Product Update - Garmin Vivofit

(technical information provided below)

When Garmin introduced the Vivofit Fitness Band I was a bit confused.  Why would a brand best known for professional cycling, marine/outdoor GPS, Nuvi car navigation systems, and of course running watches, want to build a not-so-complex product? The Vivofit doesn't use GPS, nor does it host any of their new running dynamics - its a pedometer with class.  I was skeptical up until the time I started to wear one. After 72 hours of wearing the Vivofit, I know exactly what Garmin is doing here, and it is healthy.

Research shows that prolonged sitting is not healthy, and in-fact can limit the effectiveness of your exercise or weight loss program by decreasing your body's production of fat-burning enzymes. Taking short walks throughout the day can counteract the effects of being sedentary and boost your overall health.  The Vivofit is not necessarily an activity monitor, but an inactivity monitor.

The Vivofit tracks your steps, miles walked, and calories burned.  It will also give you a daily goal and has the ability to upload data to Garmin Connect via bluetooth to your computer or smart phone. It uses Ant+ technology and can pair with a Garmin heart-rate monitor. It also can be worn to analyze your sleeping patterns. While these are all fantastic features and work better than most of the competition, the inactivity monitor or what I call the "get off your butt alert" is by far my favorite feature.  A red line (see image below) begins to appear at the top of the screen whenever you are not moving frequently enough and once its full (and angry looking) it means you've been an hour or more settled - you need to move your butt.  A short walk around your house, office, apartment, expo, or specialty running store will put you back on the good side of your Vivofit. 

Each box contains two different straps one small and one large, and a bluetooth receiver. Not to mention the instructions, which are not necessary as this little puppy is user friendly and easy to master.  There's literally one button, press to cycle through data screens, press and hold to sync, pair, or go to sleep mode. The battery is easily replaceable and should last a year. The most important part, however, is that you can change band colors anytime you please with the band kit.