Today being New Years, we will see more people at the gym, more people at GNC, more people on diets than any other day/month of the year. Most people lose motivation by the time February rolls around. If you are seriously considering losing weight, check out Nike’s FuelBand.
The FuelBand is a high tech bracelet that you wear 24/7. It has an acclerometer built-in so that it measures your every movement. It measures steps, calories, time, and Nike’s own conversion, Fuel. All this is displayed on the FuelBand with white LED lights.
Because you are suppose to wear the FuelBand all the time, it needs to be comfortable, and it is. Also, it needs to be durable. I work at a mechanic shop and whatever acessory I wear takes a beating. After a month of having the FuelBand, it is still in good shape. The FuelBand is so light, you don’t even notice it half the time. I have the black band, so it is not overly noticable or sticks out like a sore thumb. There are no flashing lights or LED until you press the button. When you do, it looks sleek and high tech as info rolls across the band. I have gotten so many comments when checking time.
Nike has their own software where you can upload your data via their iPhone app (which is what I use) and PC. The iPhone app is great because it syncs through blutooth so there is no need to plug in anything. The software lets you view your goals and what you have accomplished. The FuelBand makes working out fun. You select how much Fuel you want to burn a day. At midnight, everything resets so if you haven’t made the goal, you will see yourself running up and down the stairs at 11:30pm trying to earn those points. The software rewards you if you meet your goals, especially if you have a streak.
On average, I burn about 2500-3000 fuel per day by just working and doing everyday activities. I am planning on bumping it up to 5000, which will require me to go jogging or do some kind of excercise in order to meet that goal.
So does the FuelBand work? Absolutely. Is it some magic device that will make you lose weight? No, but it is a great motivator. Serious athletes will find the FuelBand lacking, but to the average Joe who wants to up his activities per day, it is perfect.
I am giving it a 4 out of 5 because it is expensive at $150. Also it is not completely waterproof so for those of you who like swimming, it will not be possible with the FuelBand. But it is important to note that the FuelBand is water-resistant.
All-in-all, it is a great product and fun! It was a birthday gift and I love it.