Just a Bit More Fit

Electronic technology increasingly permeates the world of exercise.  It's no longer just a matter of a pair of running shoes, shorts, a t-shirt and a dog-eared running logbook.  Now, we have all sorts of ways to incorporate performance-monitoring devices (pedometers, heart rate monitors, GPS tracking, golf rangefinders, etc.) or even to physically play with an electronic console (Wii Fit, Playstation 2 Eyetoy).  I use a "bike computer" that gives me feedback on my distance, pace, heart rate and even logs data about each mile I cover for online analysis later.

And now there's a device that you wear day and night.  Debuted at a recently technology show, the Fitbit Tracker monitors daily activity and sleep cycles.  Essentially, its a highly sophisticated recording motion sensor.  "The Tracker measures the intensity and duration of your physical activities, calories burned, steps taken, distance traveled, how long it took you to fall asleep, the number of times you woke up throughout the night and how long you were actually asleep vs just lying in bed."  Basically, it gives you an idea of how active you are during a day (and night).

A small device, about the size of the average USB flash drive, the Tracker also wirelessly and automatically uploads its data to the Fitbit website for analysis by the wearer.  I've got admit that I'm fascinated and that it's inexpensive enough ($99) that I might have to have one.  Of course, if I find that my largely desk-bound job doesn't allow for enough activity, there are alternatives to the static desk.