Introduce Yourself!

I borrowed my husband's UP band by jawbone and have worn it a week. I wanted to try the Spat and received my tracker today and so far so good. Any tips would be appreciated.

Sorry, I got it.

I didn't even know you could set it. How???

I set my steps at 10,000, I have to average them. When I work as a cashier I work to get 6,000 steps a day. When I work Customer Service and get off at 11, well I got over 22,000 yesterday. Since I don't have a set schedule it is hard to plan. This week I get off at 11 every day. Net week I get off at 4 every day.

Hey Everyone!

I have had my tracker about 10 days and LOVE it. It has really helped me understand that I allowed myself to be sedentary. I am now working on fixing that. I am curious where everyone set their goals. I started at 6,000 and moved it to 7,000 steps last week to keep me reaching which seems to be right for now.

I really really wish the tracker synched to my phone or ipad. App in progress?

you can wear the tracker on your waist, the center of your bra, there are several places you can wear it. There was a paper that can with the tracker showed them to you and if you click on the adds for the tracker they will see them. I wear my tracker on my socks, that puts it under the top of the tongue of my shoes. Since I broke my ankle the Dr says I wear walking or running shoes.

Hi All,
I just purchased the Tracker this past week and am getting used to using it. A couple problems I've run into so far:

1- it doesn't seem to track core exercises or upper body exercises.

2.- I wear boots outside so I can;t wear the tracker flat on my shoe (no laces etc)

Any suggestions?

I'll be reading though the older posts to try and pick up some of the useful tips from all you tracker sparklers!
Thanks,
Margaret

Thank you MaryAlice, I do wear the tracker all day and I try to stay moving whenever I'm standing, but not necessarily 'stepping". I will start marching.

I'm also using one of Leslie Sansone's dvd's for walking and just bought the small 'walkaway balls" that she uses in on of the dvds.

I just need to keep 'marching' when moving around the house and outside.

Thanks again,
Dee

Dee, some suggestions,

When you go shopping, park at the back of the parking lot. that gives an average of 100 steps.

Walk in place or around during commercials. I know how far i can walk outside and still get back in time for the show.

march in place while washing dishes, waiting for the microwave to ding.

Since the tracker counts steps on the stationary bike, ride the bike while watching TV, reading, knitting or listening to music. You can even get a little on that you put in front of your chair.

You can get strength DVD's where you lift weights while walking.

I think you get the idea. Most of my steps come from 2 big dogs that want lots of walks.

Wow, I didn't introduce myself. My name is Dee and I've had my Activity Tracker for a little over a week and I love it. It makes keeping track of what I do so much easier. But.... I'm not sure if I'll ever get to my goal steps. So far, I only get 1/4 of the way. It's both inspiring and disheartening. I don't know how to go more except to stay walking half of my day.

I guess I'll get there.

I'm MaryAlice. I wore a pedometer for years. I lost my job and became a cashier for Wal-Mart. I was use to have to stay below 25,000 steps or my ankle hurt. As a cashier my feet hurt all the time and I had to struggle to make 10,000 steps. I got so discouraged I got rid of the pedometer. I've been moved to customer service and thought about getting another pedometer since I do a lot more walking in CS, but my feet still hurt most of the time and exercise is sitting down. When I saw the SP tracker would track my stationary bike I figured it was the one for me.

Hi everyone.
I had my doubts about ordering this. I have bought many pedometers, and they have never worked for me.
I received my spat today. Hooked it up, and am wearing it now. Did some time on the treadmill, and then checked out my count. It didn't record. I waited about an hour and did some walking around the house. That is when I discovered the site had updated.
I now love it. It showed accurately how many minutes I was on the treadmill!
Now I have a new site to check all the time.
I love sparkpeople!

