I have a confession to make… I am obsessed with my FitBit. I wear it almost 24/7, only taking it off when I shower or when it needs to be charged. I feel naked without it. Why has this small piece of technology become like an extra appendage to me and many others? I would argue that the FitBit is addicting because it offers the instant gratification our generation craves.

A FitBit is a wearable wireless activity tracker that can sync to your phone or computer and records number of steps walked, heart rate, quality of sleep, steps climbed, and calories burned each day. FitBit wearers can set goals for themselves in all the categories and use the app to track their progress. The app also lets users log the food they eat each day to track calories consumed and how many glasses of water they drink. Users can even use the app to set silent vibrating alarms on their FitBit to wake them up every morning or remind them to do something.

I use all the functions of my FitBit and absolutely love it. Tracking my steps each day has motivated me to get up and take a walk so I reach my goal. Having a short term goal such as taking over 10,000 steps each day makes it easier to achieve a long term goal such as losing five pounds. The FitBit allows users to keep track of these short term goals so they can achieve their long term goals.

Aside from keeping track of short term goals, the FitBit offers instant gratification for achieving goals. When users reach their step goal every day the FitBit will vibrate alerting users to their success. I and many of my friends get very excited when we are walking around and suddenly feel the vibration because it instantly lets us know that we have been active that day. FitBit also sends out emails for reaching other goals and gives badges on the app. Some of these include “Lighthouse” which is achieved by climbing 50 flights of stairs in one day, “Italy” which is achieved by a total walking 736 miles while wearing your FitBit, and “Trail Shoe” which is achieved by walking 30,000 steps in one day. By giving small rewards for progress users are motivated to keep achieving daily goals and exceed them. Over time this motivation leads to the achievement of long term goals.

The FitBit has had such a positive impact on my life. It has made me accountable for my exercise each day and motivated to continue working to achieve my long and short term goals. I think every one who wants to live an active life should consider investing in a FitBit to help keep track of their day to day activity and encourage them to go above and beyond!