Fitbit

Getting Fit, Bit by Bit: The Top Benefits of a Fitbit

Believe it or not, only 23 percent of Americans get enough exercise each day to stay healthy. Between work and social obligations, finding the time to go to the gym or even take a walk is almost impossible.

But fitness trackers, like the Fitbit, help you stay active and monitor your exercise habits more accurately. Though they’ve been around for a while, a lot of people are hesitant to embrace their use.

Fitbits aren’t out to make your life harder—they’re designed to make your life easier. Read on to learn about the benefits of a Fitbit and see how they can help you reach your goals.

You’ll Move More and More Often

Fitbits track your movements throughout the day. No, not your physical location (though you can enable that on some models). They track your steps, your exercise, and your general activity.

And every time you move, your step count shows up clearly and conveniently on the screen.

When you can see how many or few steps you’ve taken throughout the day, you’ll find yourself motivated to move more. And the more you move, the more exercise you get.

Remember, exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous to count or to improve your health. And if you find yourself struggling to remember to get up and take a few steps, you can set an hourly reminder.

Lets You Customize Your Goals

Everyone has different fitness goals. And those goals can and will change over time. As you exercise more, you’ll want to reach new levels and push yourself harder.

If you don’t have a way to keep track of those goals, staying motivated can be tough. Fitbit allows you to customize your goals every step of the way.

Start with a lower daily step count goal to help you get moving consistently. As you go, you can increase that goal, set bigger exercise goals, and monitor your progress.

You can even set goals to help you monitor your water and food consumption throughout the day!

There Are Tons of Models to Choose From

Unlike many other smartwatches, Fitbit offers multiple models at different price points. This makes it easy for you to choose a model that fits your needs and your budget.

Choose a simple fitness tracker without a built-in display if you’re looking for the most affordable option. Or go with a smartwatch-style Fitbit that allows you to read texts, play music, and even use popular payment apps on the go.

There’s a model that will work for you. You just need to think about what you want your fitness tracker to do.

You Can Tailor the Look to Your Style

You don’t have to settle for the boring band included in the box. You can add personality and flair to your wrist by changing the band out.

Swap your band on your Fitbit Charge 2 or other models for something you’re comfortable wearing to work. And change it back to the one it came with when you feel like hitting the gym.

No matter what type of Fitbit you have, the straps are easy to remove. This makes it simple to clean the display and change your look based on your mood.

They Give You Insight Into Your Sleep Patterns

Unlike many fitness trackers, Fitbits help you monitor your sleep patterns. They record your heart rate and track how much you move throughout the night.

This allows their software to assess your sleep stages and show you how long you actually slept. If you’ve struggled with insomnia or have difficulty getting to sleep, this can give you and your doctor extra information.

Though it’s not a substitute for a sleep study, it can help you figure out which behaviors contribute to those sleepless nights.

Fitbit Are Rechargeable

Have you ever tried to replace the battery in a wristwatch on your own? It’s tough, to say the least.

You have to find a small enough screwdriver to remove the backing. And then you have to maneuver the battery into a tiny spot without dropping it or losing it.

When you invest in a Fitbit, you get the same time-telling convenience of a standard watch without the hassle of battery changes.

Fitbits are rechargeable through a custom USB cord. That means you won’t ever have to worry about changing the battery. Just pay attention to the battery level every time you sync the device.

When it gets low, charge your fitness tracker when you’re not planning on being active. This way you won’t miss out on steps.

Makes Exercise Social

Your journey to better fitness can feel lonely. And it’s especially true if you’re working out at home or getting into the zone on a treadmill.

And over time, keeping yourself accountable gets hard. You need that added motivation that social interaction can give you.

Fitbits allow you to make exercise a social competition. Compete with your friends who own Fitbits or compete with complete strangers.

The app allows you to interact and participate in unique challenges designed to get you moving every day. And if you need some time to yourself, they offer plenty of solo challenges to keep you motivated.

Experience the Benefits of a Fitbit Yourself

Fitness trackers are a great way to improve your health and get you moving every day. But Fitbit trackers offer a unique experience not provided by other brands. See the benefits of a Fitbit for yourself and take control of your fitness.

Looking for more helpful tips and strategies to improve your fitness even when you work a desk job? Check out our most recent posts!

A Guide to the Fitbit Wireless Activity Tracker

It’s a simple fact that most of us don’t get enough exercise. According to one piece of research published by the U.S. Department of Human Health Services, less than five percent of adults participate in 30 minutes or more of daily physical activity.

A sedentary lifestyle can lead to various health risks such as an increased risk of cancer, obesity, and heart disease.

