Have you ever had a break-up that you knew was a great decision?  Not with a person (we ALL have those-haha).  But with something like cable, a car, a bike, a video game system, etc.?  Here's the story of my recent break-up.
Recently I had phone issues which made me default my phone and re-download my apps.  Sigh! My Jawbone UP fitness tracker was one of them.  But for some reason when I tried to sync the app to the UP band, it didn't work.  So I decided to ditch it . . . and I am so glad!
Here are my top 7 reasons I broke up with my fitness tracker:
1. Â I am no longer obsessed with getting my 10,000 steps in. Â
Yes, I am SUPER competitive so I had to get those 10,000 steps plus a few extra thousand in on my running days. Â I run 5 miles a day 5 days a week. Â It was around 8,500 steps for me after my run. But I had to get around 11,000 – 12,000 a day. Â It drove my family crazy that I would walk in place while cooking, folding laundry, etc. Â (Yes, it REALLY did drive them crazy, says my husband as he edits this.)
2. I can enjoy my off days of running. Â
When I had my off days of running I would still think of ways I could get at least 5,000 – 6,000 steps in. Â It was so consuming because I was so obsessed with getting steps in.
3. Â My body gets the rest it needs. Â
I get to sit down and rest physically–and mentally since I'm not thinking about my steps–especially on my off days.
4. I'm not checking my app…ALL…THE…TIME.
I would check it every time I came home from anywhere I walked, after doing house work, laundry, cooking, anything! Â Anyone else battle with this?
5. My wrist is free.
I did not have a Fitbit (that has a combined watch) so I wore my UP band and watch on one wrist, and typing was a pain!
6. I no longer get the annoying emails.
I would get emails with the worst titles like “You were low this week; try to step it up next week!” UGH!
7. Â Peace of mind. Â
I am back to running and enjoying it again!
I know some of you love your Fitbit or UP because it motivates you to exercise, and that is great!  But for me I already love to run so I don't really need motivation.  I haven't had my UP on for a week, and I have to say I haven't missed it one bit.  So this break-up was a great decision!
How about you?  Do you love your Fitbit or UP band, or do you have a love/hate relationship with it? Would love to hear your thoughts on this one! And, if you'd love to try out a Fitbit but don't want to pay full price, see how to turn your Smartphone into a Fitbit. Love that!
karen b says
I have never had a fitbit but I do use a pedometer most days. I wear it to see what I do walk on any given day. When I first got it I was also obsessed w/ getting my 10000 steps in but not anymore, now its more like Oh we are going hiking wonder how many steps its up that trail, shopping curious how much I walked. etc. On sundays I actually have decided I like knowing how few steps I walk after all it is a day of rest 🙂 although sometimes I do take a walk 🙂 I think its like everything else you can go overboard, everything in moderation!
Laurie says
I agree Karen – I think there are so many good things about the fitbit and really do love mine, I think it’s just so important to keep it in balance! Thanks for sharing (it does change as time goes on – thankfully we’re not always quite as obsessed!)