Fitness Trackers!

Khukhullatus

My Garmin GPS run watch has a tracker in it, and it provides some cool info. I'm not 100% sure how useful all the metrics will be in the long run. There are already several studies basically saying that they don't raise people's success in the long run. That being said, if it motivates you, grab one. There is a service online that lets you try out five of them. I can't remember the name of the service, but it should be easy to google, or I saw it on CNet.

ljx81

I have an up24 that I really like. It's easy to use and helps me stay motivated to keep moving.

Vaibhav_ace

I had a fitbit one and loved it. It motivated me to keep up my steps and goals in general, until I lost it. I recently bought myself a Fitbit Surge. More expensive, but worth it IMHO. Waterproof to 5 ATM means it should meet most people's swimming needs. I haven't worn a wrist watch in almost 15 years, and thought it would bother me a bit, but so far so good. I really like the continuous heart rate monitoring the best. I think not having a chest band while working out and being able to track my resting heart rate and see it improve is helpful.

47Jacqueline

M_from_PA wrote: »

I have used the Jawbone UP24 (after 3 of the first UPs broke) since August. It does motivate me to move more. Since I got a treadmill desk, I average nearly 30,000 steps per day. It's fun to look at trends (which the UP tracks for days, weeks, and months). The UP 24 isn't perfect, but it works for me.

I'm on my second replacement of the UP24 after the first 2 were defective. The company will be responsive to you if you make a stink. It took 3 months for them to replace the first one, but only a week for the current one.

I still track my workouts using my HRM because activity trackers, like MFP, are too optimistic in what you get as a burn for cardio. It's also supposed to sync with MFP and does take in the food, but not the water (which it should, according to UP).

I like having it for the teammates and it does remind me to get up every hour, but I had to set it not to hound me about my sleep (or lack of it). And it's not waterproof, which is a problem since I take and teach aqua fitness and Aqua Zumba.

All in all, I've decided to keep it until the Apple watch comes out.

divinekittycat

I have a MisFit Flash - it is waterproof and lasts 4-6 months with no charging required (it uses a common button cell battery). I can't talk about how it works with the iPhone (although it does) but I've been using it with my Android since I got it in October and I love it. I'm really satisfied with it - I can clip it to me, stick it in the wristband, or put it in my pocket. Also, you don't have to put it in sleep mode since it does that automatically (and it's pretty accurate with the time, too). I've seen it on sale a couple of times lately for $24.99, but it's regularly $49.99. The app syncs with MFP, as well as several different apps/services. The tracker itself doesn't sync automatically, but it will show you your progress if you click it. I usually wait until the end of the day to sync and use IFTTT to export my daily summaries to a spreadsheet for long-term trend tracking. I also used the Pebble Watch version of the MisFit app for a while, but since I wear my watch on the "wrong" hand, I had a lot of inaccurate activity, so I figured it was worth getting the actual device instead (but the Pebble is also waterproof).

undergloom

Wow, it seems like almost everyone who has experience with Jawbone has had serious issues. Even the positive reviews seem like some variation of "it works great after I received my second replacement". I'm nervous about the upcoming UP3; I currently use the excellent BodyMedia FIT, but Jawbone bought them out and my free subscription is up soon. The FIT has what I consider very accurate tracking, and I'd like to continue using this superior technology but I'm not sure whether I want to deal with Jawbone's spotty track record on quality. I'm starting to lean towards a FitBit Charge HR..

Khukhullatus

anyone tried those twelve dollar pivot trackers? I have my Garmin, but it's almost worth the twelve bucks to me just to see one in person.

mtrombone60

Anyone out there has insight on the misfit shine?

arrrrjt

I would not get a Charge as it seems to use a similar charging port to the Force, and mine fried after a 5km run. They didn't address my issue and I had to send it via the recall. And it took three months.

I now have a Polar M400 for the different activities, HRM monitoring, gps tracking, and incredible battery life - and I love it. SO much more bang for your buck. I do miss the Fitbit community though and comparing my steps with my friends.

figgybone

I have the Jawbone UP Move, which is a much cheaper version (about $40). I have had it for almost a month and I love it. It does steps, you can enter your workout (you set the timer on the UP Move and then tell the app what you did), and it tracks your sleep. I got the Move so that I could see if I would like having an activity tracker, and I totally love it. It's motivated me to move a lot more than just my morning workout. Definitely been a good thing for me! Good luck to you, whatever you decide.

susansmoaks

i have the nike fuelband. i like it but my dog just chewed up the charging cord so i had to order another one. also i can't seem to upload my info anymore, but other than that it's great.

ty_palmer09

I have a Nike Fuelband. It is looks cool and has a good ap but does not integrate with MFP which is a big deal for me. Looking at the Microsoft Band.

WaterBunnie

I have a FitBit One and would definitely buy the same model again if I need to. It's nice that it can be clipped discreetly away from site where it's not going to get dunked into washing up water or banged against desks etc and it's not there looking clunky on your wrist when you're dressed up for a night out! FitBit have excellent customer service and replaced my last one free of charge when it started misreporting flights of stairs - absolutely no quibble and I had it delivered free the following day! You don't strictly need one to lose weight but it does focus you on how little you do during a normal week and pushes you on to achieve more. Mine is a long path and I sincerely believe it has helped me tremendously so far (92lbs lost since owning it).

