Hey hey! How are you? I hope you are enjoying the morning. No Sugar January is off to a good start! I probably should have specified that it didn’t mean zero sugar at all (wine is technically a sugar, fruit is a sugar. This may be a bit extreme), but no candy or added sugar. For example, I’m adding protein powder and MCT oil to my oatmeal instead of a giant splash of maple syrup.
As for training, I did a HIIT workout and amazing legs on Monday, and a good aerial yoga class yesterday. (I’ll share details in a Focus On post soon!) This morning, I’m teaching barre and doing my personal training during nap time. I don’t really love working out during nap time as it’s my chance to get work done quickly, but I’ve found that if I don’t work out during P’s nap, it becomes increasingly difficult to work out as the day goes on. . Before I know it, I’m cleaning up dinner, giving the girls a bath, and ready to climb on the couch for the night.
Apple Watch vs. Fitbit Alta
Something that has helped me a lot with my motivation to get moving and stay active throughout the day has been my apple watch. I’m a big fan of fitness trackers – I’ve used several models from Fitbit, the Tom-Tom Spark 3, Garmins, Polars, I’m a bit of a fitness tracker nerd, and my latest favorite is the apple watch. It’s sporty but cute enough to wear every day, and the stats and interface are amazing.
When I switched to the Apple Watch, I had been using a Fitbit for most of my time and, more recently, the FitBit High. I like that the Alta is much smaller than other fitness trackers and gave me similar stats (plus, the heart rate model tracks your heart rate). I’ve been a fan of Fitbit for years and have used it consistently as an effective way to track my steps and workout stats. I had been eyeing the Apple Watch for about a year, but wasn’t sure if the cost would be worth the upgrade.
When we first moved to Valdosta, we attended an auction for Liv’s new school and on one of the tables was an Apple Watch. I decided to put it in the hands of destiny. A couple of mint juleps later, and stalking around the auction table, I was the proud new owner of a apple watch 2 (and a pair of Prada sunglasses. Yolo. <—Do people still stay like that? Ha)
Here’s my review of the Apple Watch vs the Fitbit Alta:
Interface:
Fitbit’s interface is simple. It tells you everything you need to know (steps, distance, calories burned) without any extra. If you log into the app, you can also track sleep data, which can be extremely insightful.
The Apple Watch takes things to the next level. Your goals for the day fall into little circles: movement goals (calories burned), standing (I think it’s moving for 5 minutes every hour), and exercise (30 minutes of activity per day). It’s VERY satisfying to see the circles forming throughout the day and it’s an easy way to take a look and see how you’re doing.
Since the Apple Watch is obviously… a watch… you can also change the face to an image from your camera, or any from its gallery (some of them move, like jellyfish and butterflies). It’s fun to change Minnie Mouse’s face when we are at Disney World. 😉
Sleep Tracking:
To be completely honest, I haven’t used this feature on the Apple Watch. I think as a mom, sleep tracking is one of the most depressing things ever. Ignorance is pleasant.
I used this while wearing the Alta and it was helpful to see how much deep sleep I got compared to light or interrupted sleep.
Battery duration:
This is where fitbit win. My Alta would easily last a few days and my Apple Watch lasts about a day and a half. This means I have to charge it overnight or take a break to charge it mid-day, which is a bit of a pain.
Training mode:
The activity tracker is something next level and one of the reasons I LOVE IT apple watch. You can select swim, indoor walking, outdoor walking, cycling, indoor spinning, or quick start, and it will focus on your stats based on your activity. It also tracks heart rate, which I find pretty accurate. Sometimes when I sweat a lot it slips around my wrist and doesn’t read as well. I like to be able to tell you what I’m doing so you can provide more relevant information. For example, if I’m outdoors, my stats include distance and pace.
Music:
The Fitbit Charge is much more limited in this regard, which is why it is one of the great advantages of the Apple Watch. It shows the music I’m currently playing from my phone and I can adjust the volume. This is VERY AWESOME while teaching a class because I can lower the music for a more complete workout and increase the volume for an intense part of the workout.
The Apple Watch also syncs my text messages and I can answer the phone from it (and talk on the watch). I think with these features I don’t use my phone as much. I don’t constantly check for text messages or missed calls.
Design:
Both have their advantages. He high It seems more indestructible and is still small and stylish. You can change Fitbit bands and do it like elegant as you want.
The Apple watch It looks a little more high-tech, but in the end, it looks like a nice watch. I like that you can change the bracelets and change the watch face.
Conclusion:
I feel like with anything else you have to figure out what works for you and what you prefer. When I wear a fitness tracker, I feel more motivated to make small movements throughout the day and really try to hit those 10K steps. The Alta is a great tracker (and is less expensive than the Apple Watch), and the Apple Watch provides a bit more information, settings, and options. They’re both great in their own ways, but for now I use and love the Apple Watch.
Do you use a fitness tracker? What is your favorite? What movement goals do you set for yourself each day?
My goal is to reach 10,000 steps (some days it’s very easy and other days it’s a challenge) and get in my 30 minutes of movement.
hugs and kisses
gina
