I'm a Noob - FitBit Help Please

[gimmeaQ]

So I just got a very cute FitBit Flex2 because I'm out of excuses now that my youngest is more than 10 months old.

My goal is to be held accountable, and I have been very clearly unable to do that on my own. Opportunity to actually work out may still vary bc baby wakes up before dawn each day, but I want to at least move more. Some (most?) nights I will have the opportunity to go for a walk in the evening, depending on H's running around. I hope to do this more with it staying lighter now in the evenings and hopefully getting warmer so I can take the kids in a stroller on nicer days.

I have step goals and goals of logging my food for 7 straight days. Any other tips for maximizing this tool?

(If it matters I do work a desk job full time)

[Ali7P]

Mar 12, 2018 10:18:40 GMT -6 gimmeaQ said:

So I just got a very cute FitBit Flex2 because I'm out of excuses now that my youngest is more than 10 months old.

My goal is to be held accountable, and I have been very clearly unable to do that on my own. Opportunity to actually work out may still vary bc baby wakes up before dawn each day, but I want to at least move more. Some (most?) nights I will have the opportunity to go for a walk in the evening, depending on H's running around. I hope to do this more with it staying lighter now in the evenings and hopefully getting warmer so I can take the kids in a stroller on nicer days.

I have step goals and goals of logging my food for 7 straight days. Any other tips for maximizing this tool?

(If it matters I do work a desk job full time)

I loved my FitBit but the band fell apart on me several times (it's the Charge HR and the band cannot be replaced). I currently use a tracker that I got through my work but I really miss the FitBit.

I'd try to find some FitBit friends who you can have weekly competitions with. I loved those.

Also, start your step goal on the low side to see where you are daily. Once you hit your goal consistently for a week or so, increase it by 500 steps. Then once you are hitting that consistently, increase it again.  That's all I have for tips, hopefully others have some too. 

[coconutbacon]

For remembering to move during the day, set it to vibrate on your wrist if you haven’t moved 250 steps for the hour. It’ll buzz you at 10 before the hour.

Challenges are great— they’re super motivating for me.

If you are going to be walking with a stroller, consider ordering an ankle band that you swap out for the wrist band. Something like this: Velcro Wrist or Ankle Band for Fitbit Flex / Flex 2 / Alta / One www.amazon.com/dp/B076136FYY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_5NWPAbST4PB7E The flex2 has a tendency to not pick up walking with a stroller, since you’re not swinging your arms. The ankle band is good for activities like cycling too.

Also, if you run, the “track exercise” function can be useful— you can change your music while in app and keep track of your pace.

[sewfi2]

coconutbacon, I didn't know there was an ankle band, that's pretty cool. I just put my flex 2 through my laces when I run with the stroller, but I feel like I have to check it to make sure it hasn't flown off (even though it's snapped in).

gimmeaQ, related to moving more, I have my flex 2 set like coconutbacon suggested (buzz after so much time without enough steps). I also use "VersaTimer" on my desktop- mostly to keep me focused on a task for a set amount of time, but it's also good for a quick reminder to move. You can set up any time you want and have multiple timers.

[ajetter]

I also usually just slip my tracker through my laces when I’m pushing a stroller.

[klong11]

I put it through my belt loop when grocery shopping or pushing a cart anywhere.