My Fitbit Coach

MichaelSunnarborg / January 26, 2016 Article, Image, Link, Video / Leave a Comment

“Why do you keep walking up and down the stairs and all around the house? It’s after 11:00pm,” my Mom asked as I briskly passed by her on my third pass through the kitchen.

“I gotta get in my 10,000 steps,” I replied as if it would be obvious to anyone else.

I’d spent another weekend at my parents’ house–only four hours away—and each time I go home, something new and fun happens. So what was this activity all about?

A little less than a month ago, I wouldn’t have been marching through the house late at night. But then I got a Christmas present that changed everything—I got a Fitbit One. And suddenly I was assimilated into the Fitbit Collective.

Now don’t get me wrong—I love technology; I love health & wellness. In fact, I write, speak, and coach about health and balance every day. It’s my life’s work—it’s what I do. And until now, I didn’t think that wearing a tiny device would make that much of a difference. I’d already developed good habits around exercise and fitness, so how could I possibly need “one of those”?

But there’s something more to wearing a Fitbit than just sporting the newest fad. It’s more than just a little tracker—it’s wearable accountability. Once you know it’s monitoring your movements, your awareness changes. Kind of like having a wearable Life Coach.

Like hiring a Life Coach, having someone—or something—to hold you accountable can instill a sense of progress and accomplishment. Plus, it can feed you objective data that you can track. That’s where it gets fun.

Think you’re walking a lot? Fitbit will tell you in steps, miles, floors and calories. Have a fitness goal? Now you can set it and get it! Wearing a Fitbit (or any other activity monitoring device) will help you measure your activity and reach your intended targets. Plus, you can see daily and weekly reports, earn awards, and even connect with your friends and see their progress.

Another perk is the personalized feedback. Even though the Fitbit doesn’t speak (not yet :), it does give you witty little motivational messages on the LCD display including:

• Go Michael!
• Give Me A Hug
• High Five!
• Move It
• I Like You

Along with the tiny texts, I’m finding myself thinking more motivational thoughts like, “Get in your steps!” or “Gotta get in my 10!” (referring to reaching the goal of 10,000 steps per day).

My Fitbit has become my mini-Life Coach… and I love it.

So whether it’s a Fitbit, or whatever you need to keep yourself motivated and enthusiastic about health & wellness intentions, just find it. We each have our own ways of staying inspired in the health & fitness zone, so find yours.

Now, please excuse me while I go walk the Mall of America. It’s cold outside and I’ve gotta get in my 10.

To Our Better Balance,

Michael Thomas Sunnarborg