Monday, August 1, 2011

Fitness Gear: Fitbit Review and Giveaway

CLOSED

On June 1, 2011 I officially jumped on board a lifestyle-changing mission toward weight loss and fitness.  I gathered my "gear," switched my brain over to "motivated," went to the grocery and bought all the necessary "healthy" foods, and got started!  Following the LeanGreenMama bootcamp blueprint, the pounds started FLYING off.  After a few weeks, though, the weight loss sort of began to taper off.  It was still coming off, of course, but much more slowly than at the very beginning.  Desperate to pick up the pace, I began searching for the perfect pedometer to help motivate me to take more steps each day and slowly boost the calories I was burning.

After tons of searching, online review reading, store browsing, and finally giving up, I stumbled across a review for the Fitbit fitness tracker!

The Scoop

Fitbit is a California based company "dedicated to helping people lead healthier, more active lives."  Their monitor looked amazing!  They claimed to be able to track your calorie intake, your calories burned, your steps, the distance you walk...even your SLEEP patterns!  Fitbit agreed that their monitor would be a great addition to my weight loss and fitness process, and they agreed to send me one of their monitors.


The Good

The size.  The Fitbit monitor is small.  In fact, it's so small you don't even notice it when you're wearing it!  The monitor itself is about 2 inches long, but only about half an inch thick.  I love how small it is compared to other pedometers I've tried!


The website.  When you purchase a Fitbit monitor, you automatically receive the basic website membership at no additional cost.  The website has tabs to log your food (so it can track your caloric intake), your activities (so it can accurately track your calories burned) and a weight tracker!  There's also a Fitbit community where you can log in and talk to a mentor or just generally chit-chat.  You can view today's progress or go into "historical" mode and see results from any date you choose.  There are charts and graphs of all the activities you've done today!  The whole website is really amazing and has so much to offer.

The durability.  Granted I've only had the Fitbit for a couple weeks, but so far it's holding up really well!  I was a little concerned that it would snap in half, but so far it's held up and still looks brand new.  I'm pretty careful with it, though.

The versatility.  Mostly, here, I'm talking about the ways you can clip it on.  The Fitbit comes with a holster that you can slide it into to hook it onto thicker clothes.  You can slip the monitor itself directly to thinner clothes.  Fitbit says many women will clip it directly to their bra.  I personally clip it to the waistband of my underwear.  No matter where on your torso you decide to clip your Fitbit tracker, it will work just as well!


The motivation.  The Fitbit monitor does a great job of tracking my steps each day, and I try to increase my steps.  It tells me how many calories I should burn each day (2394) and how many I have burned (so far today? 1007).  It tells me how many hours I've been lightly active, fairly active, very active, or sedentary.  (Today the pie graph isn't pretty.)  Each day I strive to do better than the day before.  On the first day I just went about my "normal" day to see how many steps I took.  The results were scary...only about 3500 steps!  Eeep!  Since then, I've strived to increase that number each day.  I've had as many as 12,000 steps in a day, but am currently striving to hit at least 7000.  I know I SHOULD be aiming for 10,000, but that's a huge leap that I'm working up to!  As I said, it's helping to keep me motivated!

The sleep tracker.  This, my friends, is one of my favorite parts.  I guess I can't say for sure how accurate it is, but what I can tell you is that on days when it says I didn't sleep well/much, I am tired and draggy all day.  On days (like yesterday) when I have a good night's sleep and get at least several uninterrupted hours, I'm much more perky.  The Fitbit comes with a wristband.  The idea is that you will strap the band to your non-dominant wrist (I don't know why) and slide the monitor into it.  I tried it for a few nights, but since have been leaving it on the waistband of my underwear and I think I'm getting a more accurate measurement (for me anyway).


The Bad

The wrist strap.  I think it's uncomfortable.  It makes my wrist sweat.  The velcro scratches my arm.  The Fitbit tracker doesn't always stay in the wrist strap.  I don't use the strap.


The holster.  I don't use it either.  In fact, it sits on my bathroom counter.  I don't mind it if I clip it onto my pocket, but I'm afraid the monitor will fall out, so I turn it so the monitor is into my pocket.  I figure if I'm going to have it in my pocket anyway, there isn't a lot of point to even using the clip!  I tried hooking the holster to my waistband but the edges are "sharp" and it's not comfortable.

The sync.  The Fitbit is supposed to wirelessly sync automatically to its base every 15 minutes, as long as you're within 15 feet of the base.  I think 15 minutes is a long time, especially if you are near it right at the beginning of that 15 minutes but miss the time.  In that case, you either have to wait or you have to put the Fitbit onto the base and force it to sync.  It's not a huge deal, but it IS annoying, especially first thing in the morning, to have to wait.

