For just over a year now I’ve been focused upon my physical health and keeping my body moving. This has been an enlightening journey that has found me in tears on some days and cheering at accomplishments other days. The fact is that I’m not innately built to be someone who adores exercise. I am the person who would rather be sloth-like on the couch under a lovely blankie rather than sweating my face off with exertion.
Knowing I’m like this, I fight the urge to forgo exercise and focus on getting moving. There are lazy days but I make up for those by keeping track of my weekly efforts and ensuring that I am exercising enough to keep stretching my limit. These days I don’t keep a log book of time I spend at the gym, I use mobile technology to keep track for me. Until recently I used an app on my phone where I typed in the exercise, minutes performed and the app logged it all for me.
FitBit Charge #EveryStepCounts Challenge
Recently my friends at Telus invited me to participate in the #EveryStepCounts challenge with 10 other Canadian bloggers. Each of us was provided with a FitBit Charge and challenged to use it from February 2nd until February 16th, sharing our experience on Twitter. This was exciting for me, with the FitBit Charge I wouldn’t have to enter my exercise by hand…it counted all of my steps for me!
The FitBit Charge tracks steps taken, stairs climbed, calories burned and active minutes in addition to sleep monitoring. Setting it up was relatively simple for me as I’ve used other activity trackers in the past. I turned it on, synced to my phone and used the “dongle” (little usb plugin) which came in the package to sync to my desktop computer. I then went to the FitBit website and created a user profile for myself. I entered in my height, weight and set myself goals for steps, stairs etc.
Each day I wore the FitBitCharge and it automatically tracked my progress in real-time which meant that I would just glance at my wrist to know where I was at. This became quite a game with my daughters. We were on holidays in DominicanRepublic so we ALL shared the 10K goal for our steps for the day and we enjoyed hitting it as early in the day as possible. It also has a silent alarm and keeps you connected on the go with call notifications and caller ID.
As you can see, I’m not getting a full night’s rest which may explain why I am tired through the day. That’s something I’m going to take a look at and try to improve.
Some scenes from my FitBit Charge’s travels:
A FitBit Charge is GREAT wedding attire right?
Squats by the pool in Punta Cana
I have officially fallen for the FitBit Charge and am thankful that Telus gave me the opportunity to use it. I will continue to do so as it just fits with my lifestyle and makes tracking my goals so simple. I do wish that it was waterproof and tracked my swimming and yoga..but in time I’m sure they’ll incorporate that capability.
WIN a FitBitCharge from Telus
My friends at Telus have given me one FitBit Charge to giveaway to one very lucky Canadian reader, excluding Quebec.
This giveaway will end on March 2nd 11:59pm EST, enter by filling in the Giveaway Tools form below.
Disclosure: I was provided product in return for this article, all opinions are my own.
I don’t really keep track real well. Sometimes I write it down.
I don’t at the moment. MyfitnessPal was one i used when i had a smartphone that supported it.
It’s pretty simple, really. I don’t track my exercise at all.
I go to curves now and the computer tracks my exercise while there, I also use a step counter during the day.. This fitbit would be amazing!!
Honestly, I keep track in my head
I have a pedometer. It’s not great but it does the job for now
Currently I do not track my exercise but I go for at least a 30 minute walk every day.
Sounds like a cool tool for your health
I don’t keep track except by time. I try to work out for at least an hour each trip to the gym. Love how I can track so much more with this amazing braclet. FitBit would be a great companion when exercising.
I am currently trying to do 1 hour 2-3 times a week.
I would LOVE to track my sleep! That’s pretty cool. And I might be surprised (or mortified) by my daily activity. This looks like a great little gadget!
I currently don’t really track my fitness. I try keep exercise everyday for at least a half an hour.
Congratulations on your sober anniversary!! You should be so proud of yourself xo
Cool contest! Been dying to get a hold of one of these. I’m so busy I never track – but I should!
I only track when I walk as I have a watch for that but nothing else
I’d love to try this out. Trying to get more active every day.
Right now I use an app on my phone called MyFitnessPal
Sounds like a great fitness tool
I am a bit like you. I have never liked exercise. But this past year I decided it is “my time” You know, taking care of myself first. And you know what? I am actually liking it. For the first time I have signed up for pilates and some exercise classes at our local community center. I have started wearing a pedometer on some days and I am amazed at how quickly I can do 10,000 steps. Not every day, but most. It helps to have a buddy to keep you on track and motivated. Would love to try a FitBit, thanks for the review and the contest.
