Fitbit: friend or foe?

GILLIAN KLAWANSKY

If 2017 trends are anything to go by, the Fitbit is the chosen tool to help make good on these fitness intentions.

But what if you don’t quite meet the mark? Do fitness trackers increase our exercise levels or simply add to our Jewish guilt?

“We live in an age of ever-changing advice about what’s healthy and what isn’t,” says clinical psychologist Liane Lurie. “These days, instant gratification is often prioritised over the process of getting somewhere. We want mechanisms that simultaneously provide feedback and allow us to push ourselves out of our comfort zones.

“These days, the fitness tracker – a ‘motivational speaker’ that fits on your arm – is all the rage. While the technology of biofeedback is nothing new, wearable devices that allow us to track our sleep quality, as well as our every calorie, breath and movement, seem to have revolutionised the way some people conduct their lives.”

Indeed, as technology and fitness have become increasingly aligned, activity trackers have gained unprecedented traction. Examples include a Fitbit device, an Apple or Polar watch, and a host of other products, many of which are aligned with medical scheme rewards programmes, such as Discovery Vitality and Momentum Multiply, which award members with points for fitness achievements. The devices also serve as fashion accessories.

While people wear them, hoping to be empowered to lead healthier, more active lives – because they’ll have data, inspiration and guidance to reach their goals – the question remains: Do activity trackers really make a difference to our fitness levels? It depends on the person, says personal trainer, Natalie Rosen who runs a private ladies’ gym, NRG 4 Life, in Glenhazel. “It can be demotivating or motivating, depending on how you use your device,” she says.

“For a motivated person it’s a useful tool, but if you cheat the system to get Discovery points, it’s generally a waste of money. We’re not going to get fitter, stronger or lose weight by cheating ourselves.”

Lurie agrees. “With a simple tap, you can live-track yourself and be reminded to get up and move. The benefit is that you become entirely accountable to yourself.”

Many Fitbit fanatics we spoke to confirmed this.

“It’s brilliant,” said Barbi Louise Gillman, who’s been using the Fitbit Alta HR for 19 months. “You fight against yourself. If you’re below your target of 10 000 steps, it’s up to you to make sure that you reach it – that’s where it’s so good because it tells you there’s only so much to go, so in that way, it motivates you. I’m 70 years old and have been trying to keep fit for the past few years, and for me the Fitbit works.”

Dr Herbie Schneider, a gastroenterologist, also approves. “I like the technology behind fitness trackers. I find it motivating to keep moving and to accumulate Vitality points. It’s also helpful in tracking heart rate and sleep patterns. It has benefited my health overall.” Schneider says that while not meeting goals does lead to some guilt, “that would apply even without a Fitbit”.

HR manager Kerri Schneider-Rogerson loves the streamlined nature of her Fitbit watch. “I can tell the time, get my heart rate and monitor my steps. It’s an all-in-one watch. It also makes me aware of when I’m not as active as I should be. If I sit behind my desk for too long, my watch will vibrate and tell me to go for a walk. When I come back to my desk, I feel like I’ve cleared my mind a bit and I feel better that I’ve done some exercise.”

Blake Esrechowitz, who’s been a health and fitness fanatic for more than a decade, says his main motivation for buying the Fitbit were the benefits offered by his medical aid. He also likes the app. “It’s insightful and easy to use. It’s made me a bit more goal focused, but Fitbit or not, I try to stay active.”

The strength of the devices also lies in group challenges, says Nikki Friedman, former national brand manager for Fitbits. “People often increase their activity through the challenges on the app, such as the ‘daily showdowns’ or the ‘work week hustle’. Fitbit users connect with friends and challenge one another for a day or even a week to see who does the most number of steps. SinceAs many people are competitive by nature, they tend to do more steps in order to overtake their Fitbit friends and win a challenge.”

For self-proclaimed Fitbit fanatic Charlene Meltz, who shares her passion for Fitbit with her husband and daughter, competition is a massive motivator. “We’re all into it and compare how many steps we’ve done each day. We also set family challenges. I love the social aspect of it and being able to compete with friends and family all over the world.”

For some users, it’s simply about tracking themselves. Megan Milner, who runs a dog-walking service, uses the Fitbit to track her steps and monitor calorie intake. “I’ve recently had a baby and wanted to make sure I was still being active enough. I love that it shows mycaloric intake, as well as how many I’ve burned off for the day. It makes me more aware of what I’m eating.”

Yet, adds Milner, she’s mindful of the potential pitfalls of the device. “I feel guilty if I don’t get enough steps in. I can see how you can get fixated on it.”

Therein lies the potential danger, says Lurie. “If the information on the screen isn’t where you think it should be, or the goals you have set yourself are initially less than realistic, the potential to become obsessive and berate yourself exists. Some people may then push their bodies to dangerous levels all in the name of the calorie burn, often ignoring the tell-tale signs that a physical collapse is imminent. Others may suffer from a phenomenon called ‘device fatigue’ and shelve the concept altogether, feeling like a constant failure who will never reach their goals.

“It isn’t a ‘one size fits all’. Setting realistic goals together with a qualified professional and limiting how many times a day you check and recheck your device will encourage healthy habits rather than sabotaging yourself before you’re even off the starting block.”