The customer service.  Every question I've asked has been answered.  The trouble is, ever question's taken about 48 hours to answer.  When I have a question, I expect it to be answered quickly, particularly if I ask during business hours.  The answers I've received have been VERY helpful.  The just haven't been quick.

The Outcome

I love the Fitbit fitness tracker!  There are some things that I don't love, but they're not really monitor issues, they're more peripheral issues.  The tracker itself and the website that accompanies the tracker are great!  I think the monitor would be a fantastic asset to anyone who is trying to lose weight or become more physically fit.  If you purchase a Fitbit monitor, you won't regret it!

The Giveaway

Are you trying to lose weight, get fit, or know someone who is?  Do you love having the newest cool gadgets?  Are you curious to see how well you're sleeping?  You'll want to jump on this giveaway!  ONE of my US readers a Fitbit monitor of your very own!  (Retail value $99.95)


US only.  Contest will end and a winner will be drawn Monday, August 15, 2001 at 11:59am EST. 


How to Enter:

*Leave a separate comment for each entry*
*Leave your email address with each entry*

(Mandatory)  Follow My This N That Life with Google Friend Connect.

Like Fitbit on Facebook.

Visit the Fitbit website and tell me something you've learned.
Tell me why you deserve to win a Fitbit tracker.

Like My This N That Life on Facebook.

Subscribe to My This N That Life via email.

Follow My This N That Life on twitter.

Comment on any ONE non-giveaway post and tell me where you commented!  (Must be a new comment.)


I received this products at no cost to me in order to facilitate a review.  I was not compensated in any other way.  All opinions are my own.

108 comments:

Sunflower Joy said...

Follow My This N That Life with Google Friend Connect as Brooke Schwaderer

anjellfire at gmail dot com

Sunflower Joy said...

Like Fitbit on Facebook as Brooke Schwaderer

anjellfire at gmail dot com

Sunflower Joy said...

I learned that it is water resistant but not water proof

anjellfire at gmail dot com

Sunflower Joy said...

I don't know that I necessarily deserve to win but I would like to win so I can keep myself going with the program we already started

anjellfire at gmail dot com

Sunflower Joy said...

like My This N That Life on facebook as Brooke Schwaderer

anjellfire at gmail dot com

Sunflower Joy said...

subscribe by email

anjellfire at gmail dot com

Sunflower Joy said...

follow on twitter as @AnjellfireJoy

anjellfire at gmail dot com

Jill V. said...

Hi! I followed you with google friend connect. jvaughnRN at gmail.com

Jill V. said...

Liked on FB as Jill Tucker Vaughn

Jill V. said...

I liked FitBit and told them you sent me! (Facebook) jvaughnRN at gmail.com

Jill V. said...

I followed you on Twitter as @CrunchyRN :)
jvaughnRN at gmail.com

Jill V. said...

I feel like I deserve to win a FitBit because working out and running is the one thing I try to do for ME as a mom and wife. I have 2 toddlers and a husband who is in school full time. This would motivate me to get out and run, even when I have had a rough day.

Elizabeth said...

For Tina N--Blog follower

Elizabeth said...

For Tina N--followed Fitbit on facebook

Joy N. said...

follow you via gfc
newlanjoyatgmaildotcom

Joy N. said...

like fitbit on fb
newlanjoyatgmaildotdom

Joy N. said...

like you on fb
newlanjoyatgmaildotcom

Joy N. said...

subscribe via emial
newlanjoyatgmaildotcom

Joy N. said...

follow via twitter
newlanjoyatgmaildotcom

Bridgett said...

follow with GFC

princessbridgett at hotmail dot com

Bridgett said...

liked fitbit on FB and said you sent me
Bridgett yoches Zaidi

princessbridgett at hotmail dot com

Bridgett said...

it uploads your data everytime you walk by the docking station. cool!

princessbridgett at hotmail dot com

Bridgett said...

I would like to win the fitbit to encourage me to take more steps and be more active.

princessbridgett at hotmail dot com

Bridgett said...

like this n that on FB
Bridgett yoches Zaidi

princessbridgett at hotmail dot com

Bridgett said...

email subscriber

princessbridgett at hotmail dot com

Buy me! said...

I follow you on GFC
jenlcrum@gmail.com

Buy me! said...

Follow Fit Bit on FB
jenlcrum@gmail.com

Buy me! said...

I learned that Fitbit is based out of San Fransisco
jenlcrum@gmail.com

Buy me! said...

