Fourteen enthusiastic staff members at BBT are wearing tracking devices and exchanging experiences and results with one another. Seven are using Jawbone devices; three have FitBit bands; one is using a Vivofit unit from Garmin; two are using MapMyFitness, which is designed to track statistics for runners, walkers, bike riders, etc.; and one has an Omron device.

 

German Gongora, Programmer Analyst and Technology Support Specialist, is using MapMyGuide to monitor his calories and to elevate his cycling speed to 19 mph. The device motivates him and helps with his ultimate goal to stay fit. Donna March, Director of Human Resources and Administrative Services, is tracking her steps with the Omron Pocket Pedometer, which gives her a daily goal and keeps her "mindful of moving," since she has a desk job. Ovi Catanescu, Accounting Manager, received his Jawbone device as a gift. He logs 10,000 steps a day and has lost 20 lbs. since April. Lori Domich, wearing a Jawbone Up Move� clip-on, is tracking steps and sleep, with goals of 10,000 steps and 8 hours of sleep per day.

 

Tammy Chudy, Assistant Director of Employee Benefits, also has a Jawbone� UP Move clip-on and some high goals. She is tracking steps (10,000 per day); calories (1,200 per day); sleep (7 hours per day). Her unit also allows her to track moods and workouts. It sends her reminders to get up when she has been inactive too long, to eat and thus log calories, and to prepare for bed. It gives her updates throughout the day so she knows how many steps she's taken and how many more she needs. She can take a picture of the bar code on the packaging of a food item, and the Jawbone Up Move will automatically log the calories. The device has a built-in "coach," provides custom messages based on her step/calorie/sleep patterns, and gives suggestions for improvement. It also sends celebration messages when she has accomplished a goal or had a 3-day streak of meeting a goal. The only thing she does not like about this device is when she does not meet her goals.

 

These are only five of the fourteen BBT staff who are making fitness a priority, and these stories give a sample of the creativity and activity generated by the various tracking devices and the shared experience of using them. Another BBT staff person is addressing fitness in a way that many office workers overlook. Perhaps you've heard the mantra, "sitting is the new smoking." This is credited to Dr. James Levine, who goes on to explain that, "Sitting is more dangerous than smoking, kills more people than HIV, and is more treacherous than parachuting. We are sitting ourselves to death."

 

Scott Douglas, Director of Client Relations at BBT, knew that the long hours of sitting at his desk working on a computer and talking on the phone were not good for him. In addition to wearing a Garmin Vivofit, he invested in a Varidesk as well, to give him the option of getting out of his chair once in a while. A Varidesk is an adjustable spring-assisted desktop that allows you to raise and lower your entire computer set-up (laptop or monitor and keyboard plus other accessories) in order to alternate sitting and standing with very little effort or disruption.

 

Scott reports that the new desk has not only kept him from spending a large portion of the day sitting, but gets him moving around too, which is a natural result of standing, and he is aware of how much more active he is with the new setup. Scott recommends using the rubber floor mat accessory for added comfort. Research shows that people can't combat the long-term effects of sitting with exercise or other good habits -- standing up more throughout the day is the answer.

If you are interested in having your own fitness tracking device, they are easy to research online. Don't be dismayed if you come away still not sure which is right for you. Each device has its own special features, and comparing them is like comparing apples and oranges. Still you can find some patterns. All of them track the same basic things. If you search "fitness trackers" on the internet, two names rise to the surface: FitBit and Jawbone UP. Several reviewers settle on the FitBit Charge HR as the best all-around combination of price and features. If you're shopping for a device, you'll find these links helpful:

 

Compare 18 fitness trackers

PC Magazine compares "Best Fitness Trackers for 2015"

 

 

Tom's Guide "Best Fitness Trackers for 2015"

 

Wareable: Tech for your connected self

"Best fitness trackers 2015: Jawbone, Misfit, Fitbit, Garmin and more"

 

If you're interested in knowing more about the VariDesk or the positive effect of getting out of your chair, check out the following links: