And now for something different…
I’VE NEVER been one to talk about medical issues on my blog, and I’m not about to change that policy now. But today, by bending my own personal blogging rules just a bit, I’m going to share with you, my gentle readers, that I am overweight. Not much, actually. But enough for me to decide that it is time for me to change some of my evil less-than-healthy ways.
TO WIT, and finally getting to the point of this post, I bought a fitbit. I chose the Zip one, which is a small pedometer that you attach to yourself each day. Then it does all the work for you by keeping track of your steps. All you have to do is walk. A lot. And have a desktop computer or a smart phone that you use to see all of your stats.
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IF I were a cynical woman, at this point in my post I’d tell you that this little gadget has confirmed that I do move. Most days. More than I can believe. Yet I am plump. Which I kind of like, but that’s the sort of statement that could get my Woman Card revoked, so I won’t focus on the body image topic today. Nor will I be cynical, because I am a paragon of good health and positive thinking.
I’M ENJOYING my Zip. It’s a groovy fuchsia color, and has this cute little [mostly] smiley face on it. Sometimes the smiley face sticks its tongue out at me when I’ve been sedentary for too long. I like that. Technology with a bit of motivational attitude is exactly the sort of thing to get me stepping more. And maybe, just maybe, weighing a few pounds less.
I’ll let you know.
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[A message to the FTC: I didn’t receive any compensation of any kind for my opinion here about this device. I know that you worry about such things, so you can rest assured that, as usual, there is nothing here for you to see.]
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THE SPECTACLED BEAN 
You are a paragon of positive thinking. Thanks for sharing and Good Health, My Love.
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Thank you. I don’t know how long this positive thinking will last, but while it does I’ll be walking myself ragged.
[Probably not the best way to explain myself here, but the hunger from eating fewer calories has made me unable to think clearly. Oh joy! Good Health.]
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Wow! I always thought you were very fit. You walk—a lot! And you’ve always been very flexible. I remember you holding your leg up by your head! It will be interesting to see what this little fitbit can do for you. I hope it doesn’t stick it’s tongue out at you very often:)
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Beth, well apparently all those silly BMI charts say that I’m not fit. So I got this Zip to prove that I do move around each day. Plus it’s kinda cute– and who doesn’t like a new accessory?
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We had a health fair when I worked and we handed out pedometers. I clipped one on expecting good news. I am not overweight and I’m fairly fit as I exercise my jaws and other body parts quite a bit (mostly jaws — I have the best jaws around). I was stunned to see that I barely walked 2000 steps a day. Goal was 10,000. I gave it to my husband so he could feel equally bad about himself.
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kate, that 10,000 steps per day goal is ridiculous. I have chosen to believe that getting half of that number, more or less, each day is a reasonable goal. And because I’ve lowered my goal I am feeling empowered by my results. That’s the way you get healthy, according to me. 😉
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You know that stupid 10,000 step goal killed any attempt on my part to participate. Perhaps that should be the goal after 10 years.
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Excellent idea. I’m in.
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Cool to hear the fitbit is helping. 🙂
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Kourtney, it is helping me– and entertaining me in the process. Of course, it’s up to me to walk more, but now thanks to this silly little doodad I have the sense that I’m making progress. So that’s good.
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My friend Sharon would give you points for just buying the thing! I’ve been considering getting one but I’m not sure I want to know how little I walk. Good luck to you!
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Zazzy, I thought like you did that I’d find out how little I moved each day. But instead, I’ve found out how much I move. Not huge distances, mind you– but I do move. And I can prove it!
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I unashamedly adore gadgets and want one.!!!!
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Well, I have to admit that it’s a fun little doodad. Especially when it sticks its tongue out at me for being lazy. If you get one, let me know what you think of it.
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May I ask how much the gadget costs? Several of my friends have gotten them and I’m quite interested.However, I’m afraid that with my tendencies toward OCD and perfectionism that I would let the little machine run my life. 😉
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Never mind, I went to the site and they are reasonable. One friend has the one that also tracks her sleep. Yikes.
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Margaret, I saw the one that your friend has. I only care about how many steps I’m taking, so that one was more than I needed. So far, I’m charmed by the little gadget that I got. As I’m not in the least bit OCD, I feel like we’re going to get along just fine.
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Many of my Rotary friends have FitBits, and I kinda wish I’d gotten one to count my steps on my walk. It might’ve exploded, though………Glad you’ve found something that motivates and inspires you to move.
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Andra, made me giggle on that one. If you had worn one during your trek, who knows what the little smiley face would have done. Better that you didn’t stress the poor little thing.
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I’m generally good at walking, but that’s not enough for me anymore. I need more. I have a workout DVD (Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred) that incorporates weights, cardio, and abs. I told my husband that I was going to do it about 5 weeks ago, and he said, “you should do it several days a week, or else you won’t build muscle, you’ll just be sore.” I took those words to heart, and have been doing the video 3 days a week ever since. I feel better, my arms feel better, but gosh, I don’t think I’ve lost any weight. Rats. Hanging in there, hoping that if I keep it up, it will work.
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J, I suspect that I’m the same way now. I walk, but I don’t lose weight. *meh* The DVD idea is a good one and I’m inspired by you doing it on your own 3x per week. I need to get into that sort of good habit too.
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