Five Things I Learned When My Son Wore a Fitbit

It's no secret that I love my Fitbit. I'm the kind of person who loves to quantify most things and enjoys a goal for each and every day. I always try to get 10,000 steps per day and I usually end up with about 13,000. I was curious just how active Kai (age 9) was as he always seems to be moving at home – did going to school prevent him from getting enough activity each day? I had an old Fitbit Charge and put it on him out of curiosity.

What did we learn after one month?

1 He averages 21,000 steps per day.

I average 13,000 and I'm a pretty active adult. I am no longer concerned that he doesn't get enough activity! With PE and recess, along with other extra curricular activities, he gets more than enough.

2.  He love the challenges.

With a Fitbit you can do Weekend Warrior or Workweek Hustle challenges. I always accept his challenge but expect to lose. Poor uncle Todd is the only other person Kai has as a Fitbit friend so he keeps getting asked to join challenges too.

3. It's a great way to encourage activity.

He was 18,000 a day but now tries for that extra 3,000. After he finishes his reading for school, he will often spend time shooting hoops and practicing for hockey. When I suggest a family walk, he's less likely to complain about it.

4. It is a great watch for him.

I was looking for one for Christmas and never even considered this one. It's simple and all he wants to know is the time and how many steps he has.

5. It is okay to play video games for an hour a day because I know he's active enough each day. 

I do feel he needs at least 15,000 steps to be happiest and expend that energy.  His younger sister is probably good with just 5,000 (although who knows how many she actually gets with those little legs!) I used to feel guilty that he would spend up to an hour playing but now I can see that it doesn't hurt to just rest a bit and play with his brother or a friend.

It takes a certain personality to have a Fitbit motivate you and it works so well with mine...and Kai's.

Do you record how many steps you get per day?

Love,
Louise

As always, I'd love to see you on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Pleae pin here for later: