Review of the Fitbug Orb Activity Tracker

This review was originally published on FitnessTechMD by @DrJosephKim

Over the past few months, I've had a chance to test and use a number of the newer wearable activity trackers (also known as fitness trackers or wearable activity monitors) like the Polar Loop and the Bowflex Boost. In this review, I'll write about my experience using the Fitbug Orb.

The Fitbug Orb is a round activity tracker that is priced at $49.95 and it can be worn on a wrist strap, on a belt clip, or on a magnetic clip. It comes in pink, black, or white and has a single button along with a single LED light that glows different colors. I've been using the Fitbug Orb for several weeks, wearing it every day at work, when I exercise, and when I sleep.

The black elastomer band holding the Orb around my wrist was comfortable during the day and while sleeping. Overall, the plastic device is light, but it is thick. It's much thicker than the Misfit Shine (which is made of aluminum). The wristband buckle (on the underside of your wrist) has a low profile so it did not disrupt my typing (compared to the Nike+ FuelBand which is much thicker and fairly rigid on the underside, so you'll feel it when you're typing). Since there is no metal touching my skin, you won't develop a nickel allergy rash (due to contact dermatitis). Some Fitbit Force users have reported such a rash recently.

In the picture below, you'll see the Fitbug Orb (in a wristband) on the far right. Nike+ FuelBand is on top, the Misfit Shine is in the middle, the Polar Loop is on the far left, and the Bowflex Boost is on the bottom:

In the picture below, you'll see the Fitbug Orb on my wrist against several other activity trackers: (top to bottom: Misfit Shine, Bowflex Boost, Fitbug Orb, Polar Loop, Nike+ FuelBand):

Unlike some of the other wrist-worn activity trackers, the Orb does not display time directly on the device (neither do the Fitbit Flex, Jawbone Up, Bowflex Boost, etc.). Wrist-worn trackers that display time include examples like the Fitbit Force, Nike+ FuelBand, Misfit Shine, and Polar Loop.

The Orb is a nice option for people looking for a lower-priced wearable activity tracker that you can wear on your wrist, belt, underclothes, etc. Many activity trackers (like the Fitbit Flex, Nike+ FuelBand, Jawbone UP, or Polar Loop) are designed to be worn exclusively on your wrist. That may work for people who don't mind having something on the wrist all the time, but for others who want that flexibility to wear the tracker on different parts of the body, devices like the Fitbug Orb may be an attractive option.

Since the Orb is not waterproof for swimming, it's also not waterproof to handle your washing machine. So, if you accidentally throw your clothes in the wash with your Orb clipped to your waist or pocket, your Orb may come out non-functional. This is another reason why I advocate for wrist-worn activity trackers. There is less likelihood that your device will end up in the washing machine if it's always around your wrist.

Jawbone Acquires BodyMedia

I have a BodyMedia arm band. I also have an original Fitbit, along with several traditional pedometers. I don't have a Jawbone Up or a Nike + FuelBand, but those items are on my Amazon wishlist and I'm waiting for the 2nd or 3rd generation devices before I make a purchase. 

Jawbone is making a serious move into the Quantified Self (QS) movement of self-tracking gadgets and they are acquiring BodyMedia for over $100 million.  BodyMedia has had more than 80 patents issued, so it's a valuable company because of its technology and its people.

Do you wear a fitness gadget or use a fitness tracking app? If you do, then stay tuned because a host of new gadgets like the  Misfit Wearables SHINE and many other new gadgets will be coming in 2013. 

Have you been exercising?

Many people make New Years resolutions around the theme of diet/exercise/fitness/nutrition. Did you? Have you been exercising to stay fit? On average, I probably go to the gym 3 times each week.

My wife and kids are at the gym this morning and I'm at home typing away. What's wrong with that picture? I'll be going to the gym later (by myself) since I need to lose a little bit of that holiday weight. When I'm at the gym, I'm using all sorts of gadgets ranging from electronic heart rate monitors to "virtual trainers" that push me to exercise harder. Plus, I'm wired with an iPod and I'm catching up on podcasts.

What's a healthy weight?

Here in the United States, we seem to struggle with two extremes of weight: those who are too light for their size, and those who are too heavy for their size. We used to rely on Body Mass Index or BMI, but then we recognized that BMI has some significant limitations. So we added waist circumference as an additional measure.

There's a strong movement to get people to accept any type of weight. Some feel that people can be very healthy at any weight. Is this true?

I don't think you'll find a physician who agrees that a patient can be healthy at any weight. Instead, there is a healthy weight range that is optimal for each individual. If you're grossly outside of this range (either too low or too high), then you will be at increased risk for some serious health problems. This isn't to say that you'll definitely encounter such health problems, but epidemiological evidence reveals that people who are either too underweight or overweight will have health problems.

As we start this New Year, do you plan to change your weight? Weight loss is one of the most common New Year's Resolutions that people make. The problem in our society is that we have many people trying to lose weight when they're already at a healthy weight. We also have many people who are not at a healthy weight and they're not trying to lose weight. When will our culture accept the concept of a healthy weight?

Are you gaining weight this holiday season?

