Whether you already have a Fitbit or you’re just thinking about getting one, they can be a really handy device for us busy moms. These activity trackers have become so popular that even high-end designers like Tory Burch are creating their own signature versions.
Whenever you’re using an activity tracker like the Fitbit, and particularly Fitbit Flex, you likely want to make sure you’re getting the most from it, so here are a few tips to help you along the way:
- Try to take it off as little as possible. The more you become accustomed to wearing it all the time, the less likely you are to take it off. Since the Fitbit Flex is waterproof you can even wear it in the shower so it’s easier for it to become an inherent part of your lifestyle.
- I love the idea of linking your Fitbit Flex with the MyFitnessPal app. I haven’t tried the app yet but I have several mom friends who have and they’re addicted to all of the information they can get. You can really get a holistic picture of your health, how many calories you’re consuming and your activity levels when you link the two, as opposed to using one or the other alone. You can also get an idea of how much you’re eating—it can really be shocking at first but it’s the best way to change your habits and learn to be healthier.
- If you want your battery to last longer try to spend less time tapping or tinkering with the screen.
- Using Stepstats is something that’s available to users of newer Fitbits and you can explore your data in an even more comprehensive and robust way—for example by looking at lifetime and yearly information. Plus, you can also opt to see the information in graphs which are typically easier for many people to understand and relate to.
- One of the most important aspects of getting accurate data through the use of a Fitbit is measuring a stride length that’s completely accurate. The Flex attempts to calculate this number based on your height and gender but you can also measure your own stride length for better results using a tape measure.
- If you don’t know this about the Fitbit Flex, it tracks your sleep habits and patterns as well. This can be an important way to gauge your health and learn about your sleep habits and whether or not they need to be improved. If you forget to track your sleep before you fall asleep, you can still log it after you wake up, as long as you remember to do so.
- Use the food tracking capabilities—Fitbit has a food diary tool that lets you easily look up nutritional and calorie information and you can also use an auto complete option to record your daily foods.
If you’re a mom who loves your Fitbit, let us know your tips for getting the most out of it.