Fitness: FitBit Flex Activity Tracker

Every year, I hope to develop and stick to a good fitness routine, eat healthier and maintain a stable weight.  It doesn't sound too hard at first, but my hectic work schedule and my insatiable food cravings somehow take over and I find myself adding a few extra LBs each year.  It is too easy to fall into the slippery slope of more calories added >>>>> more calories burned.

I heard about the popular Fitbit activity tracker (aka fancy pedometer) and almost immediately ran out to buy it. I needed some motivation and maybe this Fitbit gadget will hold me more accountable to my (ongoing) goal.  I did read some online reviews first and many reviewers seemed to favor it over other popular and similar items (e.g., Nike fuelband, Jawbone, etc.) for convenience, user-friendliness, etc..  Although the clip-on alternative Zip was more affordable ($49 at Walmart), I chose to purchase the Flex because of the wristband feature.  

Fitbit Zip ($49 at Walmart)

I got my Fitbit Flex at Walmart for the full price $99, but looking back I should have bought it at Costco ($97, here) where it is slightly cheaper, has an excellent return policy, and also comes with 2 additional colored bands ($20-$30 value).  It would have added some nice variety (and better outfit coordination) instead of the single blue band that it came with. This is where I recommend all my friends to get theirs!  (Update: Walmart now has the Fitbit for $88 with one colored wristband.)

Fitbit Flex ($97 at Costco)

Adding friends (via email address) and enrolling into 'challenges' (e.g., work week hustle, daily showdown, weekend warrior) has been very motivating to reach my daily 10K step goal.  Some of my friends are more active so reaching the 10K goal is no problem, but for me I usually have to put in a considerable amount of effort. When I see them creeping up to my # of steps or if I am way behind, I find the willpower to take more stairs at work, park my car further, and hit the gym or take a walk after work.  Honestly, there are some days that I am too tired and stagnant between 6-8K steps/day, but for most daysso far I have been meeting the 10K at least 4-5x/week!  So far it has already been a drastic improvement than my previous (lack of) routine... lets hope this will be ongoing routine.  Wish me luck!