The miniature device is durable,
may be worn discreetly, and is
rain and sweat proof. It records
steps taken, distance traveled,
stairs climbed, calories burned,
hours slept, and the quality of
sleep.
by selecting items from the 50,000-
item food database. To make things
easier, they can bookmark favorite
foods and custom meals.
Once they enter the foods they have
eaten, the device calculates calories,
fat, fiber, carbohydrates, sodium, protein, and water consumed.
One feature of Fitbit One that sets
it apart from other calorie-counting
apps and devices is the sleep log. The
device tracks when users go to bed,
how long it takes them to fall asleep,
the number of times they wake up,
and the total sleep time. This information is used to calculate sleep efficiency. By comparing sleep efficiency over
time, the user may identify behaviors,
such as exercise, caffeine use, evening
activities, etc., that improve or detract
from sleep quality.
Fitbit One is compatible with Mac
and Windows and provides online
groups, leader boards, and badges for
those who benefit from social motiva-
tion. A Fitbit One app, available for
the iPhone and iPad, allows users to
log food and activities and upload
data while tracking their progress on
the go. Premium memberships offer
in-depth analysis of data, creation of
personalized fitness plans, and track-
ing to help users reach their goals.
—Ken Felker is a professor of health and physical
education at Edinboro University in Edinboro,
Pennsylvania, USA. His research interests include mobile fitness data collection and exer-gaming. He is the author of Integrating Technology into Phyical Education & Health.
