I never jump on the bandwagon right away. I like to watch a while. Doesn’t matter what it is. Don’t go to a new restaurant in the first month. Don’t buy a new product. And good grief never new electronics! Sometimes it takes me a long time to recognize value or need. (Yes I still have my Conestoga wagon in my garage!)
Recently I jumped in with both feet surprising myself. I wanted a pedometer. Something to count my steps. Simple and easy. No fancy stuff.
I had one that wasn’t very good about ten years ago and was hoping that there was improvement.
Periodically I checked and the accuracy wasn’t there. Clip on or wrist band was the controversy. Finally I decided to get a fitness watch. Such a selection. My eyes went bleary reading the reviews.
Ultimately it was price and popularity that chose. That and a really good holiday sale.
I wanted something entry level. If I’m not enamored of it, I won’t use it. Then there was the fit. I have small wrists. My wrist circumference is 4-1/2”. That’s smaller than the child version which comes in Star Wars or Dinosaurs but not Hello Kitty. (What were they thinking?)
The first one I bought went back the next day. I learned some lessons from it. I needed one that was square rather than a long narrow version. The square ones are ginormous. I could make it work so I’d have to get used to that. It looks like a cinder block sitting on my wrist.
The second one I purchased was better. I immediately bought a different band that didn’t have a buckle and that made a big difference.
I set it up without fancy stuff and started walking. Cool. It would send me messages. I was in love. It was very happy with me. I started adding things. Even more cool. I can track my sleep. Whoa! Do I get that much sleep? I can get texts and email. Super whoa!
I’m really bad at drinking enough fluids and I can track that. I can set alarms to remind me to do things. What I liked most was the positive reinforcement I get from it. It sends me badges when I reach a goal. It’s like school with star stickers.
It tells me how wonderful I am. Even if I don’t attain the goal, there is no shame. It goes onto the next hour hoping for better performance from me. It’s my new bestie.
If you would have told me this, I would have laughed. Seriously it’s a step counter. How could I get so involved?
I should have upgraded to the rose gold version. Maybe it cleans windows.
It’s my competitive nature that’s coming out. Excuse me, I have to do 86 steps to meet my hourly goal. We’ll talk soon!
I loved my fitness watch for the few days until I realized it wouldn’t count cycling or spinning as steps. WTH?! If I’m working out, I wanted credit for it. Meanwhile, it would count chopping vegetables as steps. Go figure.
So the fitness watch got demoted to a shelf in the closet where it still sits today.
Admittedly, I’ve been eyeing the Apple Watch for a while now, but the truth is, I simply like watches and have MANY of them as proof 😉
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Chopping vegetables count? I’ll have to try that. Mine doesn’t count cycling unless I set up an app and I haven’t done that. I am enthralled with it. At ten minutes before the hour it will buzz me if I didn’t meet the hour goal and I get up and walk. Nothing makes me do that! I bought the entry level. I’m already thinking about an upgrade where I can order a Starbucks. I am hooked! 🙂 Sadly all this happened after I spent money replacing all the watch batteries that were dead!
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Hmmm – it will count cycling with an app? I may have to rethink this.
… just what I need … another watch 😉
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You are the second person in my Reader today to profess their love for a new step counting gadget. One more and I may consider trying it again too!
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You either like them and find them useful or you don’t. They are better than they used to be.
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I keep wanting to try a Fitbit but never get round to budgeting for it. Pretty fun to see what you’re phone thinks you’ve done on the apps they can come with if you actually carry it around all day through.
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Wearing it on the wrist makes it easy to carry around. It’s my first week with it so we’ll see how it works long term but it keeps me moving.
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Good luck 🙂 when I was learning to hula hoop I saw a video by one of my favourite hoopers that showed the difference of different hooping techniques to burning calories using a Fitbit. So it seems like a good way to compare different exercises.
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Wow. I never thought of that!
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So glad you are having fun with your new tracker! They really can be great for helping you meet fitness goals 🙂 If you really want to get competitive, link up with someone else and compete for steps!
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That would be dangerous. Last night my watch was unhappy because I didn’t hit 12K steps (my all time high so far). I was considering walking at 10 p.m.
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I’ve worn out two Fitbits, and haven’t decided if I’m going to replace and begin again. I think I get more than enough steps in a day, but I’m like you, I do enjoy tracking. And I think that seeing a number sometimes encouraged me to perhaps walk just a little further. Good for you. I set daily goals, but not hourly. You really are dedicated! 🙂
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My watch sets hourly goals. It makes it easy as 250 steps is very doable.
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That sounds fun Kate and next you will be setting a year-end goal and have us egging you o to do more. You already do the gym on a regular basis, so you are all set in the exercise department. I just use a pedometer and have the same one I bought in 2011 when I began walking – it is just simple but measures steps and gives you your past 7 days’ steps. My walking has not gotten traction as I’ve not gotten out since Sunday due to our weather and Monday I did errands, but my resolution for the new year is less sitting – the sitting at the computer since I have gotten busier with blogging in November of 2017 means I am logging way too many hours at the computer and that’s not good – 12 hours a day sometimes, so I have a bike, but have not been diligent about going down on it due to the cold basement – no excused going forward!
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No long term goals. I just live life day by day! I’m just hoping this enthusiasm lasts!
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Day to day is good and roll with what comes your way. Hopefully the weather does not impact you. I was just reading a comment by a Pennsylvania blogger – Laurie is an avid runner and she will be running in 60 degree temps tomorrow.
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That’s the prediction here too.
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We have had torrential rain all morning – expected most of the day but the more northern burbs who will get ice, our energy providers (we have two in Michigan) have recruited 200 linemen from neighboring states and they all will position their rigs so they don’t have to drive a long distance on icy roads to fix the downed lines. I will be glad when it is Sunday.
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Kate, I am into pedometers. Especially when they also work as a watch. I happen to have the rose gold one. I had a four year old one I handed down to my daughter. Btw, drinking wine seems to count as steps. Just sayin’
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The rose gold one looks so pretty. It cost more and I wasn’t sure if I would embrace this. Next time for sure. Wine? Whoa!
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I had a Fitbit but it lied. Really, it did. After wearing both my Fitbit and my husband’s Fitbit at the same time for a few days I discovered that my Fitbit registered less steps than his. Like a thousand steps less per day. Naturally I tossed the little liar and bought a bottom of the line pedometer that is unpretentious and truthful. Just saying, beware of what your device tells you.
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I have been amazed at what it tells me. If anything it’s high. The one I had all those years ago, didn’t register all steps. Not sure how it worked sitting on my hip, but so far, this one is good. If only it washed windows! The next one up has Alexa! (No I don’t need Alexa!)
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Interesting about how this one is improved. A Fitbit with Alexa? Oh my, how very Jetsons.
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My husband calls it my Dick Tracy watch!
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Love it!
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It’s great to hear your enthusiasm over your Fitbit. I had one a few years back, it looks like they have changed the name of the one I had. Now it is an Inspire but I didn’t have a lot of bells and whistles. My favorite feature was the get off my butt warning every hour. I didn’t stick with it long because my wrist gets all claustrophobic with something on it. I have never been able to wear anything on my wrists. Quirky… I know.
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The Inspire was the first one I tried but it didn’t fit right so I sent it back. I always wear a watch so this isn’t too different although it’s a lot bigger.
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I wonder if they make them in my size? I nap a bit, but I also do sprints throughout the day to stay in shape. I bet I do more than I think! Good luck with your sprints. Does jumping on the bed count?
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Jumping on the bed doesn’t count. I think you would be too fast for a tracker! You would leave it in the dust.
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Too bad, I’ve always wondering how many steps I take when I go on my sprinting bursts. I’m sure it’s a million.
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Yep, I know all too well how addictive these fitness trackers can be. Since it’s crappy outside, I’ll be earning my steps indoors today (as I used to just about every day when I was working)…and I haven’t worn the finish of my floors yet!
Enjoy, Kate!
Deb
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Who knew a watch could make exercise fun! I sure hope it lasts!
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My FitBit is gathering dust in a cabinet so maybe I need to dig it out again. It wasn’t a fancy version like yours, but it did show fireworks when I hit 10,000 steps (yay!). I guess whatever works to keep us motivated is good. Bone density is important and those of us with smaller bones (although my wrist is larger in diameter than 4.5″) are especially susceptible to problems.
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The only parameter for osteoporosis that I am missing is Asian! 🙂
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I have a pedometer on my phone but that is it so far. I help in a charity shop and I had someone pay with his watch the other day which was disconcerting.
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The next step up has a pay app. That would make me worry if I lost it. I probably can download an app for my phone but I don’t carry it around with me. The watch is always on my wrist.
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Good for you to have found something so motivating!! I had a Fitbit a few years ago that clipped to my pocket since I also have small wrists. It was very motivating for me to keep up with my steps each day. (Unfortunately, I lost it one day while on vacation.) If it tracked water and such I wasn’t aware of that feature and that would have been nice. I don’t drink nearly enough on a daily basis. I like the aspect of self competition and find it so rewarding!
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I was looking for the one that clipped to the pocket but fitbit no long makes it. There are apps you can download that track swimming, biking, etc. That’s too techy for me (and I don’t swim and bike!).
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Good for you Kate. Shame it doesn’t clean windows, but does it make tea/coffee? LOL
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Sadly no. Considering I wanted something simple, this has far exceeded my expectations.
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Good to know that you’re happy with your purchase.
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Your post has me smiling! A fitbit is what my son wanted for Christmas and he is so happy with his as well. He was walking around the living room last night in a circle and I was like what are you doing? He was getting his steps in, for it was too cold outside! LOL! I am thinking I may have to add it to my Christmas list this year!
You give me hope that there can be one to fit my tiny wrist, for mine are tiny just like yours!
Enjoy!
