With spring in full swing and summer right around the corner, many members of the Padua community have been getting more in shape. One of the most popular ways to do this is with Fitbit, an electronic activity tracker. This small device, worn as a bracelet similar to one that you can shop now, allows users to track their sleeping patterns, the amount of steps taken in a day, and calorie intake. Fitbits have not only motivated people to get in shape, but also give them the ability to do it on their own terms.

Fitbit works in motivating students to exercise by being fun for the user. Emma Toy (‘18) has had Fitbit for a year, and she says, “For me, the most fun part of Fitbit is being able to see how many steps I’ve walked in a day. Not many people know this, but you’re supposed to take 10,000 steps in one day, which is the equivalent to five miles, so I think it’s pretty cool.” Knowing the steps she’s supposed to take gives her a push to walk more frequently.

The other motivation that Fitbit gives is competition. Fitbit allows users to add other people as friends to see their steps as well. Caroline Bursler (‘18), Gracie Simmons (‘18), and Emma Toy have an ongoing competition to see who can take the most steps each day. Gracie Simmons says, “The challenges encourage you to be more healthy because your competitive side kicks in. While you’re competing with your friends, you also end up exercising.” With the added motivation of competition and being able to track all the other aspects of health, it is easy for users to get in shape while still having fun.