Fitbit has released an updated version of the app for Android phone that, while mostly focused on fixes and improvements, also brings a new look to the exercise tracking of the app. The updated build is version 2.15 for those keeping score at home and it is out in the Google Play Store now. If you have the app installed you can expect the OTA update at any point over the next couple of days.
The Fitbit app has always had a exercise log where from the main page you could enter in exercise (or sync it from another app if you log elsewhere (I log in MyFitnessPal personally and have it sync)) and see in a calendar form how you did for a particular week. That information along with minutes exercised and calories burned is still there, but now you have a weekly challenge that you configure to help you stay on task of getting and staying healthy through exercise and a sensible diet.
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Fitbit Exercise Challenges Are Configured By You
The nice thing about this new challenge feature in the app is that it is configurable by you. It will by default set you up to exercise five days a week. For many that is a challenge as you are either starting out or your daily schedule just
Fitbit Exercise Tracking
makes that unrealistic – and it gets you down if you miss days. When you open up the Exercise tile you will see at the top of the page the goal you have for the week and below a log of all of your previous exercise logging you have done. At the top, tap the gear icon then tap the number of days and you will open up a page that will allow you to select from 1 to 7 days a week to exercise. Tap the Save button and that is now your new goal going forward.
As with any exercise or diet plan, you have to be challenging to yourself while also being realistic. I for example know with my travel schedule that hitting the gym 5 days a week isn’t an option. But three days is not a problem as I can squeeze that in before or after work, even when I’m in a hotel on the road. Obviously you want to exercise as much as you can but if you set a bar to high, literally, you will get frustrated with yourself. Start small, then grow. Believe me – I’ve lost over 100lbs just by changing my diet and exercising. You can do it!
Fitbit requires that you have a tracker from the company which starts at $49.99. The app is free and will sync with most trackers via Bluetooth with your phone so you can see your progress at anytime without having to sync with a PC.
