Is Vivofit/FitBit overkill when I have a Polar FT7 and Hear Monitor chest strap?

DeeDiddyGee

I have been thinking about purchasing a VivoFit or a FitBit to wear daily and then use my Polar FT7 and heart rate monitor chest strap when working out actively at the gym. Is having a Vivofit/FitBit overkill? I am a tech junkie and feel the need to purchase one of these gadgets to track my steps, motivate me to move (I haven't been to the gym in 6 months). Am I wasting my money, or is there merit in having both? I am leaning toward the Vivofit over the Fitbit due to not having to charge it.

I have searched the boards for Vivofit vs. Fitbit already. Just not sure either is necessary since I have the Polar FT7 watch and accompanying chest heart rate monitor strap.

Any ideas? Does anyone have both a pedometer tool AND use the Polar FT watch series?

Thanks in advance!

Dee

shadow2soul

It's not necessary, but if you like seeing activity trends and other data like that then they are useful.

I love data. While I have never owned a Polar, I have had a chest strap HRM, a fitbit and now a vivofit.
When I was using a Fitbit (have used both Zip & Flex models), I used a Pyle Sports HRM for my workouts that were not walking or running. I just let the Fitbit do it's thing for walking/running.
I'm now using a Garmin VivoFit, but I have the Garmin HRM chest strap that syncs with it so there is no need for me to use the Pyle anymore.

I love the data these types of devices collect. I preferred the sleep tracking on Fitbit. Garmin doesn't give very detailed information about sleep.
Fitbit:

Garmin:



I do like that both devices, let you analyze your day and show you were you can stand to be more active. Both devices have charts that show you how many steps you took during certain time frames. Fitbit breaks the chart into 15 min time segments and Garmin is either 15 or 30 mins.
Fitbit:

Garmin:



Garmin does do a neat little breakdown of your day that tells you what percent of the time you spent in different activity levels.


Both give badges. I like Fitbit's badges better than Garmins. Fitbit has added an element of fun with giving out daily badges for reaching a certain number of steps in a 24 hr period. You can view how many times you have earned these daily badges. The lifetime step badges are also fun and they compare them to distances. Garmin's badges are just congrats you have taken so many steps since you've had the device.
Fitbit:

Garmin:


Fitbit also sends out emails every week that tell you how your week compared to the week before. It shows you if you took more or less steps and how well you followed your food plan. Garmin doesn't do this.

Chain_Ring

Go buy a Garmin device. It'll make all other devices look like the toys they are. Fitbit is a glorified pedometer.

HelenWater

The evidence shows that being active throughout the day is beneficial even if you run for an hour each day. The Vivofit gives a nudge when you are inactive for more than an hour. You can get get a HRM for the Vivofit, but I use a Polar RS400 as I like that the Polar site gives feedback about the session. You can add activities to Garmin Connect including heart rate, distance, calories, time spent exercising, time starting activity, etc. The activities then synch with MFP (most of the time). My name is Polly274 on Garmin Connect. I'm happy to connect to anyone who is interested in health and fitness here and/or on GC. I've been using the Vivofit for six months and I'm very happy with it.

ShannonMpls

An activity tracker works well with a heart rate monitor. I use my Fitbit to track every day activity, and my HRM to track cardio workouts. My Fitbit syncs with MFP, so I log my exercise based on my HRM readout on MFP, which sends the info to Fitbit.

ShannonMpls

Pedal_Pusher2point0 wrote: »

Go buy a Garmin device. It'll make all other devices look like the toys they are. Fitbit is a glorified pedometer.

Well, yeah. That's exactly what it is. Does it claim to be something more? That's exactly what Garmin's Vivofit it as well (though it has a very awesome battery).

And, for what its worth, OP basically said she wants something to track steps and motivate her to move, which is kinda the purpose of a glorified pedometer.

DeeDiddyGee

Thank you, everyone, for taking the time to reply. I just purchased the Garmin Vivofit because I like the idea of not having to charge it and it is very water resistant (50m). This way, if I wear it when I am swimming and forget to take it off, I am not SOL.

I used my Polar FT7 with a HRM chest strap when I am walking or running on a treadmill (the extent of my workout). From what I've read here, I won't need to wear the watch. I can just use the Garmin Vivofit alone, or pair it with a chest strap for increased accuracy. Does that sound correct?

RUNNING_AMOK_1958

Polar's new M400 does both. Wear the chest strap to record your workout like you would with your FT7. Wear the watch the rest of the day and it's an activity tracker also.

ILoveGingerNut

so, you only use your polar at the gym, but you haven't been at the gym in 6 months... are you wasting your money buying yet another gadget? definitely .

DeeDiddyGee

NoblankFRplease wrote: »

so, you only use your polar at the gym, but you haven't been at the gym in 6 months... are you wasting your money buying yet another gadget? definitely .

I haven't been to the gym in 6 months because I am recovering from a severe concussion; however, I do have to walk and move everyday, that's why I was thinking of a fitness tracker. Your snarky response is neither informational nor appreciated. Be nice.