I accept I’m not the sharpest tool in the drawer when it comes to mastering technology and digital gizmos, but even I had to groan at this particular ‘senior blond’ moment.
Wanting to lose weight I invested in a FitBit Charge HR. So far so good.
Much to everyone’s surprised snickers I managed to ‘set it up’ and more importantly, and much to my surprise, I even synced it with my iPad which enabled me to monitor daily steps, distance walked, pulse, stairs and all sorts of other useful data. This is turn enabled me to take part in Challenges with family and friends. Hey, I was on a roll… or so I thought.
The FitBit became part of my daily routine and I became obsessed with steps walked and distance covered. Even to the point I would run round the house ten times to increase my daily steps if I was not on target. Yes, I actually did that on several occasions especially when my daughter and I were participating in a challenge.
Then disaster struck. It stopped syncing with my iPad and it could not collect the data.
I contacted FitBit customer service via Twitter and after twenty emails offering support and directions they cut their losses and sent me a new FitBit (It was probably costing them more in man-hours than the value of a replacement)
My new FitBit arrived, I charged it and then tried to set it up.
I kept pressing the button on the side of the Fitbit, but the data on the screen remained on 135. It was stuck. The back of the watch was flashing green but the screen data remained static.
I contacted customer services again and you could almost sense it was a case of ‘oh no, not that woman again’ Emails bounced back and forth offering various suggestion until I finally admitted defeat and passed it to Mr. Piglet.
He looked at the FitBit and then asked why I had left the Surface Protection film over the screen.
‘What…what film?’ I asked.
He peeled back the printed film to expose the screen and then laughed.
I was not amused.
Please, Mr. FitBit. Can you send an Idiot’s guide with your product or at least a note reminding people to remove the SPF.
PS
If anyone wants to link up for a Weekly or Daily Challenge please let me know!
Piglet in Portugal 
You had me laughing too Carole. My husband has one that I gave him for his birthday, but the strap gave him an allergy on the wrist so he stopped wearing it. I might give it a go, but I’m sure I would feel bad as I definitely do not walk 10000 steps!!!
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I was worried about developing an allergy so I only wear it during the day. I know some people like to monitor sleep patterns but it is only activity I am interested in. If you do take his fitbit and you want to hook up for a weekly challenge, please just let me know 🙂
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Hilarious! And I am only hosing myself laughing as this is exactly what would likely happen to me if I owned a fitbit.
And good for you for getting ”stuck in”.
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I nice to know even sane people like you Ark can recognise the problem I had. Mr. Piglet is still laughing at me now. I am heartened by so many comments of support.
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Verá funny, I’ve got the same myself.
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Hi Edson, Do you find it useful? What is your daily step target?
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So do you actually manage the recommended daily 10,000 steps?
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Rarely, not unless I join the local walking group. I try and if I’ve walked say 8500 steps I will run round the house at garden to make up the steps. I’ve even been known to do this late at night. It’s a good motivator but 10,000 every day is just a ‘step to far’. Hey, my next challenge is to reduce the recommended daily 10,000. I’d like to change it to about 7000.
How many steps do you manage a day?
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I manage 10,000 about once a week. I feel pleased if I do 7,000. Usually, I do about 5,000. But I garden most days and cycle too, they don’ t show up as a lot of steps.
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My daily steps are usually around 5000 because like you I spend a lot of time in my garden. It’s a pity that digging and weeding doesn’t count as steps 😦
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Thanks for the laugh, sorry, but that was so funny and something I would do too! Thank goodness for Mr Piglet sorting you out!
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Yes, Mr Piglet to the rescue! I am pleased it gave you a laugh.
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I’m impressed! You did all the hard part. I totally can relate to leaving the protective covering on things. Have done that several times. Fun story, well written.
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Thanks, Eileen. I am relieved it’s just NOT me. Do you have a Ftibit?
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Oh dear, and there I was quietly thinking that perhaps I also should get one of these gizmos and look very ‘modern’ here in the country! As an IT ‘tool’ I happen to be totally blunt and most local people don’t bother with stuff like this and would just laugh 🙂 !! Perchance I better stick to my old pedometer until I have time to go trawling around the Net for possible help !!! Best of luck with yours . . .
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Please to meet another blunt tool, Eha. Despite the problems I do love my FitBit and would recommend it.. I had a pedometer before but never got on with it.
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Seriously…that was freaking funny xoxoxo
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Donna, I am still getting the pee taken out of me now.
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That’s great!
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Haha. Why am I not surprised?
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Hiya, Lindsay. Long time no speak! How are you? The above was the polite version of what happened.
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