Why I Broke Up With My FitBit
Fitbit obsession is more common than we think. Do we really need 10000 steps a day or should we be prioritizing movement over a number goal? I’m sharing my personal experience and why I decided to break up with my Fitbit.
I broke up with my Fitbit a little less than a year ago. It had been a long time coming.
You see, I come from a family full of addiction.
Addiction is real and doesn’t always look how you’d expect it to. There are the addictions most people think of like alcohol or drugs, but there are other types of addiction too like perfectionism, exercise or work addiction — aka workaholics. Anything can become an addiction if you are thinking about it more than you should or giving it too high of a priority in your life. Addictions are a lot like idols.
I have always been a perfectionist and very competitive, too. When I start something, I have to be the best. When I got my Fitbit, it was no different. It was all fun and games until about 6 months in.
Everything was normal at first. I’d feel accomplished when I felt my wrist vibrate letting me know I hit my goal of 10000 steps for the day,
but then I read somewhere how 10000 steps really wasn’t THAT great of a number
so I’d adjust my goal to 15000 steps a day. Suddenly 15000 wasn’t enough either because you could add your “friends” on the Fitbit app and I’d see people averaging 18000, 20000 and even 30000+ steps a day.
wait what!?
The competitive side of me started coming out and I wanted to be up there, too. If “Sally” and “Tom” could average 25000 steps per day then darn it so could I!
Side note: sally and tom were probably training for a marathon cuz thats just cray.
This is when things started getting weird.
I found myself doing strange things like taking bizarre walking routes to get where I needed to go to get more steps in, or getting worried that my steps weren’t counting while I was shopping because I was pushing a grocery cart and my wrist wasn’t doing the proper movement to let the Fitbit recognize I was walking. Steps were consuming my mind (!!)
Fitbit also has a feature where it vibrates on your wrist when you haven’t gotten your 250 steps for the hour. It will buzz and then say something goofy like “It’s step o’ clock!”
SHUT UP FITBIT.
I’d be completely immersed in a task, making huge strides on a project and then BOOM — It’s step o’ clock! I’d freak out and have to get my 250 steps fast before the hour was up. My focus would disappear and my mind would get stuck on how many steps I hadn’t taken that day.
The weird habits only got worse and I started altering my workouts around this stupid fitness tracker. I knew how many female weight training benefits there were, and the importance of switching up my workout routine, yet everyday I’d sacrifice variety to make sure my workout “counted” that day.
Things were getting ridiculous.
I really loved a circuit class I was taking at Lifetime Fitness. I made a friend at the gym and we’d see each other every Tuesday. This was important because my boyfriend at the time (now husband) was traveling a lot, so meeting up with friends each week was super important!
This circuit class included both weights and getting your heart rate up (cardio) — but that kind of cardio didn’t count in my mind. I would walk out of the class and see I got 2000-3000 steps in the hour and that’s all that mattered to me. I knew if I had stuck to my elliptical or treadmill I would have gotten around 8000-9000 steps so none of the other (MANY) benefits of the fitness class mattered
The thought patterns continued and the Fitbit obsession only worsened. I refused to take my Fitbit off. Heaven forbid when the light would flash “battery low” and my charger wasn’t around!? It was as if the steps I took that day didn’t count unless they were logged properly by this tracker.
I was essentially a slave to a tiny electronic wristband that — NEWS FLASH — wasn’t even accurate!
I averaged around 22000 steps per day for about 9 months and eventually just couldn’t keep up — I didn’t want to!
The affects the Fitbit had on my mental health far outweighed any of the pros it was having on my physical health… and I would also argue that it actually harmed my physical health, too. I mean, I was obsessing over 10000 steps and overworking my body to get over 2x the recommended amount!
I eventually set my Fitbit to private by deleting all of my friends and changing my personal settings. I thought if I didn’t see what my friends were getting, I wouldn’t be as Fitbit obsessed. This didn’t work because I would still compete with myself. I knew I could average 22000 steps per day, so I’d still get bent out of shape when I “only” got 16000 steps a day.