Good day everyone!
I've had my Spark(Tracker) for about a week. I love the glow dots! I even clip it to my slippers in the mornings to tracker the most of my steps as possible.
I'm currently a full time student in a dental assisting program. Lots of my time is spend in lecture, but I try to walk during breaks whenever I can.
I am a competitive person, and LOVE that there are actually tangible prizes to be won, at least this month. 100,000 steps seemed pretty daunting, but I'm already at 32%, so it's going well and completely obtainable.
I must say I think this is one of the best purchases I have made this year as far as doing something for my health.

Spark Cheers!

Angela

Hi, had my SPAT, which I've named WINGMAN for about a week and I'm loving the convenience of having it post directly to my Fitness Tracker. Still have to put in things in can't pick up, but that's not an issue.

I've been a Spark member for about 7+ years, enjoying every minute of it too!! Met my goal a couple of years ago, but of course need to get some of the accrued lbs. since then to go away and I'm counting on this great tool to help me along!

I am retired and my DH and I divide our time between NY and FL. I'm very active, love to walk, exercise, golf, bowl, travel, shop - well you get the picture!!

My name is Kathy and I'm really happy to be a SPAT owner!!

Hi. My name is Loren and I just synced my tracker this evening. I'm just wondering does anyone know how to sync it to their cell phone? I'm not a very techy person but I want to make sure that I'm utilizing my Spark to the fullest extent.

I haven't been working out like I should for the month of October because I've been celebrating my anniversary and have been on several trips since the beginning of this month but now I'm back to work and school (work full time and taking 2 classes), and it's time to get back on track. I still have a goal to lose 50lbs by January (almost halfway there) and 100lbs by June 22 and I know I have a lot of work to do. I got the tracker to more accountable and to see how much walking I actually do throughout the day. I have a sedentary job but my office is configured really weird which causes me to do a lot of walking to get to other offices and to the ladies room. Since there's really no restaurants around on Fridays when I don't bring my lunch, I have to walk kind of far to just to grab a salad. And lets not forget the walks across campus to class. I figure these walks have to add up to something.

Hello,

I am Karen and also 51 yo. I am an accountant so a pretty sedentary job.

I am hoping the tracker will inspire me to walk more on lunch breaks and such.

It did today!

Cheers!

Hello!
I'm Andrea, 51 yo. I'm a yoga teacher, have my personal trainer cert (ACE) but don't work as one anymore. I love working out and decided to try the Spark Tracker. Yesterday I was very excited to try it for the first time and it did record a 4 mile walk perfectly. Today, not so happy with it. Went to the gym, and it did NOT record 4 miles on elliptical, 2 miles on the bike. One hour of a cardio/wt training combo workout was tracked as 'unknown workout' of 40 minutes. I felt like a disappointed little kid when I got home and sync'd with the computer and saw that!! I hope I can get this thing to work. I've owned every tracker on the market. I love how easy this one is to wear, so I hope it works.
Have a great day everyone!

Hi DCAines55,

Now YOU are motivating. You're already in great shape and working to stay that way! I love that. And find it very inspirational.

For what it's worth, I'm 52 as well and my mid section is awful. I feel like I wear an inner tube around my middle and I hate that. It did inspire me to add a second goal. If you find any exercises, etc. that help tone that area, I'd be grateful if you shared them.

Welcome to the Activity Tracker group. I just got mine too and love it! Nikki

Hi Purple Bear! You will LOVE SP and I think we'll both love the new tracker (I have one now too -- I also have an UP band. I love them both for different reasons).

Welcome to the club!

Welcome TSISQUAUSDI -- Where do you live? Just curious because you mentioned heat! I'm in DC where I BAKE.

Anyway, welcome, welcome, welcome. I love the tracker and hope you do too. And I work at home so can relate to border reclusive!

BTW -- You do NOT look 60. WOW!

So glad you're here!

Hi Wendyas -- Wow -- that's great. Welcome! I find the trackers really do help me too - -plus they're fun.

hey. I'm Wendy - have had the spark for a couple of weeks now and it seems to be just the push I needed to get serious about diet and exercise. Have lost a few lbs and have ducked on the obesity wire so something's working

Hi - I got my Spark 8 days ago, and am so happy I got this little gismo! I turned 60 in May and have been going through a long period of the blahs. I tend to be pretty solitary, bordering on reclusive, and with the very high heat this summer, had stopped walking outdoors. Now that the temperatures are in the high 80's, this is the perfect kick in the a$$!

