A couple of our close friends gifted us Fitbits for our wedding. My wife and I were eager to try it. We’ve loved it. This has obviously rubbed off on people as we now have about 10 others who have purchased Fitbits with a few more on the way. In fact, out of 2 colleagues I’ve worked intensively with over the past two months, one has bought it for himself while the other has gifted these to his family.
I realize my use of the Fitbit has evolved over the 4 months in which I have used it. While the competition and community bit was a bigger factor when I got started, it has evolved into a device I use to check on myself. It’s shocking how little we walk in a work day and this has inspired me to get up to take short breaks to drink water, to take the more scenic route to the men’s room, and to take the stairs instead of the life where possible.
A few of us have also roped our moms into the Fitbit culture and it’s nice to have them join the conversation about fitness and steps walked too. My mom has often chosen a long walk in the past 3 months over a drive simply to increase her step count. It remains to be seen if she will sustain the enthusiasm. In my case, on the other hand, while I rarely compare my step total to others (except perhaps to rib my wife on the rare occasions when I’m ahead of her), it has become a wonderful reminder system.
I hear the Fitbit Force is excellent – it’s essentially a Flex that can tell the time. I would love to get my hands on one as that was my biggest gripe about the Flex. If you’re wearing a band, I feel you might as well have one that tells the time. So, well done on releasing the Force, Fitbit team!
This is a fun product that drives positive discussions. As you’re mulling over gifts for your loved ones for the holiday season, I hope you’ll consider this.
A Learning a Day 