Pedometers have been around for quite some time tracking your steps, and now there are apps upon apps for tracking food intake, logging workouts and setting goals for weight loss. And what’s really become a market of its own are fitness wristbands. Devices like the Nike FuelBand or the Jawbone UP have become popular because of their ability to combine all of these functions into a single package. However, it seems like the one fitness band that stores can’t keep on the shelves is the Fitbit Force, $129.
The Fitbit family is quite versatile, consisting of five different trackers that sync with each other effortlessly, making the data they track easy to access and understand. The Fitbit Force is their most advanced and best-selling tracker so far. Unlike one of its main competitors, the Jawbone UP, it has a flexible and adjustable wrist band. This feature I’ve found to really make the world of a difference when it comes to comfort, especially when using the sleep tracking feature. The Fitbit also sports a small yet easy to read back-lit digital screen with a button on the left side so users can check the time, how many steps they’ve taken, distance they’ve walked and even how many floors they’ve climbed. It’s also waterproof so users can swim, shower or wash their hands without ever having to take it off.
To view all of these stats and more, the Fitbit app can be downloaded for free from the Google, Apple or Windows app market. Once downloaded, an account will have to be made, then directions on how to sync the Fitbit to the user’s phone will follow. It’s a quick process, taking five minutes at most. Once the app is all set up, a weight loss plan can be created with three different level of intensities that adjust the calorie intake per day. These features set the app apart from the rest. Unlike the Jawbone UP, which has to be taken off and plugged in for every update (recommended 2-3 times a day), or the UP24, which is compatible with Apple products only and not truly Bluetooth, the Force is compatible with Apple, Android and Windows and connects to your phone via Bluetooth.
Kaela Bernardino can be reached at kaela.bernardino@spartans.ut.edu