I don’t track my exercise but I would love to with a fit bit
I don’t and really need to! I have no accountability except my own perception and need this battle to kick my but into gear!
I’m not tracking my exercise at all right now!
I don’t track my activity. The fit bit would be a great way to do it and also motivate me to exercise more.
I track by posting to my fb group
I guess the only way I track is by the clock/watch..time.
I use Myfitnesspal, not even close to what a fitbit can track! I have had one on my wishlist for awhile now. Thx for chance.
I use a FitBit Flex and I’m head over heels in love with it, but I wish it had a display like the Charge and I want to track my ‘floors’/stairs to get even more motivated. Thanks to the Flex I got at New Year’s and MyFitnessPal.com I have already lost 13 pounds in 6 weeks! :-) My 11yo wants my Flex if I’m lucky enough to upgrade! :-) Thanks, Julie!
I track by wearing a pedometer all day!!
I don’t really keep track, I just try and get some between Kiddo getting home from school and time to head out for his extra curriculars
I track by the number of days i go to the gym..not that accurate
I try do to a DVD for 1/2 hr but I don’t track anything
Right now I have nothing to track my exercise, but I used to use my wii, I really need to get it back from my daughter so I can start using the wii fit once again
I use MyFitnessPal
on the calendar. good old pencil and paper. thanks
I don’t have any way of tracking my exercise now, and I’ve been lusting after a FitBit for a long time. I’d sure love to win one, thanks for a chance to do so!
My memory lol. Terrible way.
I don’t really keep track so this would be great
I use a walking app on my phone that tracks how many steps I have taken during the day.
I guess I keep track of my physical fitness by my dogs. I need to walk them, they do motivate me, but it is not easy when it is very cold out, for them or me! :)
i am not good keeping track of things for myself…. I am on a journey of my own now. Trying to live the healthy way and lose of my extra inches and pounds, motivation is not my strong asset… This Fitbit would help me keep on track and help me make my goals!
Thank you tams
I do not really track my exercise right now. Most of it occurs during my jobs which are physically active
I track my exercise with endomondo!
I use MY Fitness Pal
A walking app and well…in my mind
I currently don’t track my fitness now. I would so love to win one of these as I have been coveting them for the longest time. Thank you for the opportunity!
I don’t track anything now but I would love to start.
right now I don’t. I’m running around doing my practicum, and would love see how many step I’m taking
I use a large paper calendar to write out daily activity and weekly totals. I also have a paper chart to track my weight. I love that sleep tracker function on the Fitbit!
I don’t right now, since I all I’m doing now is writing and sleeping… But normally, with My Fitness Pal. It’s not great though.
I track with weight watchers :)
I don’t track my progress in any way, which I think is part of the problem. I need some help staying focused.
right now i just go with a gut feeling. it’s not very effective.
I don’t track my exercise right now although I need to. I need to get more organized — I think it would really help me reach my goals.
I would love to track my fitness with a Fitbit
I don’t keep track right now, not to mobile right now but that will change a bit soon so would love one of these!
I don’t.
I don’t really, but would absolutely love to.
I track it in my head
I currently track my exercise using the Jawbone UP24 and while I like it, it’s on the fritz for the second time in my first year of owning it. It has it’s flaws and it has its bonuses but I’ve had a Fitbit before and I’d like to get one again so I can reconnect with all my friends on there!
I am was using a BodyMedia Fit to track my exercise, but the button broke last week :( So I just guess now.
I don’t track it right now, but I used to put stars on my calendar.
right now i don’t track my excersize, in fact i barely excersize lol but i think a fitbit would motivate me by tracking my steps anmaking me try harder!
I was given a FitBit Flex for Christmas and have been totally motivated by it to become more active. I’d love to win one for my daughter.
I use my fitness pal now, would love an activity tracker though ;)
i got into tracking my exercise the same way i track my meds- a yearly agenda in daily format. old fashioned pen and paper.
I have a Polar HR Monitor.
i dont really track anything its sort of a mess
Just with the clock and calendar , I really need a better way !
By seeing how my clothes fit on me
I use my iPhone!
Once in a while I will start to track my exercise using pen and paper…but that method gets tedious and I tend too eventually fall away from tracking. I suspect tracking would help to organize me and keep me more disciplined… I can’t wait for you to give away a trip to Punta Cana!