I deserve Fitbit because you like me
jenlcrum@gmail.com

Buy me! said...

like your blog on FB
jenlcrum@gmail.com

Buy me! said...

I get your emails
jenlcrum@gmail.com

Buy me! said...

Twitter follower
jenlcrum@gmail.com

Buy me! said...

I have commented on a lot of things :p
jenlcrum@gmail.com

Unknown said...

GFC follower.
mummytocharis(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

E-mail subscriber.
mummytocharis(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

Like you on Facebook (Sarah Jane).
mummytocharis(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

Like Fitbit on Facebook and let them know that you sent me there.
mummytocharis(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

Twitter follower (@mummytocharis).
mummytocharis(at)yahoo(dot)com

Maia G said...

I deserve to win this because I have sucessfully lost 20 lbs and I have 20 more to lose, so this would help me achieve my goals
mk_mitchell90 at hotmail dot com

Mikaela said...

I am a public follower of GFC!

Thanks!
mikaelar41 at gmail dot com

Maia G said...

I learned some of the people behind the fitbit and also the investors
mk_mitchell90 at hotmail dot com

Mikaela said...

I like Fitbit on Facebook and told them you sent me!

Thanks!
mikaelar41 at gmail dot com

Mikaela said...

I learned that the Fitbit tracks your motion in three dimensions and converts into into useful information about your daily activities!

I deserve to win a Fitbit tracker because i know it will help me. Being a first time mom i had no idea what i was getting into until now, this fitbit tracker will help guide me back into my healthier ways!

Thanks!
mikaelar41 at gmail dot com

Mikaela said...

I like My This N That Life on Facebook!

Thanks!
mikaelar41 at gmail dot com

Mikaela said...

I subscribed to your via emails!

Thanks!
mikaelar41 at gmail dot com

Misty said...

I follow via GFC
mlgillespi at gmail dot com

Misty said...

I 'like' Fitbit on Facebook and told them you sent me. :)
mlgillespi at gmail dot com

Misty said...

They've got so much information on their website! I really like the whole link for calorie in foods. I'm also interested in the phone app they have too. Very cool.

mlgillespi at gmail dot com

Misty said...

Of course I 'like' you on facebook!
mlgillespi at gmail dot com

Misty said...

I subscribe to the email (which is usually how I get most of your blogs!)

mlgillespi at gmail dot com

Misty said...

I follow on twitter (mistylhenry).
mlgillespi at gmail dot com

Misty said...

My latest comment was congratulating the winner for the TruKid giveaway, but other than that, the newest comment was for Bugsy's birthday post. I hope he enjoyed his day!

mlgillespi at gmail dot com

humanecats said...

I like/follow and commented on Fitbit's Facebook as Ricky Todd (rickyT2720@gmail.com)

humanecats at gmail dot com

humanecats said...

The website is great with calorie breakdowns and even a community to help keep you motivated. I deserve to win one because I would use it 24/7. I am on disability for PTSD, COPD and obesity. I've started a workout routine, but I think this would be very motivating and that would help with the COPD and obesity. The sleep tracker would really help with the PTSD.

humanecats said...

email subscriber

humanecats at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

Follow My This N That Life with Google Friend Connect.
knost3@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Follow My This N That Life with Google Friend Connect.
knost3@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Like TNT on FB
knost3@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

email
knost3@gmail.com

madamdjd said...

I sooo want a fitbit! I have been trying to make healthier choices and I think fitbit would help. Please consider me...thanks for the great review.

Unknown said...

I'm a google friend connect follower
Connie
CGruning at aol.com

Unknown said...

Like Fitbit on Facebook as CGruning and left a note.
Connie
CGruning at aol.com

Unknown said...

I subscribe via email
Connie G
CGruning at aol.com

Unknown said...

I love that it's small enough to wear on the center of my bra. I need to win this because I'm trying to lose another 35 pounds. I think the FitBit would keep me motivated.
Connie
CGruning at aol.com

Chip said...

Follow My This N That Life with Google Friend Connect under the name of Chip
chipdip2010(at)hotmail(dot)com

Chip said...

Like Fitbit on Facebook - Jill L
chipdip2010(at)hotmail(dot)com

Chip said...

Like My This N That Life on Facebook - Jill L
chipdip2010(at)hotmail(dot)com

Chip said...

I learned that it gives you an accurate calorie burned instead of an estimate. I can also keep track of the calories eaten by manually logging them into the website. I really need (not sure about deserve) this because after 4 babies and months and months of bedrest, my body is just out of shape. I see this as a good motivator and a good tool to help see what exercises are really going to help me.
chipdip2010(at)hotmail(dot)com

Chip said...

