands on one. I have a definite case of “early adopter syndrome.” Knowing this, my husband immediately pre-ordered a FitBit for me last September, assuming it would be a Christmas present. The FitBit date was pushed back multiple times (birthday, Valentine’s, Easter, anniversary) until he finally presented me with it yesterday. (“Happy, um Sweetest Day, honey!”)
It’s hardware, which always takes longer than software to create. Additionally, they’ve apparently had some firmware issues along the way that they were unable to reproduce consistently. But on Tuesday it arrived in the mail – one for each of us actually – in a very tiny package.
The FitBit itself is about the size of a USB stick. This has me a little nervous, because although the FitBit can actually be clipped to my clothing, I have a superpower for losing USB sticks. Cross your fingers I don’t lose this.
The FitBit monitors my steps – yep, it’s a high-end pedometer with a fancy blue OLED. But additionally, it monitors how many calories I’m burning and, most intriguingly, it monitors my sleep habits. You place the FitBit in a soft wrist pouch while you sleep and it tracks when you’re awake and when you’re getting the most sleep and how much. I’ve only done this one night, but I apparently woke up 15 times throughout the course of the night and ended up getting about 7 hours sleep despite being in bed for 9 hours. Consistent sleeping habits are key for weight loss and I’ve never really been able to monitor my own before.
How does all this information get shared? The FitBit comes with a tiny wireless base station. If I’m anywhere near it, the FitBit transmits my latest information, which is then uploaded automatically to FitBit.com. At any point in my day, I can log onto my account and view my progress. The site itself is reminiscent of Weight Watchers online. You can enter information into a daily food journal, as well as add specific activities. In my case, the FitBit knew I’d taken rapid steps for an hour, but I was able to specifically adjust the calories burned for ballroom dancing. Of course, there’s also a weight tracker and a few other tracking charts.
How does all this help you lose weight? It is, after all, a fancy pedometer. Well, it makes you very aware of your habits. By being more aware of how many calories you’re burning per day, even with regular movement, you can more easily figure out what changes you need to make to get healthier. Will it work? Well, I’ve only had the FitBit a few days. In fact, as you’re reading this, I’m on vacation, walking around the Epcot Food & Wine Festival at Disney World in Florida. After wearing the FitBit through vacation (and hopefully not losing it), I’ll report back and let you know.
The FitBit is finally available and retails for $99, including use of the web site. You can, however, use the web site without purchasing a FitBit.
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Cheers!
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I’m a sucker for graphs and monitoring things. After a few months of using the FitBit, would you still recommend it?