By Randy Mastronicola

I grew up a New York City gym rat. I was schooled in no-frills boxing clubs and rough and tumble basketball leagues. Though I will admit to working out in some pastel-colored health clubs during the “Let’s Get Physical” 1980’s.

Until recently, I held onto the notion of “no one needs a fitness tracker to tell you your workout got you sweaty and pumped.” Luckily, I’m working on being more open-minded than I used to be.

I’m now about 6 weeks into my Fitbit Charge 2 user experience. The Charge 2 has been a game changer for me. I don’t leave home without it and it didn’t take long for me to feel good about integrating the device into my daily routines. Without much fuss I became adept at utilizing and customizing the Charge 2 to my needs.

There are many standout features like the five-day battery charger, steel body, a large polycarbonate clear screen, and a modern chunky-funky design. For those who like mixing it up, the bands easily swap out. They come in a variety of colored rubber bands and there are leather options, too. The Charge 2 looks snazzy and I still find myself looking down and admiring it.

The Fitbit Charge 2 has a relatively easy interface. However, it took a some practice to use just the right amount of pressure (via quick and firm taps) to display the device’s main options.  Most helpful is the easy switching between activity types in multi-sport mode. The Interval Timer is a good tool to help you structure a high intensity workout.

A Few Charge 2 highlights:

• SmartTrack function automatically tracks your daily exercise
• System reminders to get moving every 10 minutes prompts
• The screen is 4x larger than its predecessor
• Interval training features
• Cardio fitness level rating
• Guided deep-breathing sessions called “Relax” help you find moments of calm and stillness

The popularity of fitness wristbands has wide appeal, from millennials to baby boomers, and they won’t be going away anytime soon.  I am happy to report the Fitbit Charge 2 has enhanced my exercise routines and become a valued part of my workout wellness mindset.   $149.99 www.fitbit.com