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When you are ready, contact me. I can give you some suggestions that worked for me. You can go with a child’s version but it didn’t give the apps I wanted and it was pretty gaudy. Yes, that’s coming from me, the queen of gaud! I too will march around the house to get those steps in. I keep wondering if this will be hard on my floor finishes.
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So much psychology wrapped up in a watch. But at least those badges are for a good cause.
I’m goal-oriented, too. PokemonGo, which I started playing with my son, gives you new buddies and hatches eggs depending on how much you walk. Pretty addictive.
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I never go involved in those games but you can bet I’d be competitive! Hope this lasts!
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Hilarious! I can’t remember when I was so entertained by someone’s good, healthy news. Way to go, Kate! I love your writing.
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Good for you! Sounds like you found the right “Wrist Mom” to keep you stepping away. I’d go for simple too. Don’t carry phone with me all the time and actually don’t really need reminders of any kind, but if I knew how much (or how little) I’m moving around I think it would make me keep up with walking. I have leg problems with one leg so can’t do a LOT but I can do SOME and I should. Thank heavens for YouTube – they can show you how to do almost ANYTHING !
Hugs, Pam
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It has been very helpful for me. Maybe when I can sense it by myself, I won’t need it but for now, it’s keeping me moving.
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I’m still using the old fashion way. When my feet hurt at the end of the day, I know I’ve walked enough. Enjoy your new toy!
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It’s not so much my feet but my whole body!
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I am still using an old version….tracks steps, sleep, water…no watch and very thin band. I love the badges too but seldom get one.
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As long as it works! I am finding it very motivating especially since it’s winter and I have to work to get steps in. Maybe my interest will wane in the spring.
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Great motivation device. I wonder what data is it sending back home to its manufacturer? Perhaps you will get a “Happy Birthday”, a “Merry Christmas”, and maybe even “You haven’t done the laundry yet” messages. When it starts telling you that you are getting low on toilet tissue … you know you have a problem! 🙂
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No problem! We never get low on toilet paper! I worry about messages about my cats.
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I really love this post. It is almost (key word almost) making me want to get whatever it is that you got! It sounds like you have a personal trainer with you 24/7. I need that. I need a hand holder, a supporter, a cheerleader. But, wearing it means I have to give up all my other watches. Tisk, tisk…
good health or old habits????? Very conflicted. (Oh and does it come with a real live person to help you set it up?)
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I won’t lie, I spent hours trying to set it up only to resort to YouTube. I would recommend anyone go directly there for instructions. The instructions are generic to the model. I have the lowest level and it doesn’t do some things the more expensive models do but it took YouTube to tell me that! It sends me messages so I don’t sit for an hour and I like that. I do get up and move so it’s working.
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God for you! The step tracker on my phone helps keep me moving without judgment too. Isn’t it wonderful how sometimes technology is simple as well as grand? Congrats. Here’s to running up those numbers.
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Oops, make that “good” for you. Sigh…I must still be half asleep. Sorry.
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It’s funny. I read good. My brain is conditioned.
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Mine too because I could have sworn I typed “good.”
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Yep, I was ecstatic when I hit 12,000 steps. It’s winter so I don’t do all the outdoor walking I do in better weather. I don’t get near that usually but that was a good day.
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Very impressive!
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A new toy!
A new addiction!
Yay!
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At least it’s a healthy addiction. Not giving up chocolate though!
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I just read a very similar blog post about how SAVING can be FUN:
“Kumiko Love attempted 12 different frugal challenges in 2019 and chronicled them on her website, The Budget Mom. Participating in a challenge can make the sometimes-intimidating task of saving money easier to stomach. Instead of a chore, a challenge feels competitive and exciting. With a deadline, a gimmick and sometimes an Instagrammable chart, it can even be fun.”
So, Mary Poppins was right. “In every job that must be done there is an element of fun. Find the fun and *snap* the job’s a game!” 😀
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I get satisfaction from meeting goals — real goals that I set. Memories of eating tomatos are what helps me get through digging the garden.
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I have 3 and all 3 will not work (or I’m not able to make them work idk) … but how will something make me working what will not work ? a miracle…. btw: I have my mother as the drink enough reminder, it’s the first question LOL
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I need your mother! I just don’t like water. I spent a few hours setting it up from the directions in the on-line manual. Then I went to YouTube. OMG! Should have gone there first!
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So what one did you finally get that you like so much? Do tell!
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I got a Fitbit Versa Lite. You can’t pay with it (don’t need that) but if my phone is within 30′ it will show text and email messages (don’t need that either). I was more interested in tracking steps. I can get other fitness stuff with it like biking and my gym also has an app but I’m targeting exercise for bone density. I was surprised at how many apps there are. At ten minutes before the hour it sends a message on how many steps I need to meet my goal and yep, I get up and walk. Then I get an “attaboy” message. I also get fireworks when I hit 10K steps. Ok, I’m easy to entertain! Because of my small wrist I had a lot of issues with fit and I was glad to find a band that worked.
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