I ate so much yesterday. On average, an adult living in the United States gains approximately one pound each year. Have you been gaining weight over the past 5 or 10 years? It's so difficult to maintain a negative calorie balance over the holidays, but you can control your portions, select healthy food selections, eat desserts in moderation, and make time to exercise.

Did you get (or give) a gym membership this holiday season?
Did you get (or give) any fitness equipment this holiday season?

It's the day after Christmas and I'm in the mood to go to the gym today. Who's going to join me? The other great way to exercise is to go walking. I'll be doing some of that by heading out to the malls to do some shopping!

Wine, chocolate, and our health

People often pair wine with cheese. I like cheese, but I love chocolate. Now, I don't drink much wine, but I consume a fair bit of chocolate. Anyone who knows we well can attest to that! I'm eating chocolate right now as I type this blog post (Lindt Lindor dark chocolate truffles).

Let's look at these two common elements that frequently get consumed during the holiday season because they make great gift ideas:

Wine: Now wine contains alcohol and is also quite high in calories. Alcohol is a sedative and some people may be addicted to alcohol. The truth is that many people actually abuse/misuse alcohol but they don't even realize it. As a result, alcohol has become a menace to society in that it has contributed to significant health problems (cancer, cirrhosis, alcoholism, etc.) and public health concerns (drunk driving, decreased workplace productivity, etc.). However, wine appears to have some health benefits if it's consumed responsibly. Wine (in responsible moderation) may benefit the heart, lipid profiles, etc.

Chocolate: I love chocolate, but we all know that chocolate is heavy on the calories. They say, "A moment on the lips, but a lifetime on the hips" (you may as well add: waist, belly, thighs, etc.) I make it to the gym several times each week just so that I can maintain my chocolate habit. We've been uncovering more health benefits tied with dark chocolate, but it's hard to justify most of these benefits when you look at the obesity epidemic in the United States. I don't think any  physician will encourage an overweight or obese individual to consume chocolate for health benefits.

So, what are we to do about wine and chocolate this holiday season? I'm going to cut back on wine so that I can eat more chocolate. This way, I can still burn the same amount of calories each day and still enjoy my chocolate.

How to buy health products online

I buy almost everything online. These days, you can find just about anything and everything on the Internet. Of course, you don't want to purchase any fraudulent medications, health products, or any other merchandise unless you're absolutely sure that you're getting the right product.

For instance, suppose you're looking for Health and Beauty products. Do you ever think about the risk of receiving counterfeit lotions? If you haven't done much traveling outside of the United States, then you may not realize how prevalent "fake" products permeate the marketplace. For instance, in many parts of Asia, you'll see street vendors selling what appears to be genuine branded products, but they're all fake. Let's take another example: Skin Care products. Would you want to use something if you're not entirely confident that you've purchased a legitimate product? I wouldn't want to use any types of creams or lotions for any member of my family unless I had confidence that the product was safe and regulated.

Organic health and beauty products have gained tremendous popularity. There's a huge trend towards holistic and homeopathic medicine. This is also translating into health and beauty products because many people think they're getting something better if that product is labeled "organic." I'm a fan of organic products, but I don't think that everything organic is better or beneficial. At the end of the day, it's important to do your research and ask your health care professional about any issues related to health and wellness.

Heart transplant cancer patient running the Ironman World Championship

Wow! This story just makes you want to go to the gym and jump on a treadmill. Heart transplant recipient and cancer survivor Kyle Garlett will compete in October's Ironman World Championship! What an amazing success story of someone who defeated a serious illness.

• Kyle was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma as a high school senior in 1989.
• He developed leukemia as a result of his earlier chemotherapy.
• He received a heart transplant in 2006.
• Now he's running marathons and competing in triathlon.
  

Isn't it amazing what some people accomplish in their lives? I also really admire Lance Armstrong who battled testicular cancer and won multiple consecutive victories in the Tour de France. Time for me to go to the gym!

Read the amazing CNN story here.

China: exercise in a gym or outside?

It looks like indoor gym memberships are really becoming popular in China. These gym memberships aren't free, but it's free to exercise outside. Watch this CNN video that talks about current exercise trends in China. How often do you see people practicing Tai Chi in the parks?

Golf, Exercise, and Health

I love to golf. If you walk while you golf, it's great exercise. Even if you're only playing nine holes, you can still get some great exercise if you walk instead of ride. If you're not a great golfer, then you may get extra exercise as you chase your ball through the woods. If you drive around in a golf cart, then you're really missing out on achieving your 10,000 steps a day. I try to walk whenever I can to achieve as many steps each day. Now that the weather is warming up, it's time to get my golf clubs out so that I can enjoy a break. I think it's time to look into some Golf Vacations!

I love to golf along the beach. Nothing beats the cool breeze, the ocean, and a great game of golf. One of my favorite spots is Myrtle Beach. It's been a while since I've been there, but I love the fact that it isn't too crowded. Arnold Palmer created some incredible courses out there. The scenery is so pleasant that you actually enjoy walking through the golf courses. Why ride if you can walk? A few years ago, I had a bad case of golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis). Then, I developed tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)! I think it's time for a relaxing vacation. Sometimes you may find some great deals on some Golf Packages. Make sure to send me a tweet on Twitter if you find one!