Hi I'm a new, very satisfied SPAT owner :-)
Loving it so far! It's amazing how the first day it knew I did a recumbent bike without me entering that!
I was sooo surprised!
I think it's going to make me much more accountable - at least I'm hoping so! :-)
I'm fairly new to SP also - loving it too!
Wishing you all much success in whatever journey you're on!


Edited by: READYRITA16 at: 10/12/2013 (02:24)

I received my Spark tracker yesterday. Love it! I am 52 and finding it hard to keep the weight off my mid section mostly. I do exercise at the gym 3x per week (cardio & strength, pilates) and walk most days in between either outside or on treadmill. I try to eat healthy for the most part but after tracking my eating here I realize it's the mindless snacking that gets me into trouble. I am hoping that this website and my activity tracker will help keep me motivated and hold me accountable!!

I have had my spark tracker for 9 days now and have managed to get at least 10,000 steps each of those days. I'm hoping the tracker starts me on my way to a new fitness start! I need all the motivation I can get to keep this "spark" of mine going.

Just received my SPAT today and just now set it up, will start tomorrow. Always have trouble with the weight as I am not consistent. Not sure what changed but I am more focused this time. Putting the right things into play for me to move the needle on the scale. Excited to add this to my tools for weight loss,

I got my SPAT this week. Its giving me a boost to take advantage of the gorgeous fall weather we're having.

I just did my first walk with my Spark Tracker! I am so excited to get walking again. I've been a Spark member for awhile but had fallen "off the wagon" so to speak. My motivation has been at a low ebb and I desperately needed an inspiration to get going and hang in there! I believe I've found it with the Spark Tracker! I've lost weight to only gain it back again and because of pain I haven't felt much like walking! So here I go again!!!! Hoping I can hang in there this time for the long haul and not give up!

Hi everyone,

I'm a three-year Spark People veteran and just love the site. I have been wearing an UP bracelet but bought the Spark tracker because it syncs (of course) and I can wear it when swimming (though where I'll wear it on my suit is as yet undetermined!)

I haven't been in a group for a while so this is nice. What a terrific membership we have so far!

Nikki

PS - and though I met my goal about 18 months ago, I've set a new goal. So I'm looking forward to hitting that, too, with your support!

Edited by: NPDSLEUTH at: 10/10/2013 (23:46)

I am a proud new owner of a Spark Activity Tracker. I am overweight and hopefully I will be able to lose some weight

Edited by: KATHIE626 at: 10/10/2013 (21:38)

Been using the Fitbit Flex but now I am a proud new owner of a Spark Activity Tracker. I can't wait. I will still use the flex but more for sleep.. Here is to a different look into what goes on during the day.

Hi, I'm Mary. I just got my Spark today. I got it set up and did a Leslie Sansone DVD workout. So far I love it. Very easy to set up. I lost 40 pounds several years ago, but I'm having trouble keeping it off. So, I'm hopeful that this new tool will motivate me to keep the weight off.

Hi I'm Dottee from Central New York. I started using the tracker today. It took me forever to set it up as I'm not familiar with adding apps. It seems to be working great and I'm having so much fun running back and forth to the computer to check my stats. I just love it.I already have 20 steps for this day Wednesday. I've never used on of these things before so it is all new to me. I'm hoping it helps me get the last 10 lbs off that I need to get to goal!

Hi all!
Kristin here and my Spark Activity Tracker arrived last night. I love it! Just the thing I needed to get me out of my latest funk:) I plan on using both my HRM and Spark tracker. Happy that it syncs so easily. Really it was super easy to start using. I didn't even have to look at directions. Score! This is perfect as I embark on training for a half marathon. Thank you SP. Bring on the steps! I WILL get those Glow Awards and look out October Challenge!

