Fitness Trackers for Busy Mothers

I have a close friend, Charlotte, who’s one of those moms that seem to float through the chaos of life with total elegance and grace. Even with two toddlers, she seems to find time to do pilates, eat healthy, complete arts and craft projects, and even clean the house. While I, on the other hand, sit here on the couch in milk stained sweatpants with Goldfish crackers scattered around the entire living room, thrilled that my mother is babysitting the kids for the rest of the weekend.

So when Charlotte came over wearing Lululemon yoga pants and an interesting new bracelet, I had to ask her: how do you keep it all together? She laughed and told me that one of her secret weapons was just a ‘simple’ fitness tracker. I can barely track where I leave my pants, but I do go to the gym and exercise whenever possible. I wanted to know more. Charlotte explained that these devices are a lot more advanced than they used to be.

Fitness trackers were once just fancy pedometers that would count the number of steps you would take during a day. But the newest connected devices are highly advanced and track almost everything you can imagine, including: calories, heart rate, and sleeping behaviors. They also allow you to set fitness goals and even remotely control your music.

They all link up to a mobile app that works on both Android and iPhones, so you can view your personal data on the go. You can also login to their website versions from any laptop or computer. The minute Charlotte said data, I was sold. I may not win any domestic living awards, but if you could watch me balance a check book you would know how much I love numbers and statistics.

Within minutes of Charlotte’s departure to hot yoga, I was online researching fitness trackers that would fit my lifestyle. There are so many different types and varieties to choose from, but I was able to quickly narrow my choices down to 3 wearable fitness watches and bracelets.

1) Fitbit Fitness Tracker

As impressive as the Fitbit Surge is, it’s a little bit too big for me and only comes in black and tangerine. So, if I had to pick between the Fitbit Surge, Flex, or Charge HR, I would totally choose the Charge HR Wireless Activity Wristband. It tracks almost everything: workouts, steps, calories, distance, floors climbed, activity minutes, heart rate, and even sleep quality. It’s small display screen allows you to see call notifications, daily stats, and the time. Most importantly, it can sync wirelessly with your computer, laptop, or smartphone.

When compared to the Surge, the only thing missing is music control and GPS tracking. I think I can live without my husband knowing I stopped at Starbucks for the 5th time this week.

Fitbit is one of the most popular brands, which makes it a great device for friends who want to motivate each other through their fitness journey. The mobile app allows you to share your stats, challenge friends and family, and earn badges for meeting goals. You can even connect it to Faceback.

2) Misfit Wearables Shine 2 Fitness Tracker & Sleep Monitor

The Misfit Shine 2 looks like a watch without a digital screen or hands. Instead of showing words or numbers, it uses rainbow colored lights situated around the dial to show your progress and uses vibration to encourage and notify you of incoming texts and calls. You can even use it as a remote control to play music, take a selfie or interact with other smart home IOT devices. It’s amazing how much it can do with just light and touch.

It comes in two colors, black and rose gold. This adorable athletic monitor can also be worn as a necklace and pendant depending on your style. Best of all, Shine 2 doesn’t requires charging. It’s basic watch battery lasts up to 6 months. How awesome is that? No USB cords needed!

3) Jawbone UP2 Activity + Sleep Tracker

Jawbone currently makes some of the cutest fitness trackers. The one I liked the most was the UP2 Activity Tracker that comes with the thinner lightweight straps. Not only is it a fitness tracker but it also tracks your sleep, light, and sound, so it can provide tips to help you get a better night’s rest.

It also comes with a digital Smart Coach that generates personalized insights to help you make informed healthy choices and celebrate your successes. It work’s kind of like Google. The more you use/wear it, the more personalized advice it can provide.

The UP2 is more than just a bracelet. It’s part of a lifestyle. The Jawbone app provides even more features, such as:

• Food logging to better evaluate your daily food choices
• Team challenges that make working out a friendly competition
• Idle vibration alerts that reminds you to get up and move
• Smart alarms that wake you up at the most optimal times

This little device is both beautiful and functional.

Life with a Fitness Tracker: My Final Impressions

I have to admit Charlotte was on to something with this fitness tracker. It would be amazing to actually understand how to get better sleep, track all the steps I walk chasing my daughters around the house, and log my diet all from my wrist or phone.

So which one did I decide to get? I really liked the Jawbone’s UP2 designer look and the Misfit Shine 2 was just cool. But, the Fitbit Charge HR is just the right amount of sleek and techie for a busy mom. And honestly, working out will give me an excuse not to wash the dishes.