Fitbit makes exercise even more of a game

NEW YORK—Fitbit wants to help you exercise more by making you think you’re hiking famous trails instead of strolling around your neighborhood.

The new motivational feature, called Adventures, will be available to all Fitbit users through a free app update Monday.

The feature tracks the distance you’ve walked or run and maps it against actual trails, starting with three at Yosemite National Park in California. The Fitbit app will unlock badge-like images of trail landmarks—say, a scenic waterfall at mile 5—as you progress. Other rewards include “fun facts” and health tips along the way. Fitbit will add other destinations, including the ability to “run” the course of the New York City Marathon.

One of Fitbit’s most popular features has been its ability to let friends and family compare steps they’ve taken throughout the day. Fitbit says those who participate in such challenges tend to take 30 percent more steps. The company says Adventures is designed to offer similar challenges even if people haven’t assembled real-life groups.

The feature might help some users stick with step tracking and other fitness measures after the novelty wears off. People who keep using their Fitbits are more likely to tell their friends about them, and to upgrade to more advanced models themselves, analysts say.