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FitBit Challenges: Where have you been all my life?

“The ultimate victory in competition is derived from the inner satisfaction of knowing that you have done your best and that you have gotten the most out of what you had to give.” ~Howard Cosell

You might have heard about how much I’m in love with my FitBit, but until a couple days ago, I didn’t realize there was a built-in function that is basically the thing that has been missing from my life for…well, ever.

I’m pretty sure my Facebook friends are tired of hearing about how much I love it, but its really that amazing, this feature.

See, I recently discovered FitBit challenges, which are built in to the FitBit app. The challenges allow me to connect and compete with other FitBit users in various kinds of step-goal competitions.

For example, I’m currently involved in a Work Week Hustle challenge (coming in at second place last I checked, but I’ve been back and forth between second and fourth since I joined a little late). This one has to do with meeting a weekly goals. I’m also competing in a Daily Showdown challenge (which, at the time of writing, I’m winning by a nose!), which is to compete for who can get the most steps in a day.

Yesterday I was in a Daily Goal challenge, which was just to see who could meet their goal for the day. I thought I’d won (we all met the goal, but some took more steps than others post-goal) but when I woke up, I discovered one of my worthy opponents had surpassed me. I was totally happy for him, of course, and on a completely unrelated note, I am even more inspired to beat him, uh, I mean…compete harder today.

So I guess what I am saying is that this whole FitBit challenges thing is definitely something I’d try if I were a person who was habitually kind of unmotivated about exercise, and/or a person who just needed a little motivation to step it up a bit.

The challenges are simple and super fun, and they don’t require anything except your body, the ability to walk, and of course the FitBit. There are also plenty of compatible (and otherwise) apps out there with similar concepts involved – the idea of gamifying fitness and weight loss is here, people. Take advantage of it.

For the record, although I would be totally open to working with the FitBit people on some kind of awesome sponsored challenge deal, this post is completely unsolicited and I paid for my FitBit out of my own pocket about six months ago. I am just a user who has fallen madly, madly in love with this thing. (And yes, if for any reason I’m not wearing it, I feel as though my steps are for naught. No joke!)

(Hey, let’s keep in touch! Join me on Facebook or sign up for my free newsletter. Or both! <3 )

So lemme hear it! Are you gamifying weight loss and or fitness? If so, how are you doing it? If not, would you consider it? Let’s discuss it.

Let me know what you think on our Facebook page, tweet me or leave a comment below and share your thoughts.

Should I try this virtual weight loss trainer with my FitBit?

by Angela Atkinson

So I got a FitBit awhile back, and I cannot lie: I freaking love this thing! Not only does it track my every step, calories burned and distance walked, but with a little screen tap here and there, it can track my sleep, calories in and water intake, among other things.

And the battery lasts up to five days and takes just a couple of hours to charge. The only thing I don’t love is if I forget to put it on after charging and accidentally take a bunch of “uncounted” steps. Yeah, it’s like that.

Meeting my step goal has become a bit of a daily obsession, which, as it turns out, is a healthy way to gamify my health. I’m upping and growing my goals on the regular, people. This is big!

With all of that being said, I’ve been searching for a better (read: more fun) way to play games with my weight and health. I’ve been looking for an Android app that would integrate with the FitBit and allow me to play some sort of game to encourage movement and healthier habits. But you know, in a fun way.

Yeah, I know it’s asking a lot and I haven’t yet found “the one,” but I have faith that my techie friends are on it and I expect it any day now.

A new app from Fitbug released today shows a little promise, I think. Below, a bit from Mashable on the app, along with a link to the full story. I’m not sure if I’ll buy it now, but I might keep an eye on it as it develops.

Thoughts?

That leaves me with two questions for you.

1. Have you tried or heard about the KiQ plan mentioned below?

2. Have you tried or are you aware of any other Android apps that gamify your FitBit?

Share your thoughts in the comments below, or join in the discussion on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/queenbeesruling.&nbsp?_rdr;

A new software program called KiQPlan works with your wearables and uses the collected data to whip you in shape. It’s part personal trainer, part nutritionist, part motivational coach all in a 12-week weight loss bootcamp.

KiQPlan from low-cost fitness tracker company Fitbug was previously teased at 2014 International CES in January and made its official debut on Tuesday.

“We feel like there is far too much focus on the device,” Paul Landau, CEO and founder of Fitbug, told Mashable.

The program provides tailored workouts (with videos and GIFs that show you how to best do them), feedback, meal plans and other targets to help users reach their 12-week goal. Each week, users get new workouts that are only unlocked during the week they should be doing it. It’s also possible to freeze weeks too, if you go on vacation or catch a cold.

See Mashable’s story click here