Fitness Tools: Withings Wi-Fi Scale
I bought this scale at the beginning of 2013. At the time there was only this on and another by FitBit. Since then almost every connected-device fitness company came out with their own scale. I was swayed toward the Withings because it connected to almost everything. They didn’t make a fitness tracker then. So they were open to every app I used. This is still true. I don’t even need the Withings app installed for my weight data to be sent to the apps that I do use.1
This particular model has been discontinued. The newer ones have more features of course. But I’ll be keeping this one until it dies. Everything I need, it does. It’s also good on batteries. I use rechargeable batteries in it and get over six months on a charge.
The main reason I splashed out for a connected scale was for the convenience. I like having the data sent to the apps I use. With regular wieght updates the apps can keep my calorie burn current.
Now that I’m keeping a personal fitness log in spreadsheet. I could use any scale. Being able to pull up the data from my phone saves me from two pitfalls. I don’t need my glasses in the morning to see the scale readout. I also don’t have to write down the numbers before I forget them.2
These might not seem like much, but it has been huge timesaver. It’s like a having transcriptionist in my bathroom—but less creepy. Having the data saved automatically means I can update my spreadsheet when I have time.
The extra data (fat/lean mass, BMI) is helpful. I’m tracking fat and BMI on the spreadsheet. I know that the fat mass calculation isn’t the most accurate. But I’m more interested in the trend than the actual numbers.
For the $100 I spent, along with the over two years of use I’ve gotten out of it, it’s been a worthwhile purchase. When it breaks I’ll be buying it’s newer replacement model.