A FitBit is powerful

Psychologically, at least. Yesterday sowed me just how powerful a FitBit is.  I had unfortunately forgotten my FitBit Ultra at home, having left it in my shorts I wore the night before.  I meant to grab it when I was getting dressed, and honestly thought I had.  When I got to work, I was doing a few extra trips around, to get some extra steps in when I went for coffee, or to use the restroom. you know, I wanted to increase my total for the day.

At lunchtime I decided to see where my total was for the day. I reached into my pocket to retrieve it and lo and behold it wasn't there.  After a momentary panic that I had lost it, I realized that it must still be in my shorts at home. At that point I lost all motivation to do any extra steps.  My mind said, "what's the point, they won't be recorded and so don't count."

That mentality lasted all of about 10 minutes.  Just until I got back to my desk with my Atkins meal for lunch and I read a couple of posts on Facebook from FitBit users who were posting their Transformation Tuesday pictures.  I realized that while the steps didn't count towards my FitBit step total for the week, they did count as far as my health was concerned.  So I still did the extra steps whenever I got up from my desk, but my total for the week won't reflect that.

I think the extra motivation from having that little piece of technology is invaluable as it is a tangible result, showing what I have accomplished.  I don't have to wait to see any results on the scale or in my body, its almost immediate satisfaction showing that I am doing something.

If you are on the fence about getting a FitBit, I heartily endorse doing so as it will help motivate you to do more than you normally would.  Not to mention there is a great community of other FitBit users out there who support and and encourage each other on a daily basis.

One Year Later

A year ago I found a weight loss challenge group on the FitBit site that was a challenge to lose 50 lbs.  The first several people to do so were to win prizes.  Since I was getting back on the fitness bandwagon I decided to join the group and the challenge.  I have to say its been quite a ride and I am thankful I made that decision.  I have gained several friends who have helped to push me and keep me at least engaged f not entirely motivated over the last year.

By far one of the biggest stars of the group is Lee DiGeorge.  He and i actually tied losing 50 lbs by the same week, but he has been far more successful than I as he has gone well beyond that 50 and made a complete lifestyle change.  I've been backsliding a bit, but that is changing here again with the one year anniversary.  I am rededicating myself to this journey.

Lee isn't the only star of the group though.  Melissa and Michelle and Cala and Christine and Christina and Maria and John and Tom and Mary and Glynna and Act Out and Rachel and Nancy and Kelly and Debra and Kelly and Barbara have all helped me on my journey.  All are inspirations by far.  Whether its their impressive numbers of steps in a week, their progress on the scale or their sheer determination and never give up attitude.  All are winners!

Little did I know, when I so flippantly joined the group a year ago, how much these individuals would touch and inspire me.  Thank you group!