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Mentor

Experience with using Fitbit to monitor exercise and sleep

Posted by Don Higgins, Volunteer Mentor @dsh33782, Jan 17, 2021

I'd like to learn more about how to use my new Fitbit select 3 that I got for my 76 birthday. I ordered it from Amazon for $150. I wear it on my wrist and it measures movement, location, and heart rate. It replaces watch, it doesn't require winding, and I can see the high contrast digital display of time much better. It does require WIFI access to smart phone Fitbit app, and it requires recharging about once a week. It says I got 6 hours of sleep last night. Charlotte and I walk twice a day for total of 4 miles. I'm hoping this new Fitbit tool will help me stay on track and improve health. And I'm hoping other Fitbit users will share their experience and tips.

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Feb 28, 2021
In reply to @dsh33782 "For the past 10 days I've been recording what I eat on Fitbit Select 3 via..." + (show)
@dsh33782

For the past 10 days I've been recording what I eat on Fitbit Select 3 via desktop and like the feedback. I blew my limit on Friday with ribs, corn, potato, salad, and cheesecake from Chilli's. It was great but the graph shows how bad it was and that I need to not do that too often.

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@dsh33782, I've been learning more about low carb healthy fat eating, so called LCHF. The LCHF folks make good arguments about the lack of value in counting calories. I counted calories on my FitBit for a month just to get a sense of what I'm eating. For me, I found the calculation about the macros (carbohydrates, proteins and fat) to more helpful. When watching macros, quality is more important than quantity. I'm afraid you're Friday splurge probably did rank well on either. ;-( But that doesn't mean the wheels are off the wagon, right? How's the weekend eating going? Has your sleep improved these past few weeks?

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Mentor
Don Higgins, Volunteer Mentor | @dsh33782 | Feb 28, 2021

I'm back to eating normally. My wife charlotte cooks healthy meals. I'm happy just tracking calories for now. Recording daily and seeing bar graph keeps me mindful of what I'm eating and limits.

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avmcbellar | @avmcbellar | Jun 3, 2021
In reply to @jolinda "@avmcbellar Thanks. Can't wait to hear more when you get your new device." + (show)
@jolinda

@avmcbellar
Thanks. Can't wait to hear more when you get your new device.

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Hi @jolinda I would have to agree privacy is a big issue today. We don’t seem to get enough of it anymore with all the technology. I feel artificial information (AI) collects our information for a sales pitch. I am seeing this on our phone and computer devices. It listens or keeps track of subjects we research to provide us with more information.
Well, I finally got my Fitbit Inspire 2 yesterday. I am learning how to use the tracker. The health information is basic like heart rate, sleep hours, steps, calories burned, etc. You do have to download the Fitbit app on your phone to be able to enjoy all of the features of your Fitbit model. I find it very helpful to stay on track with my physical activities. My husband has a Fitbit also. It has encouraged him to lose weight and get more sleep. He often goes out for walks which he never did before. I am hoping it will help me as well. I am okay with disclosing my basic health information for the benefits. Who knows it may even help to catch abnormalities.

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1 reply
weimies5 | @weimies5 | Jun 4, 2021
In reply to @avmcbellar "Hi @jolinda I would have to agree privacy is a big issue today. We don’t seem..." + (show)
@avmcbellar

Hi @jolinda I would have to agree privacy is a big issue today. We don’t seem to get enough of it anymore with all the technology. I feel artificial information (AI) collects our information for a sales pitch. I am seeing this on our phone and computer devices. It listens or keeps track of subjects we research to provide us with more information.
Well, I finally got my Fitbit Inspire 2 yesterday. I am learning how to use the tracker. The health information is basic like heart rate, sleep hours, steps, calories burned, etc. You do have to download the Fitbit app on your phone to be able to enjoy all of the features of your Fitbit model. I find it very helpful to stay on track with my physical activities. My husband has a Fitbit also. It has encouraged him to lose weight and get more sleep. He often goes out for walks which he never did before. I am hoping it will help me as well. I am okay with disclosing my basic health information for the benefits. Who knows it may even help to catch abnormalities.

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I’ve been using a FitBit for several years and really do find it helps me strive for more activity. As far as “sharing” with others—-nope—-it’s for my personal use.

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weimies5 | @weimies5 | Jun 4, 2021
In reply to @dsh33782 "For the past 10 days I've been recording what I eat on Fitbit Select 3 via..." + (show)
@dsh33782

For the past 10 days I've been recording what I eat on Fitbit Select 3 via desktop and like the feedback. I blew my limit on Friday with ribs, corn, potato, salad, and cheesecake from Chilli's. It was great but the graph shows how bad it was and that I need to not do that too often.

Jump to this post

I use FitBit for sleep, exercise, steps but have discovered NOOM which I use to log food, weight and other things. I love the graph for the weight which is a daily event. Shows the ups and downs from day to day, but for some reason, it helps me stay more focused on my health. I’m 74 with Hashimoto’s (for years) and for the past three or four I’ve been able to not increase my medications. Takes a lot of effort to lose a few pounds but at least I’m able to stay within the norms for my age and height. Soooo, the more we move, the healthier I truly believe we can be. AND, any device that helps—-go for it!

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Jun 5, 2021
In reply to @weimies5 "I use FitBit for sleep, exercise, steps but have discovered NOOM which I use to log..." + (show)
@weimies5

I use FitBit for sleep, exercise, steps but have discovered NOOM which I use to log food, weight and other things. I love the graph for the weight which is a daily event. Shows the ups and downs from day to day, but for some reason, it helps me stay more focused on my health. I’m 74 with Hashimoto’s (for years) and for the past three or four I’ve been able to not increase my medications. Takes a lot of effort to lose a few pounds but at least I’m able to stay within the norms for my age and height. Soooo, the more we move, the healthier I truly believe we can be. AND, any device that helps—-go for it!

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I just love the positive attitude in your comments! I need more of that!

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