WaterBunnie

*sight

superfox12082

I have a Jawbone UP and I love it! It certainly motivates me to get moving!

freechewy

iWatch looks tempting but I have used a fitbit for two years now and don't want to lose all of my reporting data

snowy0wl

anyone going to get a jawbone up 3? it is the integration of bodymedia technology using skin measurements rather than math extrapolations from just an acclerometer?

I've used a garmin Vivosmart. Have a polar Loop, a bodymedia link, used a mio alpha and have on order a M400. I'm considering upgrading the up3 but it's an expensive bugger.

randomtai

snowy0wl wrote: »

anyone going to get a jawbone up 3? it is the integration of bodymedia technology using skin measurements rather than math extrapolations from just an acclerometer?

I've used a garmin Vivosmart. Have a polar Loop, a bodymedia link, used a mio alpha and have on order a M400. I'm considering upgrading the up3 but it's an expensive bugger.

I am waiting for it... I like my Bodymedia and I hope the accuracy continues in the UP3.

chrissy7223

I have a vivofit and I love it. Keeps me on track and accountable for my activity. I keep telling hubby its a bully when that red line appears though lol. But i still get up and move whereas without it, i would still be sitting on my butt lol.

63jim

Were you able to get Pebble data into MFP? I'm loving the Pebble/Misfit/iPhone combination, but for the life of me I haven't been able to get my Pebble activity into MFP.

(snip)

divinekittycat wrote: »

I also used the Pebble Watch version of the MisFit app for a while, but since I wear my watch on the "wrong" hand, I had a lot of inaccurate activity, so I figured it was worth getting the actual device instead (but the Pebble is also waterproof).

WaterBunnie

snowy0wl wrote: »

anyone going to get a jawbone up 3? it is the integration of bodymedia technology using skin measurements rather than math extrapolations from just an acclerometer?

I've used a garmin Vivosmart. Have a polar Loop, a bodymedia link, used a mio alpha and have on order a M400. I'm considering upgrading the up3 but it's an expensive bugger.

Why so many? Are you finding them inaccurate? Which was your favourite up to now? Or still looking for one you'll be happy with?

AndreasEvans

63jim wrote: »

Were you able to get Pebble data into MFP?

Yes...in Misfit App, select Me, then settings (cog top right), then select Apps. Now scroll to MyFitnessPal & connect.

Ok...that's the Misfit App sorted, after a few minutes or so go to MFP "More" menu (••• bottom right) scroll to Steps & select Misfit.

Good luck.

AnnPT77

kwbinmd wrote: »

Next, for me continuous heart rate monitoring is not nearly as valuable as workout heart rate monitoring. Optical hrms just aren't as accurate as chest straps during highly active workouts. Chest straps work just like the EKG you're hooked up to during a stress test. This helps one train smarter, not harder.

This is an excellent point for people considering purchases: If you aspire to be an athlete, or consider yourself one already, an accurate HRM is an important training tool.

I'm not trying to dis general fitness trackers, which are very motivating for lots of folks and help with tracking for weight loss and general healthfulness purposes, but if you're training to run faster, ski faster, row faster or something like that, you need solid HR data from your workouts.

mypapermoon512

I have the Garmin vivofit and I love it. I wear it swimming in the pool and it doesn't harm it any. I previously tried just a pedometer to see if I would actually like it, but it didn't sync, so I moved to one that would. I got mine refurbished on amazon and it came with a warranty, and it was only like $54. I also like that the battery lasts a long time and I can sync it with my phone at any time.

miztessbert

Two months ago I bought a Jawbone UP Move from Costco and I love it. I wanted a good "intro" fitness tracker to see if I would like it and actually use it before spending big bucks on one. I like that it uses a battery and does not have to be constantly charged. It's a great motivator and I've used it everyday since I bought it. It tracks steps, calories and sleep. Using it in combination with MFP and MapMyWalk has been helping me get active and lose weight.

lesleeg45005

i have vivofit 2 - so far, so good

robdel302

I have the Garmin Vivoactive. I love the thing, especially one of the extra apps a pulled that allows me to track weight lifting. Although I still don't think anything beats bodymedia in regards to accuracy and auto tracking. No need to tell the thing you are exercising, it automatically could tell based on sensors. But when they switched from an annual fee to monthly, I decided I needed to ditch it. I'd go back in a heartbeat if the annual fee ever came back.

Psychgrrl

I had a Body Media armband and upgraded to a Garmin VivoActive a few months ago. LOVE it! The fitness tracker gives me a snapshot of my day, syncs with MFP, and it keeps me accountable.

I love the Garmin because it works with the chest strap for HR, has a good web-interface and iPhone app, the app store is ever-increasing with new apps and watch faces to download, it's waterproof, it gets notifications from my phone. Just love it!

I used this site when I was researching--hope it helps!

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2404445,00.asp

Dianemh77

I just got my garmin vivosmart today. Loving it so far. Going on a holiday next week for 3 weeks, so no distractions of everyday life from my goals :-)

Timelordlady85

I have the fitbit charge and love it. I use the polar HRM for other exercises that the fitbit can't track.