FitBit Charge Review

Back in April, I purchased a Garmin GPS watch. I started using it while trail running and loved the results I was getting from it. I had every intention of publishing a full length review on the device, but then something horrible happened. My dog ate it. That thing was straight torn up. I mean no chance what so ever of it ever functioning again.

R.I.P. Garmin GPS watch 2016-2016

My wife felt really bad about the death in our family and decided to give me my “Fetus Father’s Day” present early. The present ended up being a FitBit Charge. I was excited to say the least, especially considering I was mourning from the recent loss of my Garmin.

The FitBit was refurbished and it was having a battery malfunction, so we sent it back to the company in nowhere Jersey. We received it back shortly after in solid, working condition. I’m gonna base my review off of the FitBit I received at this time.

Features:

• Accurately track all-day stats like steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned, stairs climbed, and active minutes
• See daily stats, time of day, and exercise mode with a bright LED display
• Monitor your sleep automatically and wake with a silent alarm
• Get call notifications right on your wrist
• Access real-time run stats like time, distance, and pace to stay on track
• Sync stats wirelessly and automatically to your computer and over 150 leading smartphones
• Utilize the sizing tool in Product Details below to ensure proper fit.

My opinion:

Devices like this have been fairly mainstream for a few years now. It seems like I see more and more people wearing them and I understand why. Being able to easily track parameters that directly effect your health (steps taken, miles walked, stairs climb) will help motivate you because you will realize what you’re capable of doing day to day. If you took 15,000 steps yesterday then you could take 15,000 steps today. If you took 15,000 steps yesterday and you only get to 8,000 steps today then what could you do to be better tomorrow? The step counter is accurate. You can actually see your steps go up as you walk.

If you’re trying to get in shape:

I think exercise trackers give people a better understanding of what they do physically on a daily basis. Knowing this information will help create a baseline of what they need to do to become more physically active. Whether that means going for a run early in the day or just  getting up from your desk at work more often.

If you’re already in shape:

First off, you’ll find out something you already know…that you’re in shape because you’re active (and you probably eat healthy too). Other than that, this device does work good for tracking distances as far as running. The other day, I mapped out a running route with google maps and then ran the route later that day. The distance tracked by the fit bit was almost exactly what google said it was supposed to be.

Well….

It’s not as accurate as a GPS watch. It is more compact, lighter weight, doesn’t take years to find a satellite, and not being digested by your dog.

Your health is worth the price. 

-FFB