I don’t really track it at all yet
I do map my runs and track my exercise that way, but do not track my gym activities or yoga workouts.
I’m am always busy,errands etc.,& would love to see my efforts :)
I have never tracked my exercise & to tell you the truth, it’s few & far between when I actually “work out”
BUT… I have been on Weight Watchers since mid-September & have lost just over 20 pounds to date. I would LOVE to win a Fitbit Charge to help me get motivated to exercise! I like to keep track of things & I think this would be the way to go for me. Thanks for this opportunity to win!
I don’t keep track
I currently don’t track my exercise..
A Garmin watch when I run, only, but I’m taking a break from running due to a an injury
I was using MyFitnessPal but I haven’t lately
I don’t track it at all and I’m sure that’s the problem! There’s no way to keep motivated, to visualize the progress that’s already been made. The FitBit Charge would do all that for me (except the exercising part! haha)
I track exercises with a pencil and notepad. A bit low tech but it seems to work a bit.
I currently have a fitbit flex but I want to upgrade to the charge.
This seems so awesome and such cute pictures, lol! Looks like you had such a blast. Lately I haven’t been tracking my exercise but I do exercise 4 days a week. However, I have been logging my food into a journal which helps. This would be awesome to wiN!
I don`t track it,,I need a fitbit to get me motivated and in shape!
I don’t track my activities at all!
I currently don’t track my exercise.
I don’t really track my fitness right now
Honestly, I don’t track my exercise now at all! I think the fitbit will definitely help me in that department!
I don’t and that is a problem!
Right now I track my exercise manually by entering it in myplate at Livestrong.com.
There honestly is not a whole lot of that going on atm but i look forward to the weather warming up.. When it does I just walk around our blocks babywearing our youngest..
I don’t really track anything right now which is why this would be so helpful
I do not track my workouts I just fit in 3-4 per week but this Fitbit would be a great tool.
I don’t track it at all so I would love one of these. I would also like to look at my sleep pattern, as well.
I use music :) I have downloaded music I use for different types of songs and exercising . Thanks for the chance a this great giveaway.
I don’t track it but I really need to because it might help to keep me motivated!
I was using a Fitbit but it drove me crazy that the original did not have a clock on it – I had to skip wearing my watch in order to wear my Fitbit, but that ended up not working for me so I have been wanting to upgrade to the Fitbit Charge. Right now I am back to not tracking, and I would love to start again!
I use My iPhone and an app called runkeeper, but if I do laps at the gym, It doesn’t record well because it thinks I am in the same spot most of the time.
I don’t actually track my exercise right now (an you can tell…)
Not the best at tracking – do it more in my head. Trying to co-ordinate days when I do not run is tricky.
I currently use a Fitbit Flex but I want to upgrade to a new one!
I don’t keep track of the small things I do, but I enter all my runs into Google Calendar. I’d love a Fitbit though!
I currently don’t track my exercise, other than the occasional post-it not on my calendar to hit the gym haha :/
This is great it’s like a forced savings account, except for fitness!!
I don’t track my exercise – no convenient way of doing it – but would love to try with Fitbit.
I write it in a notebook.
I do go to the gym, but i don’t really track my fitness at all.
I dont to be honest, I just do it and hope for the best
I track mine with a pedometer but I don’t think it is very accurate (and I often forget to wear it)
haha what exercise …its only a thought in my head right now
I don’t track it all and thats a problem!
I don’t track my exercise
I don’t really track my exercise daily I just exercise for a minimum of 20 minutes per day.
I don’t that’s why I need this. Would help me get motivated.
I don’t track my exercise and have a desk job so I am very inactive. I would love a Fitbit to track and get me motivated
When I remember I use an app
I have not started to track my fitness therefore this wouid be great to win
I am not currently using anything to track my steps. I used to have a Fitbit One but I gave it to my aunt to help motivate her.
I’m gaily busy,but being 60 yrs old it gets harder.I keep going no matter what ! Love to see how much I really accomplish:) Motivation!
I don’t currently have anything to keep track of my exercise! I really could use something to keep me on track!
I used My Fitness Pal :)
I don’t have a method of tracking my exercise at all. It’s a shame really as I’m pretty sure I give up too soon. :-(
I don’t keep track of it. I just use time to estimate how long I have exercised
I just do the same routine but it gets boring. I’d like to mix it up a little.
I don’t right now… that’s why I need something!
i don’t really! Only when I go for runs, and I keep track of the miles and time on the notepad app on my phone.
