Three weeks ago I decided–Enough is enough. I am tired of being overweight, tired of being tired. I wanted to make a change and start putting myself first a bit. Eat better, exercise more. You know the whole thing, but without going crazy. It needed to be something that fits into a NORMAL lifestyle.
The first thing I did was to rejoin “TOPS” (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) a national weight loss support group. There is a chapter right down the street from my house, the ladies are incredibly supportive, and the price is reasonable ($35 a year and $1 a meeting). So I started going to meetings, journaling my food and getting weighed in.
One week into my re-commitment to being healthier and what happens? I’m contacted by a representative from SYNC asking if I’d be willing to join in an exercise/calorie burn challenge. They wanted to send me a new Sync Burn fitness band, a special fitness starter pack and have me go up against a couple of other ladies to check out our calorie burn–the one who had the most in a two week period would have $500 donated to the charity of their choice!
How perfect is that? I’ve told you all before–I’ve got incredible kismet when it comes to blogging!
So what is the Sync Burn? It’s a fitness band that tracks your steps, distance, heart rate and calorie burn. Oh. And it’s a watch too!
It’s kind of big on my wrist–but I have to admit, I really like being able to see all the data on the screen.  When you click thorough the options you can see your distance, calories burned and your steps. If you press and hold down the silver bar it gives you your current heartrate–but it also tracks your heartrate and combines it with your movement to give you a really accurate calorie burn count.
The bar across the top shows how you are progressing towards your daily goals. I set a 10,000 step a day goal. Saturday I totally maxed it out–so the bar is all filled in the picture above. It’s really nice to be able to just glance down and see how you are coming along.
You can download the “Map My Fitness” app to your phone and then, using bluetooth technology, sync the data from your Sync Burn to your phone, and thus to the online portal as well. Then you can really see what you’ve got going on!
There are even more capabilities–like being able to take stats for individual workouts, setting different goals, tracking your diet online etc.
All in all, it’s pretty cool! I’ve been excited to track my progress and it’s made me MUCH more aware of my activity level.
There is a downside to all this though. The other two ladies I’m up against in the challenge? Yeah. Both of them are fitness EXPERTS. Seriously, as in personal trainers and fitness personalities. Me? Slightly overweight and over committed mother of two. Who has a cold this week and feels totally exhausted.
They are totally going to kick my butt in this challenge.
But that’s ok–because you know what? I’m not in this to beat some record–I’m in it to be more fit, to live a healthier lifestyle. And while the Sync Burn is an awesome tool for the fitness enthusiast–it’s also a great tool for those of us trying to get enthusiastic about fitness. Just looking at the step count has made me change a few things–walking instead of driving, or “forcing” myself to take a quick walk around the block. I’ve even marched in place a couple of times while talking on the phone this week–just to get a few more steps in, even WITH the cold.
And now here’s your chance to get a Sync Burn of your own, valued at $13o!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I’ve received product samples for my time and efforts in creating this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I always am wearing a step counter on my pants, but it doesn’t work too well when you wear a dress. I would love to try this out!
JanelleS
http://www.parsnipsandparsimony.com
The hardest part for me is actually finding the motivation to start. I can always think of 6,000,000 other things I’d rather be doing.
I have trouble finding a consistent time for a workout, and the only way I stick with something is if it’s routine. Add to that problem that I don’t like to sweat, and yes, I have huge problems developing a fitness routine.
My challenge is finding things I can do that won’t aggravate the disabilities I already have. One small change I made was lowering my desk chair. I had it higher to be easier to get up from, but I noticed after 6 months of doing it, my knees were getting weaker. Now I’ve strengthened those muscles again.
The most challenging part for me is consistency and making it a habit.
my biggest problem is I get a good routine started, and then I end up injuring myself, getting busy doing other things, or just plain give up – and have to start all over again.
Good for you, Jenn! Way to go on doing something so positive for yourself!
And I forgot the most important part of my blog comment – the most challenging thing for me is finding the time. I’m not a 5AM or 8PM workout person, so that means working around my stay-at-home-mom schedule.
Thanks Anne–I’m trying. This cold isn’t helping. . .
Kismet indeed! We just relocated to Florida and I am absolutely in need of a recommitment to fitness. Fortunately the weather has broken a bit so walking sounds possible!
I recently felt that I needed to get better about my exercising. I’ve been hitting the treadmill as soon as I get up at five. It is hard not to stay in bed for the extra time but I get the walk in before the days events sidetrack me. I HATE to exercise so this seems to be working…on my five week!
For me, the most challenging part of getting started on a fitness routine is a combination of the issues Katrina and Ruth mentioned above, getting started in the context of dealing with a health issue concerning my feet. I think the data from this device would help me with getting and staying motivated. Thank you for the info and the chance of winning one.
finding the time, energy, and motivation to work out. and dieting
Finding the time to “workout”.
Time! It is so hard to find time and so easy to find other things that need to be done first.
I’m in South Carolina, so we have really mild winters. It was difficult to get out and exercise in the hot weather, but now would be a perfect time to start!
Finding time! Seems like between work, kids, church and other commitments I’m always last on the list!
Finding time is the hardest thing for me as well as the motivation. You would think looking at my double chin would motivate me but my tank is on empty after putting the little ones to bed. I don’t want to do a thing!
It’s hard to make myself accountable to actually be motivated. I get started walking and then it rains, instead I need to go to the mall and walk then.
Well Jenn, with our weather (I live in Syracuse) it’s even more difficult to get a workout in. I used to be a runner but knee issues have made that no longer possible ever. Yes and I gained 15 lbs. . 🙁 sad face. So I turned to bicycle riding. Weather issues are definitely a problem here. I will buy a “trainer” so I can do it inside. I would love to win this item so I can keep track of calories on my 12 hour days at work when I can’t ride. Thanks for hosting this giveaway. Feel better fast!
my most challenging is just gettting started
For me it starting!!! I know that sounds crazy, but it’s true. Once I start I’m fine. Getting me to start is so very difficult!
I have trouble getting started, too! I’ve recently discovered downloadable audio books & hope that helps me keep going!
Question: does it track sleep, too?