Yes, I realize this sounds crazy — but it was real life!
I woke up one day, about a month after having it on “private mode” and just decided to not wear it to work. I put it in my sock drawer and headed out for the morning.
IT WAS SO FREEING.
No buzzing.
No “step o clocks”.
No reminders making me feel lazy or like my health was in harm.
I eventually sold my Fitbit online for $50. I understand the concept of fitness trackers and think they’re GREAT for some people. They’re just not for me. I know I have an addictive, competitive personality type, so I need to stay far, FAR away from them.
I workout regularly, eat healthy and have learned the art of living intuitively.
Living intuitively means listening to my body. Does my body need rest? Does my body want to practice yoga today? Lift weights? Go for a run?
IT WILL TELL YOU!
Our bodies are miraculous things. We really should treat them with more respect, love and care. I talk a lot about this in my post: Practicing Self-Love and Knowing Your Worth. I’ve learned to give myself grace and not push myself to the limit. I’ve learned that some days my body needs to sit and work all day and other days my body is craving fresh air and a long walk.
Working out is just as much mental as it is physical. Find a workout you love and make it something you look forward to.
Prioritize movement instead of working out or hitting 10000 steps in a day.
But go easy on yourself. You’re doing the best you can.
Are you Fitbit obsessed or having trouble living intuitively? Shoot me a DM on instagram and let me help! I love hearing from you all. xx
Good post ! thanks for sharing this useful article !
I broke up with mine because I keep losing it but I totally get your point. Wearing them does create competition and off we go. Where I work, everyone is obsessed with them and if we do a charity gig, some people literally log in 10 and 15k miles in a week… ahhhhh
I finally broke up with my Fitbit today!!
I started pole dancing two years ago, which is a tough workout in itself, but doesn’t get me too many steps. I feel like I’m running ragged to make my steps, when I should let my body recover from all the pole workouts.
I was also laid off from my office job with lots of stairs last year, so have had to find alternate ways to get flights of stairs, including running up and down the bleachers at the part, which is kind of dangerous and scary. Because if I don’t get my flights in, I don’t get the message about “Wow, that’s a lot of green” and I would feel terrible.
Well, I finally slipped and fell walking up the bleachers that were still wet after a previous rainy day. I totally gashed my shin and couldn’t climb on that side for one of my favorite classes of the week, Pole Strength and Conditioning class. I looked around and had an epiphany, I was the only one in class who uses a Fitbit, and the only one in class who couldn’t climb and do a couple of the moves because I was injured trying to satisfy the demands of a damn fit tracker/watch. All the other gals were doing well in class, all are in great shape and just do pole and don’t have to report to this “master” that I’ve subjected myself to.
That’s when I took it off, had my son hide it.
I’ve made it all day without it.
Let’s see how long I can go!
I haven’t used a fitbit but I can just tell that this is exactly what I’d be like..good on you for giving that one up.
I come from a family of addictions too – gambling, alcoholism, drugs, etc. I’m so thankful when people point out addiction isn’t JUST those things – it can be anything that takes an unhealthy turn. Thank you for sharing and talking about it!!
I need to get better at being in the moment and just listening to my body. I feel like I just brush it off and my logical brain makes decisions when it comes to the body. Which is funny because the rest of my life is more intuition based. Need to work on!
I haven’t got a fitbut and you have talked me out of considering it – so thanks 🙂
My sister is addicted to her Fitbit. I’ll share this post with her. I’ve never used a Fitbit. I never cared much for the constant counting. I see how it can consume you. This was a great read. Thank you. And will share it.
I’m so glad you gave this up! I have a couple thousand steps that I aim for daily but I don’t monitor it in anyway. My sister said once..what? you’re happy because of so and so many steps? That’s nothing! Well! I’m good with it just that way. Anything can become and obsession that’s why we have to be so careful! Good for you!
