Fitbit Charge 2 Metal Straps UK

Fitbit Charge 2 Metal Straps UK. Overall, the Fitbit Charge 2 (And Charge 3) is an excellent fitness tracker that has had some key features that were somewhat lacking on the previous model improved. And as good as it is, it's not perfect by any means. What are some of the most common complaints with Fitbit's in general. Well, in no particular order, first you have the battery duration, Sync issues, and then it's the strap. 

 

See the full range of Fitbit Charge 2 Metal Straps Currently For Sale

 So many people who buy a Fitbit complain about the strap irritating the skin on their wrist. The normal strap is made from silicone / resin, and not everyone, but some do find it annoying. In fact, some have even had an adverse reaction to it. However, you don't have to just sit back and grin and bear it.

There are a whole host of replacement bands available for the Charge 2 (In the UK), from pimped up originals of the same silicone material, to genuine leather and metal. The leather examples are excellent, and make the tracker look rather classy, but the metal ones provide a few extra perks that none of the others do.

Yes, to actually replace the original band they are all extremely easy to fix together. All of them just clip nicely into place, making it very easy to either attach or remove, but the metal straps require no holes to set the width.

Rather than having a clasp / buckle, they work by having a very strong magnet at the end, making it a no-brainer replacement if you're someone who has had problems in the past with not knowing if a strap will fit your wrist. And that goes for both very skinny or very thick wrists. The mesh metal replacement is basically one size fits all.

Actually, there is a small and large available, but which ever side you fall into (small wrist or big) just choose the appropriate size for your needs and you will be good to go. Other than the mesh strap, there are other metal designs for sale.

Some are heavier, curb-like in appearance. Another advantage that the mesh examples have over the rest is breathability. The thicker metal models, and especially the real leather straps have a tendency to generate perspiration build up and become quite sweaty on the wrist.

Take into consideration that a Fitness watch is specifically worn to exercise, and that sweat build up is magnified. The mesh straps are basically full of mini holes, so do a much better job of keeping the air flowing between the watch and the skin. Many colours are also available.

Of course, you have the very popular silver (pictured above), but also Black, Blue, Coffee, Gold, Rose gold and multi-coloured. In the USA, there are a few more colours to choose from. Champagne and Pink Gold are two. I'm yet to see the strap in White (in mesh) but would imagine it is out there somewhere, as White is a very popular colour with the Charge 2 (In silicone) and other tracker watches, like the Fitbit Alta (+HR), Blaze and many more.

The Future Of Gyms Is Uncertain

You don't need me to tell you about the effect this pandemic has had on the world. Whether you think its actually real or not is another story, and for me, a post for another blog. Bottom line is, this situation has had a dramatic effect on how we go about our daily lives. And Gyms, as well as the retail sector (and everything else other than what is owned by the 1% - which have profited massively), has been hit very hard.

When the pandemic started in the UK, to try and "stop the spread" we were told that there would be 2 -3 week lockdown to "flattern the curve". Many months and 3 lockdowns later we still don't see no end in sight. And now, there is a new invisible enemy in town. A "new strain", or mutation of the virus that is said to be more contagious than the previous strain.

"Gym Closed Temporarily" 

I'm sure you've seen the same message yourself recently

So it really does seem like this "new normal" isn't going anywhere, and any hopes of getting our lives back to anything like they were before this pandemic are fast being eradicated. Personally, I don't think things are ever going back to normal. Not the normal we once knew anyway. That's why phrases like "new normal" have been coined. It's telling us all that this is our new normal, and we better get used to it.

With months of experience under our belts, and with people now just accepting a new lockdown without much resistance, we are now more mentally conditioned to this new way of life than ever, and anytime the powers that be snap their fingers, it's back into your home for you, get back in your hole. Big brother says your grounded, just like when you were a kid being grounded by your parents.

Anyway, the meaning of this post was to highlight the reality of the title: The Future Of Gyms Is Uncertain. [Update while writing this post: Apparently, according to some news reports in the UK, it's just being reported that the closure of gyms may now be permanent.] In fact, the future of everything is uncertain. So, for those who rely on the gym to stay in shape, and feel completely lost without it,  you better change your mindset right now.

Through no fault of their own, Gyms can not be relied on anymore. They are seen as a high risk for spreading the virus / infection, and as a result almost all of them have been shut down nationwide. And at any point in the future, if they do happen to open again, they can be closed faster than you can say - I'm going to the gym on Monday.

If you prefer to do weights its now best to just buy your own. Take a look on eBay, Argos, Amazon, Gumtree etc. I know a lot of the big stores are now sold out of training equipment like free weights (Iron and Vinyl), benches etc due to sheer amount of people that now need to train at home. However, there is still alot of training equipment available on eBay and Gumtree, new and used.

But be warned, the prices have basically doubled. I should know, I have been selling a lot of my weights equipment at the moment, I'm more of a bodyweight / Isometrics guy, so don't really use the weights that much. And wow, the amount of people contacting me for weights, bars, benches, etc has been crazy. The bars sold instantly and I've been selling the weights off in sets of 2 x 10KGs for £40 each. They're Vinyl too, not Iron.

I've almost sold them all now. I'm going to keep a few light weights and a bar just for when I feel in the mood for some weights. What I'm saying is, buy your equipment now so that you don't have to run around at some point in the future and pay even more. With the potential of prices rising even further the more these lockdowns continue, that becomes a distinct possibility. Also, equipment will get harder to obtain because everyone who used to frequent the gym is after the basics, free weights, dumbells, bench, bars etc.

But don't limit yourself to that type of equipment. All is not lost if you can't find the basics for sale. I would recommend bodyweight exercises. No equipment needed and trust me, chances are you will feel much stronger, more efficient and agile than if you only did weight training previously. But I know some people, many people actually, love using equipment to work out.

So here are some suggestions of what to purchase to stay in shape if you can't find any weights for sale: Calisthenics frame, rowing machine, training dummy, exercise bike, Bullworker, Isokinator (reviewed here), bendi bar, pull-up bar, weighted vest, handweights, weighted skipping rope and punching bag.