You know that I’ve got a thing for activity monitors, which is why I’m so excited to be giving away a Bowflex Boost to one lucky reader.

You’ve heard this here before, but: when it comes to fitness, knowledge is power.

What we think that we do is often very different from what we actually do with eating, exercise and rest. Plus, by the end of January, who doesn’t need a little extra oomph toward achieving New Year’s fitness goals?

Enter in one of these EASY ways:
Here, on my site: Leave a comment on this post, so that I know where to find you.
On Twitter: Follow @FitGirlRachel and RE-TWEET my @Bowflex post with tags #boost #win #giveaway.
On Instagram: Follow RachelBeckerNYC, “like” & comment on my Bowflex Boost photo and I’ll see that you entered there.

Winner will be notified by January 31.

Fingers crossed!

Product for this post was provided by Bowflex.

And, nowhere is that more important than when it comes to well-being.  From diet and exercise to relaxation and sleep, knowing what you actually do (vs. what you think you do) is the first step toward setting goals for significant improvement over time.

A few weeks go, I attended the NYC launch of the Bowflex Boost, a 24-hour activity monitor, joining the popular NikeFuel and Jawbone UP.  It syncs with my iPhone to measure steps, distance, calories burned and sleep patterns on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis.

I immediately set my goals…

Some of the things that I’ve learned are obvious.

For instance, I move more on weekends, when I’m not behind my desk: walking to/from morning cycling classes, with my dog from Chelsea to the Union Square Greenmarket and with friends in the West Village.

On a typical work day, I average 5-6 miles vs. a Saturday or Sunday, when it’s more like 10-12.

Something that I’ve found interesting is that it takes me, literally, NO time to fall asleep: between 8-10 minutes. I’ve always been a sound sleeper, but, seriously?! I must be really tired.

The Boost has been a great addition to my day-to-day for information and motivation. Here, wearing my Boost before a run in Hudson River Park.

And, if all else fails, here in the city there’s always a little caffeine nearby…have you tried Intelligentsia at The High Line Hotel?

Bowflex Boost (c/o), Eddie Bauer vest (c/o), SmartWool shirt (c/o), Lululemon leggings, SparklySoul headband, New Balance sneakers (c/o).

The High Line Hotel: 180 Tenth Avenue @ 20th Street, NYC