Slimming Down Dad Episode 4: Activity Trackers

Written by Walt in Health,Slimming Down Dad

FitBit Flex

A couple of weeks ago, Episode 2 of Slimming Down Dad was released and I received a question from Paul on the Slimming Down Dad Facebook PageOpens in a new tab.

I found myself looking forward to the next podcast and I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed it and found it very helpful. I am thinking of getting a Fit Bit to encourage me to walk more and to track calories in and out. What are you thoughts about Fit Bits?

I thought talking about activity trackers would make for a great podcast topic so I made myself a note to make that happen for Episode 4. I didn’t want to leave Paul’s question hanging, so I typed up a quick response. This episode goes into much more detail as I explain my experience with the original Jawbone Up as well as the FitBit Flex and Charge HR.

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Walt

Hi There, My name is Walt White and as the name of this blog suggests, I am a Pennsylvania resident. In addition to having numerous hobbies that I discuss on my blog - Iā€™m also the father of three little girls and a pitbull.

6 thoughts on “Slimming Down Dad Episode 4: Activity Trackers”

  1. I borrowed my wife’s FitBit to get a sense for how many steps I take in an average day and was amazed at how few they were. It was a wake up call that I really needed to find ways in my day to get myself moving. It is not easy to reach 10,000 steps every day. You really have to build opportunities for movement into your day (as sad as that sounds!). We just got a dog this year and I find taking her for a long walk really helps me get to my daily goal…but even after a 45 minute to an hour walk with the dog, I still need to find other activities to keep me moving to reach 10K steps.

    1. Paul,
      Sometimes it can be tough taking a close look at your steps. It can be very discouraging to be out walking the dog for a solid hour, come back feeling great, only to find out you’ve barely put a dent in your daily step goal.

      Finding little places to add steps throughout the day is critical.

      Thanks for listening to the podcast and leaving a comment!

  2. When I sat down to listen boy was I surprised to see myself quoted šŸ™‚

    Thanks for such an in depth podcast!

    I did get a Fit Bit HR for Fathers Day and yes it confirmed how inactive I was.

    It is just the motivation needed to take my dog on an evening walk that I know we will both enjoy anyway to make my daily 10 K goal. ( I am currently on fm day 3 of my goal of 21 straight 10k days).

    My only issue is that I have an iPhone 4 and can’t sync so I’m synced to my laptop.

    I have not yet got into tracking calories which is my next step.

    On another note I went to North Holland last month to observe UPSA and am planning to participate in the July 12 th shoot! Any advice ?

    Thanks & keep up the good work!

    1. Paul,
      I haven’t been to the USPSA program at New Holland (I’ve shot IDPA there in the past) but Mark and Annette are good people and put together solid matches, I’m sure it will be a lot of fun.

      As far as advice goes, I have a couple of tips

      Pack something to eat and bring plenty of water. July can be a brutal month with heat and while New Holland has ample shade, it is easy to get dehydrated when you’re out and moving about for several hours.

      Don’t let yourself get overly concerned about speed. The timer plays mind games with everyone and people new to the sport tend to obsess over it. Watch your front site and make good hits. Speed will come later.

      Probably the most important piece of advice I can give you is help your squad. The only people that get a pass on resetting the stage are the shooters ‘On Deck’ and ‘In the Hole’. Everyone else resets steel or pastes targets after the run is over and scored.

      I’m sure you’ll do well and enjoy yourself. Thanks for all the support

      -Walt

  3. Great explanation of negative caloric intake on MFP. I will be getting a Fitbit Charge HR in a few weeks, so this whole podcast was informative.

    1. Chuck,
      I’ve upgraded to a Charge HR since recording this episode and have been very happy with it so far. I’m sure you’ll find the device beneficial.

      Thanks for checking out the episode and leaving a comment.

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