Representing the West Coast + a Fitbit Charge giveaway
This post is sponsored by Shape/Men’s Fitness Fitbit Charge Challenge through a campaign with Fitfluential. As always, all opinions are my own. I also included a special giveaway at the end for ya, too!
It’s not really a secret that I love fitness trackers. Needless to say, I was really stoked when I received the new Fitbit Charge to participate in the Shape magazine and Men’s Health Fitbit Charge challenge. They divided up bloggers into two teams -east coast vs. west coast- and we’re competing for most active coast. Each week, they post a new challenge up on their site, and you can also check out the blogger scoreboard to see how we’re all doing. I was excited to be included with some of my close blogger friends and enjoy a little friendly competition.
This is the first week, and our first challenge was to reach out 10k daily step goal by taking our workout outside. Having the Charge has been a great way to maintain activity level, and this week I felt especially inspired by the gorgeous weather. While most of my workouts have been indoors through teaching classes, I’ve enjoyed extra outdoor activities, including daily playtime with Liv,
(we love chasing a soccer ball around and playing at the park)
neighborhood walks with Bella,
this past weekend’s 10k,
and enjoying some local sights.
To get in Tuesday’s daily steps, I spent some time walking around Balboa Park. It was my first time checking it out, and I can’t wait to go back with the fam. There are 17 different attractions, and the area is rich in history and natural beauty.
I especially loved the botanical exhibit.
The Fitbit Charge is a like an updated version of the Flex (which I reviewed here).
Some tried and true features:
-Step count
-Insightful sleep data
-Silent alarm (probably my fave feature!)
Some new features:
-Automatic sleep tracking. I don’t have to tell it that I’m going to sleep; IT KNOWS ALL.
-Distance and floors climbed.
-Digital display. It tells you your calories burned, steps, floors climbed, and distance all on the screen.
-No removable pieces. I didn’t like that aspect of the Flex -it felt like it got germy with sweating so much and sweat getting trapped in the band- and I love that this one is easier to clean.
One thing I noticed is that it’s larger, so I try to camouflage the size with extra arm candy or bangles (which probably just draws more attention to it haha).
Overall, I love that the Charge encourages me to be more active during the day. I’m more mindful of my activity levels, and I think a tracker is a great reminder that you can’t out-exercise a sedentary lifestyle. While it is helpful to get in a workout each day (for health and mental benefits!), it’s also important to add bursts of activity (through standing or walking) whenever you can. Also, I think it’s important to note that steps aren’t everything. I’ve actually found that I’ve been low in my group for steps, because many of the activities that I do don’t count for a lot, even though I am indeed moving. For example, I taught BODYPUMP and Spin on Monday (two hours of working out!) and barely made my 10k goal. The same happened last night with my BODYPUMP and Zumba double-teach. Zumba gets a lot of steps, though. 😉
The rest of this post is sponsored by Caroline, who would love to share the Fitbit Charge love with a lucky reader. Just leave a comment below with your favorite outdoor workout and I’ll pick a winner tonight at midnight! I’ll announce it in tomorrow’s Friday Faves post.
Don’t forget to keep up with us on the scoreboard here, and you can also enter to win a Charge each week through the main sites. If you’d like to follow the hashtag. check out #MotivationalMondays @fitbit. I’m excited to see next week’s challenge!
Ready, set, go!
xoxo
Gina
This post is sponsored by the Shape/Men’s Fitness FitBit Charge Challenge.
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I love running, playing tennis, and walking the dog outdoors, but my all time favorite outside workout is a beach yoga! There is nothing more serene than the ocean in the background!
Oo I would love to try the Charge! Fav outdoor workout is definitely running – ideally with a friend home for holidays/vacation (I’m looking forward to some quality friend running in December!).
stroller walks/runs and chasing my toddler around the park. getting harder to do now that the SNOW is here though!
Aside from running (my very favorite!) I love to walk on the beach. It never gets old and it’s great for your calves ?
I enjoy walking outside. My mom and I walk together each afternoon or evening.
I’m still 40 weeks pregnant, so my favorite outdoor exercise continues to be walking. All the walking!
Running! and hiking!
outside yoga = the best, though maybe not in November…
Also, question: I love(d) my fitbit flex, but had an awful time charging it- it wouldn’t charge unless I was physically holding it in the charger. this got old fast, and I don’t use it any more because it’s dead. I tried exchanging it, but had the same trouble and none of the “troubleshooting” options (cleaning, etc) from the website helped. Is this one any easier to charge? I know others had my issue per allthemessageboards!
I LOVE running outdoors! It’s amazing how therapeutic it is!
Favorite, by far, is running!
My favorite outdoor workout is cycling!
I love hiking and walking outdoors!
I love hiking because not only do you get to go outside, it helps to declutter your mind and there’s a bunch of different trails to try, so you can always switch it up! Not to mention it’s a complete body workout!
Running! I’m having a hard time transitioning to running in this cold weather but once I get adjusted I’ll be raring to get outside to run all winter long!
Running! I love running trails, especially in the cooler months 🙂
Hiking and running 🙂
Running! But I’m about to start biking in order to train for a century ride. Yes. I think I’m crazy too.
I love running but am getting fed up with this cold weather on the East Coast!!
Running!
Definitely my fave is running, or biking with the Hubby!
I love getting outdoors for a run (or a walk).
Side note: the rose gardens at Balboa Park is where Matt told me he loved me for the very first time 🙂
that just made my heart so happy!
Xoxoxo 🙂
Running and hiking are my two favorite outdoor workouts.
I just recently started running outdoors and I love it!
I love swimming laps.
Hiking and out door boot camp!
I love a good run in the park by my house- door to door (including the park loop) is a perfect 4 mile jaunt.
I love doing an outdoor boot camp style class!
I love a long bike ride!!!
Walking—simple as that:)
I love running anytime, but there’s something pretty spectacular about a fall hike 🙂
Gotta love a good run! And also walking my two sweet dogs.
Hiking. I love how with good scenery it doesn’t even feel like a workout.
Nothing beats a great out door run!
Running, hands down. It’s gotten darn near frigid here (northwestern Illinois), and I haven’t run in about 10 days. I’m DYING.
I love hiking with my fiance and dog. It’s my happy place.
Hiking! I always end up getting in a great workout and taking in some beautiful scenery, while feeling like I am just walking.
I like taking my circuit training outdoors. But now it’s getting cold. Brrr! Wished I was in California like you!
Hiking for sure!
hiking!!
I like running the most outside…especially in the fall. We just moved to Western NY and with all the snow, I think it might be time to try something new (cross country skiing or even snowshoeing!)
Running & biking are definitely my favourite outdoor activities!
My favorite outdoor workout is a simple run through the park. It’s always so peaceful first thing in the morning.
I love running outdoors with my husband and our dogs when the weather is nice!!
I love swimming outdoors. Sadly I live in Minnesota, so that is very seasonal but I do love a good summer lake swim!
It is tie between stand up paddling and hiking in the texas hill country
Surely running. No equipment needed, just you and a happy mind 🙂
I just started hiking and I also oventaking walks!
My fav outdoor activity is running on the beach!
I love playing tennis!
Running is currently number one, followed by hiking!