Swimming with Your Fitbit Flex: A Comprehensive Guide
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The Fitbit Flex is a popular fitness tracker known for its sleek design and ability to track steps, distance, calories burned, and sleep patterns. But can you take it for a dip in the pool or ocean? Let’s dive into the details and explore whether your Fitbit Flex is swim-proof or just splash-proof.
Fitbit Flex and Water Resistance
The Fitbit Flex is designed to be water-resistant, not waterproof. This means it can handle splashes, sweat, and brief submersion in water, but it’s not built for prolonged underwater use like swimming or diving.
Official Guidelines
According to Fitbit’s official guidelines, the Flex is water-resistant up to 10 meters (approximately 33 feet). This level of water resistance is suitable for everyday activities like showering, washing hands, and getting caught in the rain. However, it’s not recommended to wear your Fitbit Flex while swimming or engaging in water sports.
Why Swimming with Fitbit Flex is Not Recommended
While the Fitbit Flex might seem to survive a few swims, there are several reasons why it’s not advisable:
- Water Pressure: The pressure exerted by water at greater depths can exceed the Flex’s water resistance capabilities, potentially damaging the device’s internal components.
- Chemicals: Pool and ocean water contain chemicals like chlorine and salt, which can corrode the Flex’s metal parts and deteriorate the band over time.
- Movement: The repetitive motion of swimming can dislodge the Flex’s tracker from its wristband, leading to loss or damage.
- Inaccurate Tracking: The Flex primarily relies on motion sensors to track steps and movement. When submerged in water, these sensors may not function accurately, resulting in inaccurate data or no tracking at all.
Alternatives for Tracking Swimming Activities
If you’re a swimmer and want to track your activity, consider these alternatives:
- Fitbit Swim-Proof Trackers: Fitbit offers other models like the Charge 5, Versa series, and Sense series that are specifically designed for swimming and other water-based activities. These models have a higher water resistance rating and dedicated swim-tracking features.
- Manual Logging: If you don’t have a swim-proof tracker, you can manually log your swimming sessions in the Fitbit app. This won’t provide detailed metrics, but it will allow you to record the activity and its duration.
- Dedicated Swim Trackers: There are dedicated swim trackers available on the market that offer advanced features like lap counting, stroke recognition, and SWOLF (Swim Golf) score calculation.
Caring for Your Fitbit Flex After Water Exposure
If your Fitbit Flex accidentally gets wet, follow these tips to minimize potential damage:
- Dry Thoroughly: Remove the Flex from its wristband and dry both components with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Avoid Heat: Don’t use a hairdryer or expose the Flex to direct sunlight, as heat can damage the device.
- Check for Damage: Inspect the Flex for any signs of water damage, such as condensation, discoloration, or malfunctioning buttons.
Conclusion
While the Fitbit Flex is water-resistant to a certain extent, it’s not designed for swimming. If you want to track your swimming activities, consider using a Fitbit model specifically designed for water sports or opt for alternative tracking methods. By taking proper care of your Fitbit Flex and understanding its limitations, you can maximize its lifespan and enjoy its fitness tracking benefits for years to come.
Additional Tips:
- Always consult the official Fitbit website or user manual for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding water resistance and care instructions for your specific model.
- If you experience any issues with your Fitbit Flex after water exposure, contact Fitbit customer support for assistance.
- Remember, technology and product specifications can change. Therefore, always verify the latest information before making any decisions based on this article.
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