Best Activity/Sleep Tracker?

skeltonblues

Looking at getting a tracker any suggestions which is best?

editorgrrl

I have both a Fitbit Flex and a Jawbone UP24. They each show your TDEE—way more accurately than any online calculator. And they sync with MFP.

Read more about Fitbits at http://www.myfitnesspal.com/fitbit

skeltonblues

So which do you like best us do you like the fitbit for the wrist or the fitbit zip clip?

editorgrrl

Mine are both bands. I only take them off to charge. Fitbit makes other models that clip to your bra or slip in a pocket. That's great for people who can't wear bands at work, but I just know I'd forget to wear it or—worse!—put it in the washing machine.

It's entitrely personal preference.

rainydays5

I have the fitbit charge (was my Christmas present) and used to have the zip. I am returning the charge and getting the One. It is registering steps as I sit here and type even. My other issue is I will not be able to wear it 24/7 as I am a nursing student and cannot wear it all the time on my wrist versus the One I will be able to clip it somewhere that it cannot be seen. Also I never had a problem with the zip adding steps when I am sitting.

TheWalkingDeadweight

If you're looking at the bands, I would lean more towards a fitbit. I have the Jawbone UP 24 and the band annoys me. It doesn't clasp which for me is annoying to have the two ends bumping into things. I like it a lot other than that. I used to have one of the original fitbits and it was great. I just got the UP24 at a price that was insane to pass up. Otherwise I would have gotten another fitbit

skeltonblues

Oh wow picks up as you sit and type that's not good so what's the diff btw the one and the charge?

TheWalkingDeadweight

Also look at the Garmin Vivosmart, I've heard a lot of great things about it too.

This may help you compare the fitbits
http://www.fitbit.com/compare

skeltonblues

Awesome thanks a bunch!

editorgrrl

skeltonblues wrote: »

Oh wow picks up as you sit and type that's not good so what's the diff btw the one and the charge?

The Fitbit One clips to your bra or slips in a pocket. The brand-new Charge is a watch.

The proof of accuracy is your results. I have a Fitbit Flex, which is worn on the wrist. I lost the weight & have kept it off for six months—thanks to MFP + Fitbit.

MFP has a Fitbit Users group: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/1290-fitbit-users

sagy1cor

I am wondering what the difference is between the fitbit and a heart rate monitor. On an impulse buy I got the fitbit charge, but now I am rethinking this. I already have a polar heart rate monitor that I wear during my workouts and it is fantastic. However, I am looking for something to help me monitor calories burned during the day....any input would be appreciated.

Itisibigj39

If you have an iPhone six then that records your steps...I also recommend an app called MotionX

Tedebearduff

skeltonblues wrote: »

Looking at getting a tracker any suggestions which is best?

I have a fitbit flex, I don't use it anymore. remember that they are actiity trackers so you shouldn't count the calories burned for your regular day to day stuff. Your body is already acsutome to you walking to work everyday... to you doing the laundry .. making dinner... etc etc.

This is all my opinion but I've seen multiple people go on about eating back the calories and gaining weight

sagy1cor

Tedebearduff wrote: »

skeltonblues wrote: »

Looking at getting a tracker any suggestions which is best?

I have a fitbit flex, I don't use it anymore. remember that they are actiity trackers so you shouldn't count the calories burned for your regular day to day stuff. Your body is already acsutome to you walking to work everyday... to you doing the laundry .. making dinner... etc etc.

This is all my opinion but I've seen multiple people go on about eating back the calories and gaining weight

This is very true. I never thought of it that way.

To answer your question skeltonblues I would go with a heart rate monitor (the kind that straps to your chest is the best way, in my opinion) to get an accurate measure of your workout. I have the PolarH7. It synced well with my iphone (I had an Iphone 4S) but I recently switched to the galaxy s4. The app didn't work that well, so I had to download another heart rate monitor app. It syncs fine with that one now.

Thanks Tedebearduff, I think I will be taking back this fitbit tomorrow!

skeltonblues

sagy1cor wrote: »

I am wondering what the difference is between the fitbit and a heart rate monitor. On an impulse buy I got the fitbit charge, but now I am rethinking this. I already have a polar heart rate monitor that I wear during my workouts and it is fantastic. However, I am looking for something to help me monitor calories burned during the day....any input would be appreciated.

I heard the same thing too about just getting a heart rate monitor but u didn't know the polar ones didn't track your calories too bummer.

editorgrrl

sagy1cor wrote: »

I am wondering what the difference is between the fitbit and a heart rate monitor. On an impulse buy I got the fitbit charge, but now I am rethinking this. I already have a polar heart rate monitor that I wear during my workouts and it is fantastic. However, I am looking for something to help me monitor calories burned during the day.

Activity trackers like Fitbit or Jawbone UP calculate your TDEE, aka your maintenance calories. HRMs are only for sustained cardio (like running). Two entirely different things, but you can use them together. Whenever possible, I would connect the HRM to Fitbit rather than to MFP.

Your MFP calorie goal is your activity level minus your deficit. When you connect an activity tracker, MFP uses your burn rather than your activity level to calculate your daily calorie goal. If you eat back your adjustments, you're eating TDEE minus your deficit.

