fitbit charge 2 vs charge 3 - why i'm excited!
October, October, October. Whoop whoop!
October is when we expect the Fitbit Charge 3 to hit the stores, BUT…. Pre-Order is available now.
Timed for release just before Christmas this will sell fast. So my Pre-Order is placed!
Let’s face it, this is going to be a Perfect Christmas gift for a loved one.
The mouthwatering combination of technology, fitness and smartphone features.
I CANNOT WAIT!
18 months ago, i read a similar article to this and thought “What is a Fitbit?”.
I didn’t have a clue.
I knew the name. Fitbit.
It’s catchy, short and sweet. I didn’t know what it actually was though? Or what the benefits of using a Fitbit Charge are?
Well, a Fitbit is a Fitness Activity Tracker.
A very cool device that can record fitness data and integrate with your smartphone.
Think of a Pedometer on steroids. That’s a Fitbit.
It monitors your movement, your exercise.
It records your steps and helps analyse whether your achieving your daily goals towards a healthier and more active lifestyle (calories burned, distance covered etc).
If nothing else, it motivates you to get OFF your backside and move.
I got one to encourage myself with some gently walking.
Pushing the boundaries each week. It took me a long time to recover from a C Section (if i have!), so i wanted a way to measure my fitness.
I started off with a Fitbit Charge 2. I love it.
I was a little lost with all the different models and versions so just went off the Fitbit site as it was cheapest price around at the time.
For me, I also wanted something that could help analyse my sleep.
Since having my girls i do not get regular and consistent sleep.
So i wanted to track exactly how often i slept – it felt like never!
Fitbit Charge 2 Feature List
It feels strangely disloyal that i’m talking about upgrading my Fitbit when i’m so happy with my current one.
If you’ve never had one before and dont want to pay for the latest and greatest then maybe this will help steer you to at least a Fitbit Charge 2 instead.
The Fitbit Charge 2 (which I own) has loads of great features:
- Sleep Monitor
- Heart Rate Monitor
- SmartPhone Notifications (SMS/Call etc)
- Guided Breathing Sessions (don't laugh, i actually like this feature lol)
- Steps Taken
- Distance Covered
- Calories Burned
- Floors Climbed
- All Day Heart Rate & Zones
I won’t get carried away. A Fitbit Charge isn’t the cure for my stretched tummy, my bingo wings, or breathlessness after a mild jog up the stairs.
No, sadly it doesn’t fix anything.
However, i have found it encourages me.
It provides that little bit of MOTIVATION I need at times.
The Fitbit gives me metrics and data.
Gentle reminders, enabling me to create and adhere to my own goals. I exercise better when i’m striving to achieve goals, and this is why I LOVE mine.
It taps away at your consciousness just to encourage 50 more steps or 5 minutes more.
Creating a healthy routine and an understanding of myself and where I am at.
The new Charge 3 goes one step further and has proper Goal based tracking – instead of relying on you to decide you want to go further, the Charge 3 can be programmed for that extra motivation.
Oh and remember when i mentioned it has Guided Breathing – haha i told you not to laugh.
I use it all the time. Seriously. I’m reading a lot into mindfulness and stress techniques.
Now i’ve not managed to make it a daily routine yet, but when (if!) i get chance, I sit and follow the guided breathing and try and clear my thoughts.
Try it!
What are the NEW Features of the Fitbit Charge 3
Why i am buying the Fitbit Charge 3?
Is it much of an improvement on the Fitbit Charge 2 ?
Firstly, i’m a mug for shiny and new. It’s only my bank account that stops me. I always NEED (want!?) the latest features.
Secondly, some of the NEW Features are perfect for what I need:
- Waterproof:
Up to 50m, but this means i can use my Fitbit Charge whilst swimming, with a new Swim Mode too - Screen:
the Fitbit Charge 3 will now have a full touchscreen, which is also 40% bigger. Perfect for my failing eyes and fumbling fingers when i'm trying to run! - Battery:
Actually the battery on the Charge 2 is pretty good, but the new one is even better. The spec says it goes from the 5 days on my model, to 7 days on the Charge 3. As with any spec that is obviously under best case scenario. - Smartwatch integration:
Now this i love! My Charge 2 gives me notifications for text / calls. Great feature. The charge 3, will allow interaction such as quick replies, whilst also extending compatibility and notifications across other apps on your phone too.
How much does a Fitbit Charge 3 cost?
Ok, so I hope that explains what a Fitbit is and how it can help you?
The BIG question – How much will a Fitbit cost?
Well firstly, I can still get decent money for my current Fitbit on eBay – so i’m going to sell my current one there.
Fitbits seem to pretty durable and mine is in excellent condition, so that recoups some of the cost for the new Fitbit Charge 3.
At the time of writing the Fitbit costs $149.95 to $169.95 at Pre Order Direct from Fitbit:
** $169.95 **
SPECIAL EDITION
Fitbit Charge 3
Woven Lavender/Rose Gold
** $169.95 **
SPECIAL EDITION
Fitbit Charge 3
Frost White Sport/Graphite
Personally I have ordered the Blue Grey / Rose Gold Colour as it’s beautiful!
I can always add different Bands later if I am tempted with the more casual look.
(Did I really just say a fitness tracker was beautiful? What has happened to me)
Where to buy the fitbit charge 3?
I have ordered direct from Fitbit rather than a Retailer. I have no complaints from my previous purchase and they offer:
- FREE Shipping on $50+
- 45-day Money Back Guarantee
- 12 Month Limited Warranty
- More importantly: No Risk of Fakes!
So if you’re serious about getting back in shape, recovering from that post baby body, or just want some help monitoring your fitness levels, definitely considering picking up a Fitbit.
If like me, some months are too tight for gadgets – it is hard to justify right?
Then hold on until the 3 is released and I imagine plenty of people will be selling their current Charge 2’s on eBay.
Here is the promo video if you want to know more from Fitbit themselves:
I hope that gives you a little insight into Fitness Trackers and how they can help you – certainly how they help me. Maybe it’s a psychological thing or just that little extra support and motivation I need at times. If you have the budget then I wholeheartedly recommend a Fitbit Charge – even if it’s just to sneak a look at your SMS Messages when you should be working 🙂