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Has anyone been "successful" at step counting? I've been in athletic shape since high school (7+ years) and have maintained a healthy lifestyle since-- but keep

Has anyone been "successful" at step counting? I've been in athletic shape since high school (7+ years) and have maintained a healthy lifestyle since-- but keeping track of anything like steps or calories seems like it would be a burden, could become compulsive, and/or possibly lead to long-term failure. I'm also pretty young and have time to run&lift 5-7 times a week, so maybe I'm biased.

EvanKelly 9y ago
Anecdotally it's a bit of an interesting statistic for me where after a particularly active day (or a day as a tourist) it's interesting to see how many steps were registered. I'm not doing it for fitness. It's no burden since it comes for free with just wearing my watch. I probably wouldn't do it if I didn't have a smart watch for other reasons. On the other hand, my mother is a bit compulsive about her fitbit, though I see some real benefit. On days where she sees she's below her target, she opts to walk when she otherwise wouldn't or goes outside for a walk to make sure she meets the target. It's definitely causing her to be healthier than she otherwise would be.
- megaman22 9y ago
  It's kind of amazing how much more active you can be on vacation, and not even notice it. I've racked up over 25000 steps wandering leisurely around Paris in one day. By comparison, if I don't go out of my way to get some extra walking in on a regular work day, I struggle to crack 2500. Which is just kind of sad, but I sit at a desk all day, walking a few dozen feet to the water cooler or the conference room at a time.
blunte 9y ago
You're not biased, but your life is surely less complex than it will be when you are in your 40s. 40 is also when many people who've always had high metabolism suddenly change and begin to gain weight. While the article sort of points at 20-somethings as the Fitbit worshippers, it's not for them. It's for older adults who let life get out of control and are looking for some way to get back in shape. That's what I see on the streets, at least.
lmm 9y ago
I've lost about 36Kg so far by keeping track of things, after several years of slowly getting heavier and vaguely intending to do something about it.
deegles 9y ago
If you have an iPhone it tracks your steps automatically. I had a nice surprise when I found a years worth of tracking when I thought to check the health app.
coldtea 9y ago
>Has anyone been "successful" at step counting? Err, machines can do that for you.
iamben 9y ago
Late 30s, in adult life never been fat, never been lean. Have always 'exercised', but in the last couple of years have taken it a bit more seriously. Basically an actual plan, proper stretches, decent exercise routines, conscious food choices etc. As they say, "you can't exercise out a good diet". I've been counting macros (MyFitnessPal) over the last few months, as dull as it is, and I'm in the best shape I've been in, probably ever. I'm also nowhere near my goal, but the progression is encouraging. Also wear a fitbit, it's nice to hit my 10k, but it's not something I go out of my way to achieve (other than, perhaps, walking up stairs rather than grabbing a lift or whatever). I do, however, pay close attention to my sleep (I'm noticeably worse at work with bad sleep) and my resting heart rate (spikes hard after drinking, affects sleep). TL;DR: I wish I'd put more effort in (wrt exercise/health) as a younger guy and this would be much easier now. Plans/routines are super important. Sleep/alcohol/lack of exercise/shitty food affects me far more now than it ever did. Effort and tracking is dull, but the benefits are worth it.

EvanKelly 9y ago

Anecdotally it's a bit of an interesting statistic for me where after a particularly active day (or a day as a tourist) it's interesting to see how many steps were registered. I'm not doing it for fitness. It's no burden since it comes for free with just wearing my watch. I probably wouldn't do it if I didn't have a smart watch for other reasons. On the other hand, my mother is a bit compulsive about her fitbit, though I see some real benefit. On days where she sees she's below her target, she opts to walk when she otherwise wouldn't or goes outside for a walk to make sure she meets the target. It's definitely causing her to be healthier than she otherwise would be.

megaman22 9y ago
It's kind of amazing how much more active you can be on vacation, and not even notice it. I've racked up over 25000 steps wandering leisurely around Paris in one day. By comparison, if I don't go out of my way to get some extra walking in on a regular work day, I struggle to crack 2500. Which is just kind of sad, but I sit at a desk all day, walking a few dozen feet to the water cooler or the conference room at a time.

blunte 9y ago

You're not biased, but your life is surely less complex than it will be when you are in your 40s. 40 is also when many people who've always had high metabolism suddenly change and begin to gain weight. While the article sort of points at 20-somethings as the Fitbit worshippers, it's not for them. It's for older adults who let life get out of control and are looking for some way to get back in shape. That's what I see on the streets, at least.

lmm 9y ago

I've lost about 36Kg so far by keeping track of things, after several years of slowly getting heavier and vaguely intending to do something about it.

deegles 9y ago

If you have an iPhone it tracks your steps automatically. I had a nice surprise when I found a years worth of tracking when I thought to check the health app.

coldtea 9y ago

>Has anyone been "successful" at step counting? Err, machines can do that for you.

iamben 9y ago

Late 30s, in adult life never been fat, never been lean. Have always 'exercised', but in the last couple of years have taken it a bit more seriously. Basically an actual plan, proper stretches, decent exercise routines, conscious food choices etc. As they say, "you can't exercise out a good diet". I've been counting macros (MyFitnessPal) over the last few months, as dull as it is, and I'm in the best shape I've been in, probably ever. I'm also nowhere near my goal, but the progression is encouraging. Also wear a fitbit, it's nice to hit my 10k, but it's not something I go out of my way to achieve (other than, perhaps, walking up stairs rather than grabbing a lift or whatever). I do, however, pay close attention to my sleep (I'm noticeably worse at work with bad sleep) and my resting heart rate (spikes hard after drinking, affects sleep). TL;DR: I wish I'd put more effort in (wrt exercise/health) as a younger guy and this would be much easier now. Plans/routines are super important. Sleep/alcohol/lack of exercise/shitty food affects me far more now than it ever did. Effort and tracking is dull, but the benefits are worth it.