Uh oh, I was just considering buying a fitbit (yes I’m a bit behind the times hahah) but now I am rethinking it! Thanks for sharing your experience 🙂
I love this in your conclusion: “Prioritize movement instead of working out”. So true! We tend to overthink and never exercise, or get perfectionistic and overdo it. I don’t think exercise is meant to be what it has become. It should be fun and a natural part of your day if you can.
I can totally relate to this! I was at the point where I would actually panic if I had to take my FitBit off and charge it in the middle of the day. All those lost steps! I think it works for some people who need help motivating to get moving but if you are already active and healthy and know you move enough during the day, why become addicted to another electronic device? I’m super competitive too and I think that was part of the problem!
I totally relate, I love my fitbit but I often take it off and store it in a drawer. Especially if I find myself obsessing over it – great deal selling it for $50 😉
That’s interesting way to shed light on a very popular item. I think it’s important to recognize that they’re helpful tools but they aren’t for everyone!
Thanks for sharing 🙂
So glad I read this! I have been considering a fit bit, but was concerned I would become consumed in how many steps a was taking!
Looove this! My family is obsessed with their fitbits! They challenge each other, and compare when half the times I’m like, “there’s no way 60 year old tom can compare to 20 year old Sally.” It’s just not realistic! Thanks for shedding light on this!
You have quite the response on this article, i’m surprised by how many people can relate. As can I. However, I am okay with these thoughts lingering in the back of my mind because it keeps me active and attentive to my physical well being. WIth that being said, everyone is different. Great post.
LOVE your title it was super catchy – thats why I clicked this! I love the idea of putting less pressure on ourselves and getting beautiful results.
Your title was super catchy – thats why I clicked this! I love the idea of putting less pressure on ourselves and getting beautiful results.
This is such an amazing post and I love the fact that you mentioned we should always take it easy on ourselves , I totally understand all you mentioned as I can relate .
I can totally relate to this even though I didn’t have a fitbit, I was counting either on my phone or micromanaging every little calorie burned at the gym! I’ve found now I actually prefer Yoga or going on a walk with a friend where the numbers aren’t the goals!
FitBits are creating obsessions. I am glad you learned that it’s not the numbers that count, it’s how you take care of your body and mind.
I hope you’re on a journey of intuitive eating and healing your mind and body and begin to see the freedom that comes from ending all the rules with food and fitness.
I never did get into the fitbit craze (although I was *this* close at one point to buying one, but then I didn’t haha, phew!) anyway, I can imagine I too would probably start doing weird things like taking a longer route just to meet a number. I can see how that can drive you a tadbit insane. I’m totally with ya on movement over numbers. Way to go for realizing it and breaking up with the darn thing! <3
Elizabeth- I totally relate! I got rid of mine this summer and it has been AMAZING! And I was one of *those* people training for marathons, but with averaging 20,000+ steps one day and “only” 10,000 the next, I was always feeling guilty. I also found that I wasn’t listening to my body at all, either. I am much happier not knowing my steps!
This perfectionism must run in the family 🙂
I have friends that rely on these to track what they are doing for fitness. I know that as long as I am moving and making an effort not to be a couch potato that I am doing good for me!
Thanks so much for sharing! I hadn’t thought of it in this way so I was intrigued by your post. I’m not as much of the competitive type, so the Fitbit has worked differently for me, but I really enjoyed reading your thoughts!
This is such an important topic! Becoming obsessed with step counters is no different than becoming obsessed with counting calories.
I like what you said about listening to your body and being mindful of whether it needs motion or rest. There are scientific studies that show how harmful it is when we rely on external cues instead of eating when our bodies are hungry, and I’m sure the same applies to exercise.
The healthiest thing we can do is to listen to what our bodies need. A Fitbit might help some people begin to do that. But if it harms more than it helps, it’s good to put it aside.
