Can this watch run my life?

Actually the short answer could be a resounding, “YES!”

Two weeks ago I had another birthday. They seem to be arriving more frequently as the years go by!

A big plus for the day was not only spending it with family (three generations), but receiving an extra special present from my dear wife Robyn – a fitness super watch – the Fitbit ‘Surge’.

At our age we are ever mindful of our health and, if wise, take the necessary steps to exercise, watch our weight, eat healthy, get enough sleep, hydrate regularly etc. Phew! Just looking at that short list, there are quite a few things to keep in mind. Thanks to another birthday I now have the means to keep check on all of the above.

Joy oh joy as I opened the beautifully wrapped gift box and discovered my new ‘mate’. The description on the box was enough to whet my appetite – GPS tracking, heart rate monitor, smart watch, notifications (calls and texts) and music control. WOW!

Setting it up was easy. I visited fitbit.com/setup and downloaded the app that would sync with my watch. Then all I had to do was load my personal details. I was quite amused when it came to the year of birth. It started in the ‘80s so I needed to scroll back quite a few years. Don’t you find this is often the case?

The watch was extremely intuitive, asking what goals I wished to set (steps, distance, calories burned or floors climbed). As I wasn’t sure, I left most of those to return to after I’d used it for a few days. Nothing could be simpler. After putting it on I went about my usual daily activities, every now and then checking my steps, heart rate and distance travelled. I was hooked within hours.

Most of my fitness data is on the watch, however the app on my phone (pictured) also gives me history and that is where it can become quite addictive. Fuelling this ‘healthy addiction’, are the awards I receive for passing certain goals. Fitbit also lets you link to the Fitbits worn by your friends, so you can compare their progress against yours. Talk about building a competitive environment!

My Fitbit ‘Surge’ is now a major part of my life. I’ve dispensed with my faithful eco-drive watch. I even prefer my Fitbit when playing golf rather than the Garmin golf caddy I’d relied on. Apart from when I shower, I have my Fitbit surge with me all the time.

Thank you Robyn.

Alex Sharp, Age Hacker

Do you have a fitness tracking device that you love? Tell us about it below. If you haven’t tried one, give one a go and let us know how you find it.