Social Media Metrics For Dummies

Metrics of Fitness

Tracking fitness is a new metrics trend, and one that has obvious implications for any business that is focused on nutrition, exercise, weight loss, and activity. Being able to see the data behind your own fitness goals can be very addictive!

Services and devices like the Fitbit are one example of fitness data being placed in the hands of the consumer. For a $99 entry fee, anyone can buy a Fitbit and access its website for daily fitness tracking.

Fitbit (see Figure 20-1) allows you to track your daily activity (steps walked or run, miles covered, floors climbed, food eaten, mood, heart rate, sleep cycles, and more). Then Fitbit adds a layer of game theory to everything by allowing you to connect with friends who use the service to create a friendly competition and motivation through their leaderboard, as well as a social media layer with Facebook and Twitter integration (see Figure 20-2).

Figure 20-1: Fitbit showcases that this person needs more sleep!

Figure 20-2: Fitbit shows you reached goals using badges and charts.

The simple Fitbit device also works with your smartphone for tracking on the go, the Withings blood pressure monitor and scale (both Wi-Fi–enabled), and other brands of Wi-Fi fitness equipment. For the true data junkie, Fitbit also has ...