A New Era

It's been a few days so I thought I'd better make good on my promises and get to writing!

Over the weekend after Christmas I took a long drive to West Virginia.  I picked up a puppy for a friend of mine so I didn't do a whole heck a lot of activity but sitting and eating.  NOT good.

I checked with a local store and they had Garmin Vivofit in stock.  I heading out, during the beginnings of a blizzard (just to show you how committed I am.....perhaps in more ways than one..) and picked one up.

After getting home, getting the dog out for one more pee break before the storm really got going, I opened up my new toy.

First about the vivofit- this is not one with all the bells and whistles.  I did some research and found that for me, where I am and what I want to accomplish, I don't need all of those extra bells and whistles.

I wanted a device that would track my calories burned, steps taken and sleep patterns. I wanted simple functionality and a system I could chart my activities.  I did not  need a heart rate monitor, GPS tracking/run/jog path or a bunch of other things that a much more serious workout person would want.

Garmen's Vivofit suits me perfectly.  I got all that I was looking for and more for only $50 on sale.

What I found when I opened my new toy, were two bands. Large and small, to use to put the unit on my wrist- like a watch. OK, I know there are those of you out there that don't know what a wristwatch is since you all use your cell phones, but once upon a time we wore our timepieces on our wrists. But I digress......

You put a 'thing' (since I don't remember what it's called) into your USB port to activate/download all the cool things this little unit can do.  You can also download a free app for your smart phone. You can use up to 5 different pieces of equipment-laptops, ipads.....etc.

Once you create an account (free by the way) you can customize your dashboard to what ever widgets you want. There is a chart for activities, weight loss, steps taken, and so much more. You can invite friends to share your journey, challenges for your self or others, ways to earn 'badges' as you reach milestones.

AND you can link (also free) to another app for calorie counting, food journaling and more. I'm still playing with both apps to get it set up the way I'd like it to be for me.

The Vivofit also alerts you when you've been stationary too long....gotta go, time to do some more walking!