Fitbit Review - Part 2

[hrj]

So as predicted, wearing the Fitbit on my wrist (as intended) rather than the ankle resulted in a noticeably lower step-log for the exact same activities. I can't do an exact comparison because I didn't track exact intermediate numbers during the day, But by the time I got home, the step-count was approximately 2000 lower than yesterday's. (Approx. 10,000 yesterday, at that point, approx. 8,000 today.) Now my overall day's total ended up higher today because yesterday when I got home and did yard work, I was running the weed-whacker in the back yard with involved a lot of planting my feet and moving the arms back and forth (less foot movement) whereas today I was raking up the cut grass/weeds which involved a lot of hand movement (also more foot movement but remember I have the Fitbit on the wrist this time). And I also went out to see a movie after that, so more walking. But as predicted, the specific vigorous activities that I do get under-counted based on wrist movement. So for maximal tracking, I should wear it on the ankle during the day but on the wrist when I get home (or for dragonboat practice!).This suits me since I'm disinclined to view the device as a desirable fashion statement. But I'll probably come up with some alternate method of fastening it on my ankle because even the loosest setting on my skinnier ankle is a little tight.

At any rate, an amusing gadget. It will make the corporate fitness program happy. And it's an easy way to get a relative read on my day-to-day activity. I'd be happier if it gave more accurate metrics. Note that the default step-goal is 10,000 per day and I manage that only by dint of putting in at least 80 minutes of vigorous exercise.

Comments

Thanks for posting your review

[dame-cordelia.livejournal.com]

I have done some online research and the Fitbit is apparently the best on the market. And now I know what it can and can't do.

I am not in as much of a hurry to have one now.

Again, thanks for the information.

[klwilliams.livejournal.com]

I don't rely on fitbit to accurately count my steps, but I do use it as a comparison, based on whatever it is that it actually tracks, for daily activity. My fitbit activity level had been getting higher and higher until I got laid off, and now since I don't walk around the train stations or in downtown SF, my numbers are much lower. I need to figure out a better exercise routine.