Last year I channeled my inner Tom Haverford and had a treat yo’ self-day: I bought a Fitbit Alta. Now, my Fitbit has become more of a comfort object where I wear it even if it’s dead. Like any other lazy college student, I always put off charging it, so essentially it just sits on my shelf dead. I went about a week and realized how naked I felt without it. I started opting for the bus instead of walking to class, because I didn't care about my step count.  

I also realized I wasn't taking as much advantage of my Fitbit that I could be. The app offers you to track exercise, your food and water intake, steps per hour, and your sleep patterns.  

I spent all this money and all I was getting out of it was vibration and fireworks on a tiny screen when I reached 10,000 steps. I decided it was time for a change. I want to learn all about the app and how to get full use out of my Fitbit.

Exercise Tracking

You can record what type of exercise and how long you work out for. From that, the app shows you how many calories you burned, and how it affects your overall day performance.

#SpoonTip: The Fitbit App has an exercise calendar that allows you to look at past workouts you did including that workout’s data. 

Food & Water Intake

Tracking your weight, measuring hydration, and logging food intake are all some of the benefits of the Weight and Nutrition aspect of the Fitbit app. After inputting your weight, your food choices reflect how your weight might fluctuate. Logging how much water you drink will display if you are suitably staying hydrated.

#SpoonTip: Read here about the health benefits of drinking enough water.

Counting Your Steps

Probably the most famous feature of the Fitbit is that with one tap you can see your step count. The average person is encouraged to step 250 steps per hour. The Fitbit sends vibration notifications to you within the hour if you have not met it. You also have the opportunity to win badges and challenge your friends who also have a Fitbit.

#SpoonTip: You can take off/add notifications to your remind you of your daily goals. Having trouble getting your steps in? Check out this helpful list.

Sleep Patterns

According to The Wall Street Journal, individuals should receive around 7-8 hours of sleep a night but the amount can alter depending on the person. This is where the Fitibit comes in hand—literally on your hand. With this feature, you can edit your “sleep goal.” From there it shows how long you were asleep and at what points in the night you were restless or awake.  

So, if you’re like me and find yourself sometimes utilizing your Fitbit more as an accessory than a health booster, join me in making a change. As Troy Bolton sings it, “We’re All in This Together.”