The makers of the Fitbit wireless activity tracker understand the importance of a good workout. That’s why they’ve created a line of smart, easy to use fitness trackers for everyday use.

Yet there are so many models to choose from, how can you make sure you’re getting the best tracker? And for that matter, what does each model do to justify its premium price?

Both are fair questions which this article aims to answer. Here’s a quick guide to the world of Fitbit wireless activity trackers.

Types of Fitbit Wireless Activity Tracker

Picking your first activity tracker can feel a bit overwhelming. There are about a dozen different models out there, and not all are worth your time and money.

Here are the three most popular models of Fitbit tracker and the advantages and disadvantages that come with them.

Fitbit Charge 2

The Charge 2 is perhaps the most popular model on the market. And a few minutes with the device will show you exactly why that’s the case.

Think of it as a half-step between a fitness tracker and a smartwatch. It’s stylish, but it’s also practical.

It features a comfortable, easy to wear band. For the most part, the band doesn’t irritate skin, though if you’re uncomfortable, you can always adjust it.

The Charge 2’s display is perhaps its highlight. This is the most feature-rich model on the market, and choosing between modes and options is easy thanks to its high-quality display.

Battery life leaves a bit to be desired, lasting on average between four and five days. A search of ‘Fitbit Charge not charging‘ also shows that its first run had a few issues.

Fitbit Blaze

Though maybe you’re in the market for something that truly resembles a smartwatch. If that’s the case, the Blaze is a great option.

If the Charge 2 was a half-step between tracker and watch, leaning in favor of fitness tracker, the Blaze leans the opposite way.

In fact, its design is quite similar to that of the popular Apple Watch.

However, the Blaze does have its share of issues. Namely, it’s a little too cumbersome for its own good. It’s rather wide, as Cnet’s review pointed out.

If you’re not worried about weighing down your wrist, you’ll find an adequate tracker with a lengthy, five-day battery life.

Fitbit Flex 2

Last but not least is the Fitbit Flex 2. A quick glance illustrates that it’s quite a bit different than its siblings. There’s virtually no display present whatsoever, but that’s actually its selling point.

The Flex 2 is for those who want a no-frills Fitbit wireless activity tracker experience.

It’s easy to get distracted by constantly checking your steps or your heart rate. The Flex 2 eliminates this issue with its minimalist design.

Best of all, it’s water-resistant, a feature it holds above its siblings’ heads.

If you’ve never purchased an activity tracker before and want a simple experience, we recommend the Flex 2.

What Can a Fitbit Wireless Activity Charger Do?

Having explored the three most popular Fitbit models, let’s get into what you’re really here for, the features.

While there are slight variations from model to model, each of the features below are present in all three models.

Connect to Your Phone

No matter what model of Fitbit you choose, you’ll get access to the Fitbit mobile app. Think of it as a centralized hub for all of your activities.

This easy to use app syncs with your device via a Bluetooth connection. Admittedly, sometimes it takes a little longer than expected to sync, but it always gets the job done.

A quick tour of the UI illustrates that everything you’d want can be found on the dashboard.

You can keep track of your steps, weight loss, sleep, and even water intake all from the homepage.

However, there are a ton of great features tucked away within the app’s interface.
For instance, the Fitbit app doubles as a calorie tracker akin to MyFitnessPal or LoseIt!.

You can also set alarms and tinker with display options without meddling with your display.

Track Sleep

A good night’s rest is as important as a big workout. Make sure you’re getting both thanks to your Fitbit wireless activity tracker.

Since most people wear their device like a watch, Fitbit included sleep tracking software so users can make sure they’re catching enough Zs.

It’s a surprisingly effective feature that’s even capable of recognizing when you’re taking naps as opposed to a full night’s rest.

Display Phone Notifications

Truth be told, we could all use a bit of time away from our phones. But most of us are worried about missing important texts or calls.

Your Fitbit device finds a happy medium, displaying SMS notifications and sending call alerts.

A gentle buzzing informs the user that he or she has received a notification. You can even see who is texting or calling, as well as read the first few words of their text message.

Track Activity

Finally, yes, your Fitbit is primarily an activity tracker.

For all of the bells and whistles it includes, it’s primary function is something it does quite well.

You can track your daily distance and step progress, and in the case of the Charge 2, even route your workout via GPS.

For those who don’t get enough steps in during the workday, there’s a fun option to set hourly reminders to get up and walk. It may sound intrusive, but it’s actually a fun way to gamify exercise.

Find a Fitbit That Fits

Clearly, there are tons of great reasons to purchase a Fitbit wireless activity tracker. There’s a model for every lifestyle, so find the one that suits you best.

For other great content on health, marketing, and more, don’t forget to check out the Article City blog.

