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Best way to track steps on daily walk

Posted by dj12 @dj12, Jun 12 9:44am

I walk every day except the week I have chemo, usually a half hour. I am guessing I walk a mile? I have been doing my walks for 4 years since my cancer diagnosis. They are now part of my day.
I would like to count my steps but would like to know how other people do this. Is a pedometer, watch, phone or other device the most accurate? Thanks!

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gloaming | @gloaming | Jun 16 4:32pm
In reply to @jillsy "I have a Fitbit band that not only tells me the time, alerts me to phone..." + (show)
@jillsy

I have a Fitbit band that not only tells me the time, alerts me to phone notifications, and counts steps, but reminds me every hour by vibrating if I haven't walked 150 steps. That motivates me to get up from the computer and walk around. The step information then appears on my email. I have measured my steps and the Fitbit is very accurate. The only problem is that at about 2 years old now it shuts off without warning and I have to charge it up a couple of times a day to keep it from shutting off.

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Yeah, the batteries don't stand up like we expect them to. BTW, I watched a YouTube video about a year ago saying that limiting the charge on my phone to just 80-85% can greatly extend the life of the battery, so I went into the described process and now only get to 80%. I think we should all do that with our other charging devices, including smart watches.

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Lela Lofgren | @lelalofgren | Jun 16 5:53pm
In reply to @dj12 "Does the Fitbit need a phone to sync to? I guess I prefer a simple standalone..." + (show)
@dj12

Does the Fitbit need a phone to sync to? I guess I prefer a simple standalone watch?

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No, it does not. People seem to really like their Fitbit. Best wishes!

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dj12 | @dj12 | Jun 17 5:12am
In reply to @lelalofgren "No, it does not. People seem to really like their Fitbit. Best wishes!" + (show)
@lelalofgren

No, it does not. People seem to really like their Fitbit. Best wishes!

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I think the Fitbit sounds good. I just bought a new battery for my Timex expedition and can't get the back to snap on. 🙄
Thanks for the update about not needing a phone.
Funny, I worked with programming in my job but find I have no desire to be "technical" since I retired.

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1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jun 17 11:47am
In reply to @dj12 "I think the Fitbit sounds good. I just bought a new battery for my Timex expedition..." + (show)
@dj12

I think the Fitbit sounds good. I just bought a new battery for my Timex expedition and can't get the back to snap on. 🙄
Thanks for the update about not needing a phone.
Funny, I worked with programming in my job but find I have no desire to be "technical" since I retired.

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I'm with you! I worked for over 30 years in technology, now I keep up just enough to communicate with others (including online meetings) and to use necessary apps.

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1 reply
frobvt | @frobvt | Jun 17 12:28pm
In reply to @sueinmn "I'm with you! I worked for over 30 years in technology, now I keep up just..." + (show)
@sueinmn

I'm with you! I worked for over 30 years in technology, now I keep up just enough to communicate with others (including online meetings) and to use necessary apps.

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I too can identify with that. I've always liked technology, so I have my Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra, and a Samsung Watch6 which work great together. Also, I can send texts, and make phone calls on my watch too. Both my phone and my watch are accurate in counting steps. My Galaxy Watch6 really tracks every little nuance of my health, and is especially good for tracking my sleep. However, I've had family and friends use the Fitbit. So, if one wants something simple that might be the way to go. I totally agree with saving battery life on these devices because they're so expensive! So I have my phone set to only charge to 80%. Good battery life after 2.5 years!

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marileem | @marileem | Jun 19 10:09pm
In reply to @dj12 "I don't have an iPhone but will see if something is on my Android phone." + (show)
@dj12

I don't have an iPhone but will see if something is on my Android phone.

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There's a free Google app, "Fit", for most Android phones. It will count steps and "heart points" (a measure subjective measure of cardio effort). It's not precise on the step counts but gets you in the ballpark and helps monitor trends. It also had a paced walking metronome that has helped me increase my walking speed.

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