Over the last few years I’ve tried a few different fitness trackers, pedometers and phone apps with varying results of success. At the end of last year I purchased the Garmin VivoFit and have been using it daily since the beginning of the year. The results have been fantastic. I was initially hesitant about the cost but in hindsight it was one of the best investments I’ve ever made and the benefits greatly out weigh the price.
The tracker I bought came without the heart rate monitor band. This can be included at an additional cost. The device came with 2 different size straps. It works perfectly as a sports watch and I love the fact that it’s waterproof. You are able to sync and transfer information between your PC or phone and your tracker. Before you start you can complete your personal information including your age, weight and height. This calculates your estimated basal metabolic rate (BMR) which is included in the calories burnt section. To get a more accurate indication of calories burnt through daily activities I would recommend purchasing the heart rate monitor. My VivoFit takes into account your steps taken but not the amount of energy expended doing other exercises such as weight lifting or swimming. Unlike cell phone apps, the VivoFit tracker is on me throughout the day so it counts every single step I take. If I’ve been sitting for too long a red line appears which reminds me to get moving. This makes such a difference in daily activities. No longer is it a chore for me to get up and walk to the printer or to go to a colleagues desk to speak to them instead of picking up the phone. I’ve started going on two walks around the block during the day, each taking around 2000 steps. The VivoFit gives you a daily goal based on the amount of steps you took the previous day. Personally I like to ensure that I take atleast 5000 steps a day and so far I’ve managed to exceed it about 95% of the time. It also shows you the distance travelled which can be in km or miles. It’s amazing how far you can walk just by walking around a shopping mall. Yes ladies, shopping can double up as a workout!
Another great feature is the Sleep monitor. I used this frequently in the beginning but don’t currently make use of it only because I don’t love sleeping with a watch on. You just need to change the setting to ‘Sleep’ when you go to bed and the tracker monitors your movements during the night. The next day you can sync your device to your PC or phone and can see how long you slept and how restless or restful it was. This is very interesting when monitored over a week or two. For example I discovered how much better I slept when my partner was in bed next to me. A friend of mine discovered that the opposite was true for him. It can also show you how what and when you eat or drink and how you exercise can all affect sleeping patterns.
Along with the pedometer, calorie counter and sleep monitor, the VivoFit also displays the time and date clearly which makes it double up perfectly as an every day watch.
I’ve become far more active since I started using my VivoFit tracker and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to improve their fitness, no matter what level you’re currently at.
The Garmin VivoFit retails at R1800 from Sportsmans Warehouse. BONUS: If you’re a Discovery Vitality member you get 18000 Discover Miles! www.sportsmanswarehouse.co.za
You can also get the VivoFit on Amazon for $83.99 www.amazon.com
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