Fitbit tracks the heart
Fitbit’s latest devices, the Charge HR and the Surge, can monitor sleep and heart rate we well as track a person’s steps and calories burned that day. Courtesy of fitbit.com
Convent of the Sacred Heart students and faculty are stepping into a more health conscious lifestyle with the new Fitbit technology. Mr. Eric Freidman and Mr. James Park founded Fitbit in 2007 with the main goal of creating a product that positively affects the way people workout.
Courtesy of fitbit.com
Similar to the Apple watch, the Fitbit is worn as a bracelet or a clothing accessory. Fitbit’s six products record daily activity, steps taken, and calories burned. The more advanced products include the ability to monitor heart rate and track sleeping habits. The products range from $59.95 to $249.95 and come in solid black, slate, violet, lime, pink, teal, tangerine, navy, red, or blue colors.
“We design products and experiences that fit seamlessly into your life so you can achieve your health and fitness goals, whatever they may be,” Mr. Friedman said, according to fitbit.com.
More recently, Fitbit has added new designs and features to its product, the Surge. Released January 6, the new watch can monitor sleep and heart rate, can sync with a wireless smart phone and GPS, and can record daily workout summaries.
With the addition of the Surge, Fitbit reported a 250 percent sales increase each year, according to wareable.com.
Sacred Heart Athletic Trainer Ms. Dawn Macri believes that a Fitbit offers many benefits to those who want to make a positive lifestyle change.
Courtesy of Maeve Hogan ’17
“I think the daily steps counted provide motivation and keep you in check with your goals,” Ms. Macri said.
Fitbit has also created an app to accompany the bracelet, enabling users to enter into competitions with friends and log workouts in their own personalized page.
The company says that their consumers take 43 percent more steps than usual while using a Fitbit product, according to fitbit.com.
Junior Maeve Hogan, owner of a Fitbit Charge HR, believes that her Fitbit inspires her to walk extra distances.
“I am constantly reminded to exercise and take extra steps to reach my daily goal of 10,000 steps. Competing against my family who all have their own Fitbit motivates me even further to workout and stay healthy,” Maeve said.
– Grace Mather, Staff Writer