I'm an email subscriber
chipdip2010(at)hotmail(dot)com

Chip said...

Follow you on Twitter @chipdip2010
chipdip2010(at)hotmail(dot)com

Chip said...

Commented on your Heelys Sneak Peek post.
chipdip2010(at)hotmail(dot)com

damiesmom said...

follow you via gfc as damiesmom
damiesmom at ymail dot com

damiesmom said...

like fitbit on fb as heather stevens
damiesmom at ymail dot com

damiesmom said...

i learned that the fitbit keeps track of even your sleeping! i really need this i try every day to be motivated but sometimes i need just a little push and i think the fitbit will help me!
damiesmom at ymail dot com

damiesmom said...

like you on fb as heather stevens
damiesmom at ymail dot com

damiesmom said...

subscribe to you via email
damiesmom at ymail dot com

damiesmom said...

follow you on twitter as damienrorymom
damiesmom at ymail dot com

Jenna Z said...

I follow you via GFC.

Jenna Z said...

I love how high-tech it is and that it's wireless. I'm actually hoping to win it for my husband, who is not very into working out but this might encourage him to get more random activity in throughout the day!

Jenna Z said...

I follow you on twitter (corgipants)

nicolesender said...

gfc follower: nicolesender
nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

nicolesender said...

like fitbit on fb
nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

nicolesender said...

like you on fb
nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

nicolesender said...

e-mail subscriber
nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

nicolesender said...

follow you on twitter @minibea
nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

nicolesender said...

I like the fact that fitbit tracks your steps accurately. I've used some pedometers and most do not correctly count the steps.
I could really use this tool to monitor my fitness to help me lose weight. I need to lose at least ten pounds as soon as I can!
nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

erin.nicole said...

I follow you via GFC-erin.nicole
erinnicole14@gmail.com

erin.nicole said...

I like Fitbit on FB-erin brady
erinnicole14@gmail.com

erin.nicole said...

I learned that the Fitbit contains a 3D motion senson that tracks your motion three dimensions and converts this into useful information about your daily activities! awesome!
erinnicole14@gmail.com

erin.nicole said...

I would love to win (probably not deserve to win!) because I am trying to start a new fitness routine, and this would be helpful so that I can track my activities. I wouldn't be able to afford something like this, but I sure could use it!
erinnicole14@gmail.com

erin.nicole said...

I like you on FB-erin brady
erinnicole14@gmail.com

erin.nicole said...

I subscribe to your blog via email
erinnicole14@gmail.com

erin.nicole said...

I follow you on twitter-@bradywadie14
erinnicole14@gmail.com

erin.nicole said...

I follow you on twitter-@bradywadie14
erinnicole14@gmail.com

lydiasgt said...

i follow you on gfc.
lydiasergeant@yahoo.com

lydiasgt said...

I like you on FB.
lydiasergeant@yahoo.com

lydiasgt said...

I subscribe to My TNT life on email.
lydiasergeant@yahoo.com

lydiasgt said...

I like Fitbit on FB.
lydiasergeant@yahoo.com

lydiasgt said...

I went to the FitBit website and learned that it can monitor your sleep. I think that is pretty cool! I think I deserve to win a tracker, because I have been trying to loose weight without much success. I like to be able to see progress and I think with the tracker, I would beable to at least see how much I actually walk a day.
lydiasergeant@yahoo.com

lydiasgt said...

I posted a comment on your weight loss update. Way to Go!
lydiasergeant@yahoo.com

/\Heather/\ said...

I follow via gfc as /\Heather/\
heatherpooh (hotmail)

/\Heather/\ said...

I like Fitbit on Facebook
heatherpooh (hotmail)

/\Heather/\ said...

I like you on Facebook
heatherpooh (hotmail)

/\Heather/\ said...

I learned that multiple devices can coexist in the same household and can sync to the same base station or multiple base stations. They each have a unique ID, so there's no confusion...
heatherpooh (hotmail)

/\Heather/\ said...

I think I deserve it because this is the year I try to get all my sleep. I'm so interested in figuring out my sleep problem and I think this will help. After I start getting sleep, I can work on making vegetables taste like sweet tea and curing laziness.
heatherpooh (hotmail)

/\Heather/\ said...

I follow My This N That Life on twitter - ilovetoclap
heatherpooh (hotmail)

/\Heather/\ said...

I subscribe to My This N That Life via email
heatherpooh (hotmail)

/\Heather/\ said...

Commented here: http://mythisnthatlife.blogspot.com/2011/08/weight-loss-update.html
heatherpooh (hotmail)