Fitbit Zip Review (and Giveaway!!!!!)
The New Year is just around the corner and with that comes a slew of New Year’s Resolutions.
This is year I’m taking a different approach t0 resolutions rather than change a “bad habit” I’ve decided to improve upon an already good habit, walking. I’m setting a goal to walk at least 3, 000,000 steps in 2013! Three million steps may sound like a lot until you break it down and see it’s 10,000 steps on 3oo hundred days of 2013. Totally doable!
Reaching that goal is going to be simpler with my new Fitbit Zip.
The Zip is a newish gadget from Fitbit. Zip tracks your number of steps, calories burned, distance, and it is a clock. It automatically (after intial set up) and wirelessly syncs to your computer and select smartphones.
Here is what I think after wearing the Fitbit Zip for a over month now.
Fitbit Zip Review
“Yeah yeah!!!”
Secure: My Fitbit Zip stays in place all day long whether clipped to the my waistband, inside my pocket, or on my bra.
Easy to Read: A few taps on the screen scrolls through your stats. If you have a compatible smartphone you can check your stats without even looking at the device.
Motivating: The Fitbit Zip is great for those who want to move more and need a little extra push to get up. (Ahem!)
Screenshot of Fitbit Dashboard
Screenshot of Mobile Fitbit App
No Monthly Subscription Fee: When you purchase the Zip you gain access to their free (and easy to use) online dashboard and free mobile app which shows your daily and cumulative progress.
Syncs with Other Health Apps: I just recently opened up a MyFitnessPal to account to stay accountable to a friend. (Do I really want that extra glass of wine?) I was excited to find out that MyFitnessPal syncs my meals and activities to my Fitbit account and adjusts my daily net calorie goal based on my activity. Check out the list of Fitbit compatible apps.
The Initial Set Up: The initial set up was easy. You just insert the battery using the battery door tool and set up your free Fitbit account and sync using the USB dongle.
Excellent Customer Service: I had a few questions about synching to my computer (I didn’t realize I needed to keep the dongle in my USB port.) and Fitbit emailed me back quickly with a friendly and helpful response.
Fun!!!: It’s fun to go on a hike and see how much you walked. It’s fun to look at your progress on your Fitbit dashboard. It’s fun to set and reach goals. It’s fun to get an email congratulating you on reaching your goals.
“Hmmm???”
Remember to Add Your Activity: You have to enter any extra activity other than walking separately to get a more accurate calorie burn. This is especially important if you are tracking your calories. You want to make sure you are eating enough to support your caloric output so your metabolism stays firing so don’t forget to add that extra activity.
Not always lightening fast: Most of the time it syncs quickly but sometimes it takes a minute or two to sync to my computer or phone. Not a big deal but wanted to let you know.
Not rechargeable: Unlike it’s cousin the Fitbit, the Zip is not rechargeable and uses a watch battery. The battery will last 4-6 months. On one hand I would prefer it to be rechargeable. On the other hand, it’s really great to not have an extra cord to deal with or have to remember to charge it.
Questions you may have about my Fitbit Zip Review.
What is the difference between the Fitbit One and the Fitbit Zip?
The Zip is less expensive than the One. The Zip doesn’t track sleep, floors climbed, or have an alarm. You can compare the Fitbit Zip to the Fitbit One side by side here.
How big is the Fitbit Zip?
It’s small but not so small that you worry about losing it. I also don’t have any trouble hiding it when I want to wear it but not see it.
Do you think the calorie burn is accurate?
I have never had my metabolism professionally tested so I can’t comment with certainty on its accuracy. I will say I think it is a very good estimate. My calories burned on the Zip (as long as I add my extra activities) are comparable to other activity trackers I have used. As always it’s most important to listen to your body over a device. If you are hungry then eat. If you are exhausted then rest no matter what a device says. I use the Fitbit Zip as it is intended as a motivational tool and it’s AWESOME! Most of my favorite activities are sedentary and the Zip gives me the motivation I need to get up and move more.
Fitbit Zip Giveaway
Here is the best part of my Fitbit Zip review!! You can win a Fitbit Zip to help you reach your New Year’s goals!!! Fitbit has generously offered to give one Zip away to a Girl Heroes reader.
You have up to 6 chances to win! To enter fill out the form below. (If you are on your phone it may take a few moments for the form to load.)
Giveaway open to US residents 18 and older only!
Have you ever used a Fitbit Zip or other activity tracker? What was your experience? Are you setting any fitness goals for 2013?
Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn
Keep up with my kettlebell workouts, real food recipes, and more in one of three ways! 1. Sign up to have posts emailed to your inbox. 2. Subscribe to the RSS Feed or 3. “like” Girl Heroes on Facebook. Simple dimple!
Journey with our family on the road at Newschool Nomads as we travel full time in RV through the United States!
Disclosure: I was provided a Fitbit Zip for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.
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This is my (almost) sane quest for insane health. Let's 
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I am trying to walk at least 2 miles per day and play Kinect for 1 hour while reducing my weight and cholesterol.
Cool! Thanks for the review. I had never heard of these and M got me one for Christmas. I have yet to open it up, but I am excited to check it out. Love you!
I’m trying to get back into regularly exercising. I do so well when it’s a habit and have a routine, but my routine went out the window this last six months. But now that it’s just me and I’m not letting someone else make me feel like I don’t have to exercise, I’m gradually getting back to it. Soooo tough, though. Your kettlebell routines are a lifesaver!
One of my goals this year is to move more with my kids & dogs. More walking, and hiking to build better bodies, minds and relationships!
I have been considering a simple tracker like this and really enjoyed your review!
one of my goals is to finally run a 5K
Jenn!!! I was just looking at these online last week and I really want one. The science nerd in me just loves any and all things numbers and you can make graphs!!!!