Learn more at http://www.myfitnesspal.com/fitbit
MFP has a Fitbit Users group: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/1290-fitbit-users

clwnascargirl

I got a Vivofit for Christmas and I really like it. I actually learned about this site from my Vivofit tracker page. Apparently, I am supposed to be able to upload my food intake from here to my Vivofit page. I'm not sure exactly how it works because this is my first time trying it. I do like my tracker. I like the fact that I don't have to charge it or change the battery for at least a year. I haven't noticed it counting steps while I type either and I have an office job. It's comfortable and it monitors sleep also.

editorgrrl

clwnascargirl wrote: »

I got a Vivofit for Christmas and I really like it. I actually learned about this site from my Vivofit tracker page. Apparently, I am supposed to be able to upload my food intake from here to my Vivofit page. I'm not sure exactly how it works because this is my first time trying it.

I don't see Vivofit in the MFP apps gallery (the "Apps" tab at the top of the page): http://www.myfitnesspal.com/apps

brianpperkins

skeltonblues wrote: »

Looking at getting a tracker any suggestions which is best?

What is best largely depends on what you do and what data you want to know about yourself. If you walk, the step based counters may work for you. If you cycle, a GPS and HRM is probably a better fit.

None of them actually counts your calories burned ... they all estimate using a combination of information you provide compared to what ever they count (steps, heart beats, GPS calculated speed/distance, etc) that is plugged into a formula.

_Tzefira_

editorgrrl wrote: »

clwnascargirl wrote: »

I got a Vivofit for Christmas and I really like it. I actually learned about this site from my Vivofit tracker page. Apparently, I am supposed to be able to upload my food intake from here to my Vivofit page. I'm not sure exactly how it works because this is my first time trying it.

I don't see Vivofit in the MFP apps gallery (the "Apps" tab at the top of the page): http://www.myfitnesspal.com/apps

It's the Garmin Connect one.

ncwingnut71

I have the fitbit Charge....just upgraded from the Flex. It seems a lot more accurate. I had the Fitbit One a few years ago until I lost it.

SamLD88

I love my Jawbone UP. I've had it nearly 2 years now (2 in March) and am planning to upgrade to the UP3 (with HRM) when it releases.

brianpperkins

OP ...
What activities do you participate in? What actual data points are you wanting to track?

Without knowing those simple things, all you'll get is post after post from people saying what they use rather than advice on what device would work for you.

skeltonblues

Track my weight, calories and all my activities; steps/exercise/walking/jogging and when I sleep since I'm a light sleeper that would be nice to see and a heart monitor would be great too and need to be compatible with apple products.

brianpperkins

skeltonblues wrote: »

Track my weight, calories and all my activities; steps/exercise/walking/jogging and when I sleep since I'm a light sleeper that would be nice to see and a heart monitor would be great too and need to be compatible with apple products.

Do you run? Lift? Zumba? Cycle? Swim?

editorgrrl

I know two products which meet all your requirements, but they're coming in early 2015:
Jawbone UP3: http://jawbone.com/store/buy/up3
Fitbit Charge HR: https://www.fitbit.com/chargehr

Edited to say that Charge HR had an early release in some stores. See the Fitbit Users group for updates: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/1290-fitbit-users

brianpperkins

editorgrrl wrote: »

I know two products which meet all your requirements, but they're coming in early 2015:
Jawbone UP3: http://jawbone.com/store/buy/up3
Fitbit Charge HR: https://www.fitbit.com/chargehr

Edited to say that Charge HR had an early release in some stores. See the Fitbit Users group for updates: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/1290-fitbit-users

Neither of which has been honestly and independently assessed yet.

AlicesNirvanaHealthWellness

I got a polar loop with a HRM for Christmas . I had looked at the polar loop vs garmin vivosmart . I like what I got, I don't think anything is perfect. Fitbit charge is nice, but their HRM model isn't out yet. Just other ones to consider

Go_Mizzou99

I am waiting for the Fitbit Surge which is reportedly coming out in "early 2015"

wizsup

I got the Vivosmart and am happy with it. It has lots of features and inspires me to get up and walk. The sleep monitor works well and shows me that I have a problem. I have lost 8 lbs in three weeks and plan a big walk New Years day. Wife got a Vivofit and it gives her all that she needs - I'm jealous of her sleep patterns. Oops, there goes my Vivosmart reminding me to get up and walk. Bye.

djscavone

I had a FITBIT zip that I stopped using as it ate batteries and I was constantly replacing them. It was a basic unit that did step counts very accurate. I then went with a FITBIT ONE as it also was a clip style not wrist and I wanted the feature for tracking activities - a start stop type thing. I can see what steps are for what activity in the log. I am finding that the ONE is not as accurate as my ZIP and I often have to do a reset to get it working again. VERY ANNOYING. Also keep in mind FITBIT does estimates (3 axis velocity system) and is a pedometer. ZUMBA classes, Elliptical exercise systems, and many other "activities" do not register with a fitbit very accurately (I can't speak to the newer models costing hundreds). Active minutes may not show up right and I constantly hear from some friends how frustrated they feel after a few hours of being active in a fitness class yet fitbit looks like they were on a couch all day doing nothing.