There is something about replacing gadgets with new gadgets that makes men slightly obsessive.
Like Bill absolutely had to have a new e-book thing this year even though he already had an older new one.
The newest version he has now is thinner and a little bigger and may have one or two new functions.
He has a smart phone too of course. Like I said – “gadget mania.”
One day I walked by his den and overheard him shouting, “I’ll have a ham sandwich please!”
Since we don’t get delivery service out here in the boonies, I asked, “Who were you talking to?”
“I was translating English to German.”
Huh?
Fortunately, when Bill upgrades, I get the hand-me-downs. Or maybe UNfortunately. Even used gadgets require trial, error, and screaming urges to throw the durned things away. My hand-me-down Kindle is one of those aggravating things but that’s another blogging story.
THIS story is about the POSITIVE side of technology to achieve physical fitness!
My wonderful son and family gave me a brand new FitBit thing for Christmas that is now my constant companion!
You wear it on your wrist like a decorative bracelet and it records your steps. I have it set for a daily goal of 6,000 steps and will work up to 10,000 steps, at which time I will be regressing in years and gaining stamina and achieving eternal youth and beauty.
But really – there is something about the little FitBit wrist band that is inspirational.
You just tap it to see where you are. And then on the computer you can access the FitBit Dashboard to see exactly how many steps were taken today, yesterday, or the day before, and how many total for all days.
Because this amazing bracelet is always wirelessly watching and counting, I am now walking in strange places just to add more steps. For instance, today I walked around a hospital parking lot while waiting for a friend to be released. Would you believe there is a barn right on the edge of the hospital complex?
I even sleep in my FitBit because I might move my legs in a walking dream and maybe add extra steps!
There are other functions it performs too, like recording calories in and calories out, and sleep patterns. But I just let it count steps.
I am step-by-step stepping my way to fitness with a brand new gadget that actually works with only a minimum of setting up frustration and no urges to throw it away.
Note: Please don’t hold me to these lofty aspirations. It’s only January and I have been known to abandon fitness goals by February 1st.
I have even abandoned a 10 minute Vibration Machine (supposedly a substitute for a 10 hour workout)
in favor of curling up by a warm fire with a good book and a few chocolates.
Isn’t technology wonderful?
Well, that little gadget sounds very interesting! I just may have to check on that!
LikeLike
You abandoned your vibration machine?!?! Oh no! I’m back on mine starting Monday because I have totally stiffened up since I have been ignoring mine :). My friend has one of those bracelets (different brand though) and she loves it. It even vibrates in her arm if she sits for too long LOL! Happy walking Dor :).
LikeLike
Maybe I will begin the vibration machine thing again. After all, we can manage 10 minutes a day – right? My bracelet vibrates too – when I’ve made goal! It’s like a pat on the back except its a charge at the wrist. Happy New Year my friend! Come see me again in 2014! ~Dor
LikeLike
I do love it Dianna, but have only been using it for a week. Have made goal about 4 times since start up, so now I plan to increase to 7,000 steps a day!
LikeLike
I wonder how many steps I walk around campus? Sounds like a pretty cool device.
LikeLike
I have a fitbit flex too. I love it. I like the sleep tracking feature. It show me just how badly I sleep. Explains why I’m so tired all the time!
LikeLike
It’s really funny watching my friend when she has hers on when we are reading at lunchtime at work. All of a sudden she’ll jump because she’s all relaxed and then it vibrates to let her know she’s being too lazy. It makes me laugh every time :). Happy New Year to you too my friend!!
LikeLike
I’ve been hearing a lot about the FitBit. I have a pedometer, but this little gadget sounds like more fun.
LikeLike
Oh my, that sounds like a techie gadget I could really use! It sounds like a good motivator to me. Of course, curling up by a warm fire with a good book and chocolate sounds even better. 😉
LikeLike
Several years ago I was given a gizmo that counted my steps. I was still working so I spent a good part of the day on my rear in front of computer. I was so dismayed at how few steps I took every day, I just threw the dang thing out.
LikeLike
Yes I wore a spy device like this for 6 mos. from WW and what it reminded me of was that yes I did not run marathons but that I did lots of things all day that were good for me and I thought I was a lump on a chair 🙂
LikeLike
It will somehow sync to my cell phone too, so I could check during the day for specific walks. So far, I love the durned thing. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks for visiting my blog cathyo! I sleep well all the time so have turned off that feature on the Flex. But the little wrist band is a wonder for inspiration to walk when all I want to do is sit and write. 🙂
LikeLike
Hmmmm…. that “wake up” buzz sounds like a good feature! 🙂
LikeLike
I like it Jill because it’s so light and I can tap it to see approximately how close I am to goal. However, since it’s another gadget, I’m keeping my pedometer handy too.
LikeLike
Chocolate remains a bigger motivator! Especially leftover from the holidays. 🙂
LikeLike
I am usually in a state of denial by mid January, but hoping this gizmo will keep me on track. Have to agree with you though Kate, about traditional urges to throw out the danged gadgets.
LikeLike
Hahaha! My spa device is reminding me that I’m sitting on my laurels more than I should be. 🙂
LikeLike
🙂 lol
LikeLike
I have a FitBit and it is addicting. It quietly keeps me in check so I can reach my goal of 10,000 steps per day. Of, course there are days when I wish it would scream “get off your ass!” but I guess that technology is not available yet.
LikeLike
I am fightingthe addiction to my FitBit! 😦 Ah well.
LikeLike
Nice barn you found! Still laughing that you sleep with your FitBit, just in case your “walk” in your sleep. I think your hubby’s love of technology is rubbing off on you.
LikeLike
Thanks Patti… I love it that you’re laughing about my FitBit. I’m still wearing it but have lowered my goal to 6,000 steps but still need any extra steps that sleep walking could provide. 🙂
LikeLike