I haven’t given too much thought to resolutions, but I don’t like to give things up, so I think I’m going to set a goal to do one random act of kindness every week for the year. The little things that others do for me make me feel so great, so why not spread the love, right?
Hello! Your blog post came up within the same session I was searching for reviews of a Fitbit! Can you imagine that? I think I might try it out mostly to make me more accountable – I really need that right now … Ahh resolutions? The same ole: seek some balance in my life 😉 xo
I love gadgets! I have used the Omron pedometer before and it is motivational! I am continuing to resolve to get my 10000 steps in most days. I also want to get weight/resistance training in as well. For some reason it’s harder to get motivated to do that.
Great review and giveaway!
Hugs!
My main goal this year is to continue with the momentum that I’ve been able the tap into the last six months to rebuild/reinvent my life; I’m on an awesome path.
Fitness/health oriented goals involve exercising/moving every day. I joined up with the Morning Mile effort over at Nerd Fitness and I’ve continued that into December and don’t want to stop. It would be awesome to track my steps on top of that effort. Non-fitness related goals include taking up archery and learning to play the banjo. 2012 ended up awesome and I’m ready to rock 2013 HARD.
My Fitness Goal Is To Establish A Daily Fitness Routine For A Healthier 2013!
My goal for 2013 is to finish my first half marathon.
My big goal is to get faster with my running.
I maintained a consistent fitness routine through the holidays so now it is time to kick it up a notch!
One of my goals is to run at an 8 minute mile pace
Thank you for the giveaway!
I want to try to move more every day. I have A neuro disease called NMO ( sim to MS) so it makes it difficult..
I hope to get healthy for my future children!!
Hi!
So nice to stumble across your blog!
My goal for 2013 is to eat clean and go to the gym for 30 min AT LEAST 5x a week!
Thanks! Julia
One of my goals for next year is to spend less and save more (money wise) . I have a gym membership but am going to cancel it..sad day. The new one that opened is farther away and we are usually out til 10pm at night and the gym location closes at 10 or 11 I forget, sad bc its only $10/month and I was religiously going 4 days a week for about 5 months but didnt see a change in my weight hardly at all and got discouraged and burned out. So..hopefully by saving more money we will eat healthy meals at home instead of eating out so much
Awesome! Looks like a cool product
I would love to give it a go!
I’d love to explore new forms of exercise in 2013!
This looks like it’s easy to use and the fact that it syncs with other apps and I can use my phone to view my activity – BONUS!! Awesome giveaway – thanks!
My number one goal: run my first half marathon!
My goal is to lose the last 20lbs of baby weight!
10 unassisted chin ups next year!
I hope to run a half marathon!
New year’s goal — Keep in touch with family by calling once a week!
My goal is to do my spring 100 miler in less than 24 hours!
i have no intentions of working out
but i watch 3-5 kids a day and i’ve started catering and i speedwalk my whole shift. i’m so curious to see how many steps i’m really getting in in a day! i hope it’s more than i think! but i would be bummed if it’s less!
I need to meal plan more in 2013.
I’m trying to cut out some of my convenience things….like eating out too frequently and buying single portioned things.
Trying to lose weight and and I tried the UP before the new release. Didn’t work, so now I’m saving up for a fitbit! If I win, I can use the money elsewhere!
What a great tool to see how active you have been and I love the goal you set to walk 3million steps next year! I’d really like to join you and set my own goal!
I am starting crossfit!
I want to try crossfit as well!
My goal in 2013 is to get back to my pre-baby fitness levels by making time to be active daily and get back to cleaner eating!
My goal is more yoga and stretching.
I will try to focus on being present and unplugging in 2013.
My goal is 700 classes at the gym
That’s 2 a day with two weeks “vacation and sick time” I think I can
My goal is to lose this last ten pounds and to maintain… I want to also live in the moment more, not worry about the future and dwell on the past!
My fitness goals are to do something every single day -whether that is a class at the gym, some cardio, pilates or stretching! It all counts and it’s all good for making the body stronger at the end of the day.
My goal is to hit the gym at least 4 times a week.
Hello! I just found your website from “meals and moves” and saw the link for the fit bit giveaway. With 60 pounds to loose this would be a great piece of the pie in tracking my fitness goals. Thanks for the opportunity. Patricia Crilley
I want to increase my daily activity and feel this will provide me with the accountability to do so!!
I want to try to floss every day, I downloaded an app called Lift that helps track how many days in a row you accomplish your goal!
Hi Jenn! I just started using the zip myself. If you run and lift weights, should you log these activities? I was a bit confused as to if the zip captured these already or I need to enter them to capture a correct calorie burn! BTW- I just started following your blog- found you through Janetha at Meals and Moves!!
Hi Wendy! It is my understanding that you need to log weightlifting but not running unless you forget to wear your zip on your run. I’m logging everything separately except running and walking. Here is a link that might help. http://www.fitbit.com/manual#section-start Scroll down to “Track My Activites”. I hope this helps! Have a happy New Year!
Thanks Jenn! That was very helpful!!! I also realized that even if i did add my running for tracking purposes- as long as I enter the exact time it will not double the activity! Happy New Year to you too!!
My goal is to run everyday and eventually run a 1/2 marathon or marathon by the end of the year!
My goal for the new year is to get healthier and get in shape!
My goal in 2013 is learning and sticking to healthy habiys
I don’t do new year’s resolutions, so my open-ended goal that started last July is to continue exercising 3-6 times per week and eating healthy.
My 2013 goals are to finish my 1st marathon (Cleveland on May 19th) and to hopefully do another marathon in the fall!