10 Ways Fitbit Helps You Achieve Your Workout Results

There’s no denying the growing trend of Fitbit users over the past few years.

What used to be dismissed as a high-tech toy is now valued for its game-changing qualities. However, fitbits won’t magically make someone healthy if they don’t change bad dieting habits or break enough sweat.

What a Fitbit can do is completely change the way we think about fitness and give a clearer picture of it. Fitbit helps you achieve your workout results by acting as a consistent and reliable coach. It increases your tolerance for exercise, removing that barrier for taking on more strenuous challenges.

With Fitbit looking to become even more than an exercise tool, we want to take a look at ten key benefits wearing one can provide for your workouts.

1. Positive Feedback Loop

After you hit your first step goal and get that buzz of victory, it’s hard not to be proud of yourself. Each time you hit your goals, it fuels more motivation. No one can take these wins away from you when it comes to personal fitness.

This positive, habit-forming behavior is a big part of how Fitbit helps you achieve your workout results.

2. Sleep Monitoring

If you’re not getting a quality night’s rest, then you’re going to feel it. Your energy will be sapped, your personal achievements will be stagnant, and any fitness goals will come up short. The great thing about the Fitbit is that you can use it to track your sleep patterns.

By knowing just how many hours of full R.E.M. rest, you can make the necessary adjustments needed to improve your workout results.

3. Behavioral Changes

Everything that a Fitbit tracks translates into information that can be used to change the way you look at fitness. This includes both sleep patterns and eating habits. Being healthy is a lifestyle, not a status.

You have to think fit to become fit, which is what these simple gadgets effectively do by changing your behavioral patterns.

4. Competition with Yourself and Others

Another benefit that is often overlooked as to how Fitbit helps you achieve your workout results lies in the competitive scene. For those who used to play sports or likes a little friendly contest every now and then, the Fitbit is perfect. It’s basically a scorekeeper on your wrist.

Go toe-to-toe with your steps or completion times, it’s fun to compete at any level of fitness.

5. Rewarding Good Diets

Having quick access to calorie, fat, carbohydrate, sodium, and sugar totals makes for a much better dietary plan. Keeping track of all of these things with your Fitbit helps you achieve your workout results better by not letting you forget.

This might sound easy, to just stick to set limits on the things you eat, but how quick are we to eat things we forget are bad? A simple bagel with cream cheese can drastically alter a diet plan, but with a Fitbit, you can reward yourself with one without impacting our daily/weekly totals.

6. Being in Control of Yourself

What we mean by this is never wasting time or effort in life — whether you’re working out for a set time, a set goal, or sleeping at a specific time.

Can’t work out because you have low energy? Make some coffee, but don’t skip out.

Can’t sleep because you’re wide awake? Do a boring task or listen to melodic sleep aids.

Whatever the case may be, with a Fitbit, you are given clear goals and it is up to you to meet them however you can. No excuses.

7. The Most Accurate Journal Log

Tracking progress is a very important aspect in fitness. Things can start to get fuzzy or discouraging if you’re just guesstimating your numbers or schedule. It is much easier to compromise on things if you convince yourself that you’re doing better than you are in reality.

The Fitbit automatically knows your workout needs, charts your progress, and shows you what you need to do to continue making gains. Smart.

8. A Sense of Community and Support

The Fitbit community is huge and growing every year. You’ll not only find plenty of wearers at your local gym to befriend and compare notes, you’ll find even more help online. Fitbit forums and blogs share valuable information, like how to fix a Fitbit charge not charging or select recipes or techniques to try out.

Your thorough Fitbit data comes in handy when in the hands of experts and nutritionists who can give you professional advice for free. You can’t get that from any of the million cheap pedometers out there.

9. Fine-tune Workouts

What many non-adopters miss about the Fitbit is the fact that everything can be custom-tailored on the fly. If one program isn’t working for you, it can be adjusted to better match your skills or fitness level.

You can squeeze more out of your workout sessions by monitoring your heart rate, calorie burn, and more. Post-workout you can do even more fine-tuning to increase gains by reading your charts.

10. Comprehensive App Support

There are a number of fitness apps out there for your smartphone, each offering their own set of pros and cons. The Fitbit app that comes with your device is pretty much an all-in-one powerhouse. You can read all your vitals in detail, water intake, diet, sleep patterns, and workout routine with ease.

You can control your entire diet and lifestyle outlook from just one place and on any smartphone or mobile device.

Fitbit Helps You Achieve Your Workout Results

We’re truly living in a digital health renaissance right now, with tons of gadgets and information at our disposal. If you are ever in the need of more health guides or tips in the future, be sure to regularly check our health section.