GO TEAM!

Hi, just received and set up my Spark. I have a fitbit, but it doesn't always seem to pick up steps, plus I liked the idea of the Spark being fully integrated to my Spark trackers. I also like that the Spark can tell the difference between walking, elliptical or cycling.

I plan on wearing both the fitbit and the Spark for a while and see how they compare. I do like that with the fitbit, I can see the number of steps because that spurs me to finish the next 1000 or finish the mile or whatever when I'm walking and on the elliptical.

Hi! I got my Spark today and I'm so excited! I've been thinking about getting a FitBit, but I love SP so I jumped at the chance to get both the tracking and a chance to show my support. I synced it and set up the software on my computer then went to scouts with my son. We spent a little time running around and playing follow the leader before the meeting started - when I got home it showed that as a workout of 11 minutes. It's great to be able to see those results. Knowing it was counting made me want to play with him instead of sitting on the wall and watching.

I can't wait to see how it affects my activity level! I'm such a competitive person.

Hello! I got my Spark Activity Tracker last week - and I love it! I was wearing a pedometer every day and boy was it OVERestimating my steps. I sit at a desk all day and jiggle my leg a whole lot more than I walk...as my SPAT is clearly showing me. I was interested in getting a Fitbit but once I heard about this I took the plunge. This is the incentive I've needed to get my butt moving.

I had a time figuring out how to use my computer to instal my Activity Tracker and had fun with it but I lost it. So I want to get another one but am not sure how to go about doing that.
" I think my cat thought it was a mouse" I just hope it doesn't show up in the litter box! My son says I have to tell people that I am joshing with them..

But Archie, my cat, does play with my hair ties and the tracker was attached to one. Tee! Hee!

Edited by: MIAJOEB at: 10/6/2013 (18:46)

I just love your post!

Team member #558 signing in

My names Linda, I'm from Seal Beach CA and have been a Sparkler since June 21, 2010

Thanks to SparkPeople I have a handle on my nutrition goals and hope to add more exercise to my daily life with the new activity tracker

What better way than during the month of Walktober

Let's get this started

Edited by: SPEEDY143 at: 10/6/2013 (19:20)

I'm Tonya and my tracker also came yesterday. Setup was very easy and it's already motivating me to move more to try and get those lights lit up!

Hey all!

I'm GiGi. My tracker came today The set up was easy. I'm excited!

Edited by: LITTLENDAMIDDLE at: 10/5/2013 (20:09)

I received my Spark yesterday. It is cute and small. I wore it on my shoe last night before I had time to set it up on the computer, so it did not track anything. I am not sure it counting my steps correctly. Also, I cannot manually add steps from my pedometer for previous days. I usually add the steps once a week, but this option has been replaced by the Spark tracking.

I just received my Spark Tracker and set it up today-will be using it tonight for the first time when I go to work as I do a lot of walking at work. I was using my fitbit zip to track.

Carol

Hello Everyone! I received my tracker yesterday evening. I set it up right away, played around with it for the evening and will really see what it does this weekend! We will be running errands most of the weekend so we will see how many steps I get in.

Hi everyone -- I'm Janet from GA. My tracker arrived 2 days ago and I connected it right away. At the end of the first full day, I realized my old pedometer was way off in tracking my daily steps, miles, and calories. The Spark Tracker is motivation in itself -- I love seeing those little lights flash all the way around.

Hi, I am Candice. My tracker arrived today and I have it set up. Cant wait to take it to the pool and see what it tracks. Due to spine injuries I cant walk very far on land, but can go non stop for almost 2 hours in a pool. I would love to know how many steps I actually take in the water.

Hi! I'm Kathy and I live in PA. My tracker came today and I took it out for a walk this afternoon. LOVE IT!!!

Hi! I'm Chris and I just came home to the delivery of my Spark tracker. The day is basically over for me but I'm going to wear it around the house to see what happens. I'm excited for a new challenge.