Get Your Bits Fit
FitBit is evolving, from both a hardware and software perspective. In October 2011, the clip itself was upgraded and renamed the FitBit Ultra.
The Ultra has the same features as the original FitBit, with one major addition: an altimeter. With the altimeter, Ultra knows how much elevation you lose or gain throughout a day. Thatâs valuable information because inclines are hard work. For example, if you climb the stairs in an 80-story building, youâll burn more calories than if youâd gone the same distance on a flat sidewalk outside.
In addition, the Ultra lets you check the time and includes a stopwatch so that you can manually time various activities. It displays so-called âchatterâ messages, too, that are supposed to encourage you to keep moving (even though that super-sized milkshake is causing you some serious side cramps.
And of course, there are the aesthetics. The original FitBit featured teal accents; the Ultra comes with your choice of either blue or plum.
Thereâs enough internal memory that the FitBit can store an entire weekâs worth of continuous data. Battery life is estimated at about three days, and you can check power levels at any time by plugging the unit into its base station.
FitBit doesnât track every kind of activity. Itâs not waterproof, so swimming is out. It canât tell that you just lifted weights for an hour, or that a rigorous yoga class just wiped you out. To bridge the gap, you can manually log activities through your Web account. Alternately, you can use the FitBit smartphone app (for iPhone or Android) to record workouts, as well as your food intake. The app doesnât let you upload data from your FitBit to your account, though. Only your computer-connected base station allows you to do that.
Once your data is synced to your online account, you have a plethora of options. You can check your daily, weekly and monthly stats, of course, as well as set goals. And you can create and monitor a food plan that helps you make better eating choices.
As you achieve specific goals, youâll unlock virtual badges that reward your positive behavior. These tokens recognize your achievements and push you to aim for loftier goals. You can also compare your stats with those of approved friends. Create an online group of friends or co-workers and together, you can share wisdom and inspiration thatâll keep you on track.
For more detail: How FitBit Works
