Warren.Collins's Logboek, 23 nov 16

Hi Warren. I bought my FitBit last March, just after deciding to shed weight. I'm a competitive person so I did work hard to smash my targets (I set my steps to 12.5k as 10k was always passed). Eight months on, I still use it and work towards activity targets but now it's dark in the evenings, I often miss my steps target which I dropped to 11k exactly because I knew I would walk less. It is a will power thing though, same as reducing calorie intake. I do find myself doing a few circuits indoors and include running up and down stairs too so it's not a bad thing. The bottom line is, can you afford the £100 or so when you take into consideration how you will react to the challenge? For me it was worth it (I know I will ramp up again come lighter evenings). Take care! 

Would be a great idea as I have to rely on my Iphone app and it's not accurate.  

TIm - I used to use my phone and it wasn't so much it wasn't accurate, I didn't always carry it so it didn't record everything. My Fitbit may not be accurate (boy do I do a lot of steps on the M4!!) but it's consistent so I can compare day to day. @Warren - there's a FAt Secret FitBit group in the FitBit community if you do get one. That's great for getting buddies to compare steps on challenges. If you do get one, I'm Phooka there too 👍 

I don’t own a Fitbit, but have seen the press on them. Personally I can’t get past the feeling that in its most basic form it’s just an overpriced pedometer in a plastic strap. A cheap pedometer can be bought for just £1. Fitbits range from about £50 to £200. However they can record more than just steps and has a massive range of fashion accessories, plus if used properly they can be used to motivate the user and auto update your smart phone/tablet. Personally I find using the recording capabilities of; exercise activities, sleep wake, weight and diet options, built into the Fat Secret program adequate for my needs. My iPhone has a free bloatware app that records my steps and activity, but I tend to ignore that and just manually enter my activity’s using the Fat Secret options. As Phooka suggests joining an online Fitbit group could help motivate you to a greater level of activity. If you need that motivational push then go for it.  

I bought a similar one from Amazon for £30 at a reduced price and its brilliant. It also notify s me if I have a phone call on my mobile or text message. I wear it all the time. It is supposed to be waterproof but I have not tested it out so when I have my shower I put it on charge. Well worth the money 

I'm feeling guilty. Come on guys I'm retired now and I run around the kitchen cooking like a mad woman . But I am starting to think a bit more about this. Take care in the City ⭐ 

I had a pedometer which became a pain so I dumped it. I rise an hour earlier, drive to work and fast walk the lanes for 1.25-1.5 hours - it is dark but I bought a flashing beacon (which is better than most cyclists' around here) and wear my work hi-viz jacket - the roads are also a lot clearer so it works all round! A little bit of tech wouldn't make me exercise more but that is me and I love my walking so getting up in the pitch dark and walking before sun-up is actually rather enjoyable and very, very peaceful! I really think you have to decide if a FitBit would push you as it is rather a lot of money judging on previous posts.