A Fitbit is a wearable activity tracker that can measure data such as number of steps taken throughout the day, heart rate, length and quality of sleep, as well as minutes in fat-burning or cardiovascular exercise. In addition, it allows the user to compare their activity and exercise data with friends or acquaintances which creates friendly competition and promotes movement and exercise. The Fitbit sets a daily goal of steps based on recommendations from the American Heart Association for each user. In addition, it can compare calorie intake with calorie-burning if the user enters what they eat. There are numerous models available in various colors, sizes and capabilities to fit the consumer’s wants and needs. …show more content…
The Fitbit is not actually labeled as a smartwatch like the Apple Watch, but does provide many of the same fitness-measuring functions, without the ability to run multiple apps (Jary, 2016). However, in terms of its activity tracking ability, the Fitbit is just as capable as the Apple Watch. In addition, even the most expensive Fitbit can be purchased for almost a third cheaper than the cheapest Apple Watch (Jary, 2016). Furthermore, since Fitbit is sold at multiple outlets such as Amazon, it is easier to find deals and discounts in comparison to the Apple Watch which is only sold by Apple, and rarely provides the opportunity for discounts (Jary, 2016). Another important aspect of the affordability of the Fitbit, is that it can sync to non-smart phones. It also can sync to multiple apps on any type of phone such as MapMyRun, MyFitnessPal, RunKeeper etc.(Jary, 2016). However, with the Apple Watch, it must be used with an Iphone, typically a expensive phone than other …show more content…
The American Medical Association stated that more than half of people that use a fitness tracker, end up losing it or quitting within 6 months (Hutchinson, 2016). In addition, there have also been some critiques that the Fitbit is inaccurate in tracking certain things, such as calories burned (Hutchinson, 2016). Also, many claim that once the novelty of the device and activity tracking wears off, many no longer are motivated by the daily reminders and motivating messages to reach individual goals (Hutchinson, 2016).
Overall, the Fitbit has been recognized as an affordable, easy-to-use and enthusiastic device to help users begin to incorporate all types of physical activity into their daily routine, meet sleep goals and even lose weight by remaining aware of calories intake/consumption. Even though there are claims that the Fitbit may not be effective long-term, that opinion could apply to incorporating any change or fitness routine into a daily schedule. However, at least with the Fitbit, there is an interactive and motivational device available to help users incorporate healthy changes into their