I track my health and fitness based on how my clothes fit. Not ideal. I sometimes get stuck in front of the computer and would love to know how much I walk.
Besos, Sarah
Journeys of The Zoo
I was using apps like Lose It and it worked great to track my calories and exercise. The logging in the information was time consuming unless I ate the same meal and did the same exercise everyday. My phone has a built in health app. It keeps track of my steps, and other info if I volunteer it. It’s okay, if I have my phone with me all the time.
I don’t track my fitness right now. This would be a good gadget to have.
I don’t keep track of that right now but would love to win this so i can
I use a GPS watch when I run…but this would be great to wear all day!! I sooo want one.
I mostly use my Garmin watch when I run and sync it to my garmin account.
I currently use the MyFitnessPal app.
I don’t keep track yet – that’s why I really need this :)
I don’t track my exercise now – but I would love to start!
Ha. I don’t.
I use MyFitnessPal and RunKeeper on my phone, but I would like something that tracked my activity all day!
I just keep it in my head.
I need to track my movements more effectively
I don’t really track my exercise at the moment. I just try to get in a set number of minutes worth, 15, 30, 90 etc.
I just use my head :)
Just try to remember. This would be a much better system to keep track!
I don’t
Right now I just write down my exercises.
through my fitnesspal pacer app
I guess my own mental notes. I really don’t have a formal way of tracking
I have a handy dandy chart in my bathroom
I guestimate alot of my exercise.
freebiegoddess03@aol.com
Right now I don’t track my fitness but I really need to start doing it.
I use google docs
I curently have no way to track my exercise.
I don’t! The only thing that keeps track for me is all the huffing and puffing I do!
All I use right now is the screen on the treadmill at the gym. Would love to have something to wear in order to keep track of my fitness both in and out of the gym!
So excited for this giveaway!! I’ve been pondering purchasing one of these! Would be great to win to help give my New Years resolution the kick start it needs!!
I use Map My Run/walk but have to enter the maps manually. Sometimes I forget the route I took so it would be great to have a Fitbit to track everything. I’m trying to walk as often as I can for fitness.
I use Map My Run (well I walk actually) It keeps track of your progress in a general way.
I use to but should try again
I try to with an app on my phone.
I currently use my phone.
I don’t, honestly, but I should be!
My sleep has been averaging 5 1/4 hours, it’s amazing I don’t hallucinate. ;-)
I don’t really keep track as I do the same thing most days .
I need to keep track of my activity!
I don’t track it now
In my brain – not as accurate haha
I don’t really i look at the time i begin and end sometimes.
I don’t track my exercise.
I don’t really track.
Before hurting my shoulder I would track my running with Nike+
I don’t have a device but I do walk to and from work and I work on y feet. It would be nice to keep track.
Treadmill exercise 1/2 hour am/1/2 hour pm – walk to my son’s elementary school AM/PM. My routine – accountability – in all honesty – would love to actually see the figures of the realistic amount of my calorie burn.
Eva Mitton-Urban
I don’t really, this would be absolutely amazing
I currently don’t have anything that I use to track my results
I track but how many days a week I. Get to the gym and how many glasses of water I drink a day.
I don’t – this would be really helpful
i don’t keep track, which is why this would be so helpful!
I track my steps on my cell phone!
sadly i do not keep track now of my exercise
Julie, sweety, that question really cracked me up. lol
I am kinda newly divorced…and I’m trying to “find” myself, so I am just starting to exercise. I am overweight, and I am determined to lose some weight! I’m not “dieting” or doing anything stupid!! Wait…what was the question? haha I am just using an old pedometer! It sucks, but whatever, it is all I have right now! Give me a year…and I am going to look amazing!
Right now I do not track any exercise. Would love a tool like this to help out in this deficiency.
I guess I don’t, which is not acceptable :( I track my food, but I don’t really do anything to track my exercise. I’m about to start a 5 week cut for my engagement photos, so I should probably start :P
Yikes, I really don;t dont do this! I need this!
I would love to track my exercises, but I don’t have anything to track them with!
i follow blogilates. i love her exercises on line.
I keep track of the amount on times I go to the gym each week. Would love to track the everyday!
LOL — I don’t track my exercise at all now! But . . . I do see how my friend tracks hers with her fitbit — it’s pretty inspiring!
I don’t really track my exercise…that’s because I probably don’t exercise enough! Time to shape up!