I have never used a fitbit, but I have weighed the pros and cons. Thanks for this outlook
Good for you! It is important to note that no two people are the same! I agree, we need to look at why we do things and think of our own sanity! Great advice!
I understand why you broke up with your fitbit. Personally I use a pedometer app and it help accomplish my daily goal.
Oh my, that was a terrible experience. I am so glad you are free from it now. I also have some things I get addicted to that I need to stop right now.
You know my best friend’s fitbit is not so accurate either. What a great post. I can totally relate on this.
It’s amazing how we can get caught with technology and allowing it to add such pressure in our lives. Motivation is great, but that balance of living a healthy lifestyle and getting chained by it can be tricky. Absolutely love reading your post!
Wow you are the first person I read who is addicted to fitbid 🙂 That is cool! And you love staying active and fit.
My friends and I also loves staying fit and active. In the city where walking is the best choice, we love it!
I’ve been wanting a FitBit but after reading this I think I’ll stay away. Sounds like too much potential for addictive behaviors.
Yes I too broke up with fitbit as it always makes me gulity . Great post. I think I need to make more love with it and start more exercise ..
I think there are many things that can get stuck in our heads like a broken record and start to consume our thoughts. I never thought about fitbits but it totally makes sense that this could happen. With so many more important things to do having a machine bark orders at me would make me CRAY like you said.
I feel the same way – I have an apple watch and I’m obsessed with meeting my counts and calories. It’s hard not to pay attention to it when it keeps notifying me.
I guess it’s about personality. I got a Fitbit earlier this year because I would like to walk more and the first step to doing that is to know how much I walk now and to have a tool that helps me up that gradually. However, I’m not competitive at all, and I’m not one to get addicted to the goal so I’ve just used mine as an information source, and I’m not very obsessive about hitting my step target, although of course I’ll take a glance now and then. For me, it’s simply a data source to be aware of than a thing that being a controller of my life!
I can totally see how your Fitbit can become an addiction. I find I wear mine for a few weeks then I will forget to put it back on and it will be off for a week. I have the alerts turned off.
I just laughed so hard at you telling your fitbit to shutup. Laughed loud enough the hubby asked what was so funny. Love that you decided to not let a device control you
I love how you end this with talking about listening to your body and going by that! And I’m glad you realized that your fitbit dominating your thoughts wasn’t good and found a way to live healthier and happier! good for you!
Good decision! I also had a time, I was doing my 10000 steps. I got my first smart-watch and it worked just like your wrist-band. And I also felt so dissapointed if I couldn’t make it. But then I also decided to quit. It costed too much nerves.
Thanks for sharing! I understand addiction and it can be so tough. I’m not about that Fitbit life.
Great post – I’d certainly have followed your advice when I was a bit younger. Now I have a thyroid problem and I quite like having a guide of some sort as I can feel tired for no good reason and I need the ‘monitor’ if that makes sense. But for anyone without a health issue, I really do think listening to your body makes sense
So good that you can recognize that an obsession – every healthy ones – can be a problem. My ex came from a family of alcohol addicts and he claims he wasn’t one ever though he was a workout junkie and adrenaline junkie. Those were his addictions. Grant it, better than drugs and alcohol but still an addiction. All things in moderation.
I did similar things as you with my pedometer, and it got to be a little unhealthy. I would also feel bad it my steps weren’t in, even if I had done a workout like biking or swimming that didn’t account for steps but was obviously still good for my body. Learning to just listen to your body is an important lesson to learn!
hahaha I love this!!!
The problem is, I still have that Heard app on my iPhone and I have to check it every day. LOL
These are good points. I don’t think we listen to our bodies enough. I used to be wrapped up in the number on the scale even though I’ve never been overweight. I don’t have a fitness tracker. It’d be sad if I did. I have a chronic illness and having energy is a daily battle. I exercise every second my body allows, and sometimes that’s a decent workout twice a week. Sometimes that’s none week. Do what’s best for you. I’m glad you are. 🙂
Omg thank you for writing this! I broke up with my fitbit earlier this year too, because I always felt like I needed to look at my steps and heart rate. I mean, who needs to check every minute? Great post.
