Step addiction...

jeffpettis

So I had been wanting a fitness tracker for a while and had done a ton of research on which one would be best for me and my goals. I had settled on a Garmin Vivosmart and told my wife about it. She hinted that it would be a good birthday present, which isn't till the end of August, but I agreed with her. Apparently I didn't hide my disappointment at having to wait so long as well as I thought. Then again, after twenty years she can read me like a book so it shouldn't be too much of a surprise. Anyways she and the kids surprised me with one for Father's Day so I've had it for a little over a month now. I figured I would use it to keep track of my runs, with the heart rate strap, and possibly some of my weight training. The thing is, since I got it, I have become obsessed with hitting my step goal everyday. It's like I feel guilty if I don't hit it and think to myself "Dude! Why were you so lazy today?" I lift three days a week and run on my off days from the gym the other four days. I guess I didn't realize how addicting something like a simple step counter could be because it makes me want to go for a walk or something after dinner just to hit my step goal if I'm not close.

I guess the point to all of this is if you are on the fence about purchasing one and are not as active as you should be they can be great at guilting you into being a little more active. Any one else find this has happened to them after getting one?

owensy12

My iPhone 6 tracks my steps and I have become obsessed with hitting my goal. Even on my days off, i'll go out and make sure I hit over 10,000. I average around 15,000 a day, as I do a lot of walking at work.

BasicGreatGuy

I like the "It's time to move" prompt from my Polar M400 every hour or so. I have found it to be a good motivator to keep moving more throughout the day. I have easily met the standard goal every day and just keep going farther. Some days I make my unofficial new goal and some days I don't.

I don't think you should feel guilty about missing some computer generated goal, especially when you are already very active.

Balance.

dinsfamily

Have you checked out the challenges on Garmin Connect yet? So addicting. I just got my Vivofit 2 a week ago after having a Fitbit Flex last year and fell right back into my step obsession. I'm about to start my half marathon training season so that should rack up some steps!!

Christine_72

I'd say I'm addicted. I don't take a single step without my fitbit attached to me!
When I first got it in March this year, I was wrapped to hit 10,000 steps a day. Then 15,000, then 20,000, and now it's 25,000!
There's many times when I'm marching up and down the hallway at night like a loony just so I can hit that bloody number!