Apple created a new achievement award for 2017. It’s goal was to help people kick start and get back on track with their health and fitness activity. To achieve this new achievement award, you have to clear all 3 activity rings on the Apple Watch from a Monday to Sunday. In addition to receiving the reward, you also received new stickers in the messages app.

So I wondered whether I could focus and hit this new award. In the first week I hit the target. In fact on most days I exceeded the required elements for each activity ring. This also meant I lost 3 lbs. On some days to make sure I hit the minimum 30 mins exercise I did do a fast paced walk on the spot.

So my goal for 2017 is to undo the damage done over Christmas and New Year and continue my quest to get slimmer and healthier.

Remember, you don’t need an Apple Watch to stay fit, in fact you don’t need any fitness device, but if you do have a tracking device of any kind, I have found it has helped to share my progress with a friend. In my case, I am sharing my data with my wife. When either one of us clears a ring, the other is notified. The end result is it keeps both of us on track in a friendly competitive way.

So whatever your plans for 2017, good luck, stay fit and healthy. At the end of this month, I will update you on my progress. Hopefully, it continues the way it started.