Yeah, I totally know what you are saying. That is why I don’t necessarily agree with them, they can start an unhealthy focus around something that should be done for fun.
Oh my, I am so glad you were able to put an end to it. How true that anything can become an addiction. If it consumes you, it is time to say good bye. Good for you!
I exercise for my mental wellbeing, I think we have enough pressures in our daily lives so we don’t need to add a little wrist band to the mix! I am glad that you paid attention to what was happening before you went t=down the rabbit hole.
I love my Fitbit but can relate when my battery dies and it doesn’t count the temps I took before I discovered it. It gives me an excuse to get out of the house and off my computer.
Interesting article. We used our iPhone to track movement. Need to pay more attention to it as we aim to be more fit next year, which means more exercise and healthy eating.
I laughed out loud when you said “SHUT UP FITBIT” lol. I’ve never owned one but I was thinking about getting it, but now I’m thinking about not getting it haha.
You had me at your post title! My relationship with my fitbit only last a few months and then I became tired of feeling like a total failure on days where it was impossible to reach my goal so I threw it in a drawer and forgot about it. Now I’m inspired to see if I can sell it online!
I love this completely honest post about breaking up with your FitBit. Last year one of my daughters wanted to gift me one for Christmas, and I gently declined the offer precisely because of what you mentioned here. It can absolutely be addicting. And it’s exactly the same reason I broke up with the scale that slides under the bed.
Good for you for noticing what you needed for your own individual plan! I used to have such an issue with competition when I ran all the time, it was much too stressful, I just had to let it go!
I completely agree that addiction come in all forms and is not just the obvious ones like drug use. I think it is admirable that you realized your fitbit obsession was controlling your life and applause you in your strength to overcome your addiction x
I see why you broke up with your fitbit and that is why I try to avoid as much technology when it comes to exercise. Personally I use a timer and then try to beat my record.
Oh I can definitely see why this would be a problem and an obsessive issue. Glad you found a healthier way to stay active.
My Fitbit was actually the reason I stopped swimming (which I loved so much) because I couldn’t get steps in the Pool. I would find myself RUNNING laps around my house at 11:57 to get those last few steps in to beat my competition. My Fitbit ran my life! Laziness has taken over and I’ve badiclaly given up the 10,000 steps a day which probably isn’t th best for my health either but I certainly see where you’re coming from!!
First of all I love the name of your blog 🙂
I loved my fitbit before it broke by itself but I never got into that competitive mode for me. I was clear what I wanted from it and used it just for that.
Oh my gosh, my post today was also on the Fitbit and I kept thinking “Who does a whole post about a Fitbit?” Lol! Glad there was someone else and on the same day too! I totally understand your post and is exactly why I haven’t gotten one until now. Great post! Happy Holidays!
This is awesome! I love my fitbit and keep it at 10,000. but I do agree I hate the reminders. I’m allowed to have a lazy day and a sick day! those are the days I dont wear mine.
Loved this, I can totally relate because for me when I decide to start doing something, I end up getting addicted to doing it so much that it takes over my daily routines and lifestyle. I did this long time with a pedometer I had and just like you I had to surpass the steps I took everyday and I would feel like it was torture at the end. I ended up throwing it away and didn’t regret it one bit.
This is such a good post and something I really hadn’t thought of before. I do feel rather attached to my fitbit but this puts it into a whole new perspective. Thanks for this!!
Me too. I have been doing the challenges and playing the bingo games. I am definitely addicted and feel like you did when it needs charging. I am not ready to give it up because I love the challenges, games, exercising and running. But your article was very helpful and I will be more conscious about HAVING to get those steps. Thank you