Job Loss Linked to Health Problems?

Do you know anyone who has recently lost a job? CNN has a story about how the risks of hypertension, heart disease, and arthritis are higher in those who lose their job.

As someone trained in public health, I often wonder whether we're talking about association or causation. In other words, does job loss cause these conditions? Probably not. However, the association is an interesting one and it may point to some issues that revolve around healthcare disparities. These findings were recently published in the journal Demography by Kate Strully, assistant professor of sociology at the State University of New York at Albany. Demography is the statistical study of all populations. What an interesting name for a journal. I'll have to keep my eye out for this edition. Image source: CNN.

Exercise Pool in Your Home

What type of pool would I want in my home? A swim spa! Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise. However, unless you have a gym membership, you may have a hard time finding a pool where you can swim some laps and get some cardio exercise. Have you seen those indoor exercise pools where you can swim against resistance as jets of water flow against you? They don't require a tremendous amount of space in your home and you can exercise all-year. Advances in technology now allow manufacturers to use innovative resistance jets that are also therapeutic. Imagine walking against a stream of water that's flowing against you. As you feel the resistance, you'll be building your muscles and getting a therapeutic massage at the same time. You won't get that in a standard swimming pool!

Aquatic therapy has been shown to help people who have specific medical conditions. If you have arthritis, you may have difficulty exercising. Have you ever walked on a treadmill that's underwater? If you need to find something more strenuous, then fire up the resistance jets so that you have to walk against streams of water. Now that's a workout! Hydrotherapy pools have gotten quite sophisticated over the years. Perhaps you have a joint problem. Maybe you're recovering from an injury and you need to start with some gentle exercise. By walking on an underwater treadmill, your weight is reduced because you're surrounded by water. Plus, you don't have to worry about falling suddenly because the buoyancy of the water will slow you down. At the end of your workout, you can enjoy a relaxing and therapeutic massage that's delivered by the high-powered jets that are built into the pool.

Fitness Watches

So how often do you go to the gym? There are so many ways to improve your health and fitness. Buzzwords in the health industry include: wellness, health, fitness, and prevention. This way, you avoid the need for things like disease management since you're preventing disease.

I spend a fair amount at the gym and I've seen some significant changes in consumer health technology that have made it both fun and easier for people to exercise. For instance, I use a Polar heart rate monitor strap so that I can easily monitor my HR during exercise. I also wear a Timex sports watch. I'm also a fan of other brands, but Timex has always been reliable and cost-friendly. If you can afford to spend a fair amount of money for a nice sports watch, then you may want to also look at Suunto and Polar. I've had watches made by both companies and still wear my Suunto at times.

If you like to run, then you may want a watch that also includes a sensor that measures your running speed. You don't necessarily need a GPS to do that. I also love the fact that some of these watches now incorporate solar technology and rechargeable batteries. I've had a Timex Ironman for several years and I haven't even had to replace the battery yet. So improvements in battery technology and recharging capabilities have really improved the capability of sports watches.

Running on a Treadmill

I enjoy running. My freshman year at MIT, I ran the Boston Marathon as an unqualified bandit runner (the term "bandit" is used for those non-registered runners who don't qualify or who want to run the marathon at the last-minute). Of course, it takes a lot of training to properly prepare for a marathon. As for me, I was a freshman and I wanted to do something fun since it was my first time living in Boston. I did all my running outside along the Boston Esplanade and I certainly didn't need a treadmill.

Now, I run at the gym and sometimes I'll go for a run outside. At my local health club, they have many different types of treadmills. I'm constantly amazed at these workout machines that get introduced. Technology has come a long way in the area of health and fitness machines. At Smooth Fitness, you'll find an assortment of treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, and other workout machines. Equipment technology has advanced and I like how newer equipment can now be linked to a heart rate monitor so that you can evaluate your intensity. It's also a safety issue for older people who exercise on routinely.

When I'm at the gym, I tend to use the ellipticals because they are easier on the joints. I'm spoiled because I get to choose from many different machines what all have different features that you can change like elevation, resistance, angle, etc.

Protein Shakes

Do you work out? Are you trying to build muscle? Do you drink energy drinks and protein shakes made of organic whey? Organic what? Organic whey or whey protein powder is often used to make protein shakes. You've probably seen them in health and fitness stores. They're those large containers that have words like "energy" or "build muscle" written all over them.

The protein shake is a staple among body builders and others who like to work out and build muscle. Since our muscles are primarily built of protein, we are what we eat, right? So, if you want to build stronger and bigger muscles, then you need to have enough digested protein in your diet. One easy ways it to take some energy protein powder, blend it with your favorite ingredients (like milk and fruit), and then have a nice smoothie snack that's full of protein.

These types of protein shakes have been very popular on the west coast and you'll see them all over at drink stands, malls, and small shops. They've gained popularity in other areas as well, but I don't think I've ever seen them with the same degree of ubiquity as in the west coast.