Yikes!

[Sosanya]

So, I've really run into a dilemma. When I first got my Fitbit, it really motivated me to get moving. I joined challenges and kept up on my counts to see where I was in relation to my friends. It was really working. One Saturday, I even walked over 20K steps and won a Weekend Warrior challenge. But then I sprained my ankle (the doctor said I was over exerting myself, doing too much. I actually think my flat feet and bad knees are not made for too much walking/running). He put me on bedrest. It was then that I discovered that if I just moved my arms, I could keep up my step count! This was very disheartening. The fact that I could compete with someone who was actually walking, perhaps even running, just by flailing my arms in bed made me reevaluated the usefulness of this gadget. 

So now, my ankle is better, and I'm doing the exercises that I really love - cycling, lifting weights, and floor/mat work on my core, arms, and legs. I've been working out every day, more than I did when I first got the FitBit. I have to log in my spins on the bike, weights, and aerobic workout manually BECAUSE THE FITBIT DOESN'T COUNT MOST OF IT. I no longer participate in challenges because I have no idea what I'm actually competing against - someone moving their arms nonstop or someone doing real steps. So here's the problem - I'm a bit torn about whether to even continue wearing this thing because I'm working ten times harder than I did when I first got it, but if someone did an analysis of my progress, it would look like I went from being active to a complete couch potato.

Is anyone else having this dilemma about the gadget? Please tell me what makes you keep it on. I'm seriously reflecting on whether I want to keep it or not, so any feedback would be helpful.

[Esya · Accepted solution]

This gadget is for you to use how you want to use it and the data is your data. I agree that I don't participate in challenges either as you don't know how the others are competing. But if the FitBit is motivating you, then use it. If you don't need it, well then you don't need it.

I keep it on as it does motivate me a lot, specially the hourly reminders to move I cannot do without at my desk job. I know what I did for the data to look like that, so I know what it is worth and it makes me get up and get moving more than before I had such a device.

[Sosanya]

Thank you Esya, this really helps me reframe how I think of it. I think I'll keep it on and perhaps not focus so much on the social media/competition part of it, which I probably was overemphasizing. 

[Megzzzx]

Yes, I agree with Esya. Sometimes walking isn't for everyone. I struggle because I also have feet and back problems. I have an exercise bike I love but I hate not being able to get steps and compete. But the thing I do enjoy about my fitbit is it keeps me motivated to at least walk more than I was, since I have an office job. It helps get me up and moving even if it is a short walk at lunch or what not. I also enjoy adding in other exercises I do and see my calories out vs in. And I know I won't get as far as others in the challenges but it still motivates me to just move around more in general. And that is what fitbit is really about, I think. Reminding you to just move, not walk 10000 million miles, but to just get up and do the dishes, take the stairs, park a little further away. Just because you get to see how all those little extra steps really add up. 

[Sosanya]

Thanks, Megzzx, those are great suggestions and a good way to think about it. I appreciate the response.

[Esya]

@Sosanya

The social/competition part can be overwhelming. That is another reason for me to not participate in challenges anymore, as I am not looking forward to the stress that comes with it for me. It totally works as motivation for a lot of people, but it also does not work for a lot of other people (like me).

It is a bit like a gym maybe, where you might be a bit uncomfortable at first and find yourself comparing to others. But then you learn that everyone goes there for themselves and is at a different level. You do you and if you feel uncomfortable it is your account, so you can change the settings and pick your friends.