Which is more accurate...HRM or FitBit Flex?

kganc001
kganc001 Posts: 317
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey guys! :) I currently have a HRM with accompanying chest strap. I'm devoted to the thing, it's been with me my entire journey and I think it's pretty accurate. I'ts treated me well, to say the least!

Well, I'm considering getting a Fitbit Flex since I'm near the end of my weight loss journey, but want to continue to maintain a very active lifestyle. I know that FitBit only tracks steps. In your opinion, which is more accurate?

I've kind of come up with a list...if you can add anything to it, that'd be awesome sauce! :)
HRM Pros - accurate HR measurements, displays calories burned, never needs to be charged
HRM Cons - chest strap/can only wear during exercise

Fitbit Pros - Can wear it all the time, waterproof
Fitbit Cons - Doesn't measure HR so idk how accurate it's going to be on caloric measurements, needs to be charged every 5-ish days

What do you think the best option is? Upgrade to a better HRM with strap, keep what I've got, or get the Flex??

Replies

  • alicecorsiatto
    alicecorsiatto Posts: 35 Member
    I have these exact same questions and pros/cons. Interested to see who has tried both!
  • kganc001
    kganc001 Posts: 317
    Le bumpity bumppp :)
  • tikkathyme
    tikkathyme Posts: 28 Member
    I don't think I have much to add to the conversation, but I'm in the same boat trying to decide if a Fitbit flex/Nike Fuelband/etc. would be better than my HRM (that I love and feel is pretty accurate).

    My guess though is that one isn't necessarily a replacement for the other. Rather I think they probably complement each other.
  • briggsy13
    briggsy13 Posts: 161 Member
    I have a fitbit, not the newest one, but the one before this one. I love that it tells me my calories for the day, however I now also want a HR monitor. I have no real idea how many I'm burning on a lifting day cause even though my heartrate might be really high I'm not moving enough to register a lot with the fitbit. So to answer your question I'd say you would want both! Just my 2 cents.
  • spitfiredianne
    spitfiredianne Posts: 1
    I have never had a HRM so I cannot speak to the accuracy or benefits, however I have a fitbit one. It counts steps and stairs climbed (through elevation and steps) it has an exceleromter to help in determining intensity. You can calibrate it to your stride for better distance measurement.
    What I use it for is to complement myfitnesspal. It modivates me to try harder as it interacts with myfitnesspal account and will subtract or add calories depending on my activity level. it has it's own website to monitor my progress. Is it accurate? I really don't care, it shows me my trends (up or down) and lets me judge if I need to do more (after all if you are dishonest to yourself then why bother?) To be able to tell someone I consummed X calories is not my goal. What ever you use to modivate you is what works. 4 months ago I led a very sedentary life, now I walk 30 to 50 miles /week and climb a minimum of 105 flights of stairs/ week.
  • pa_jorg
    pa_jorg Posts: 4,404 Member
    I've had an HRM for years and love it for workouts. I just got the Flex the other day and like it so far. It's still new to me but it seems as though the Flex measures your overall health rather than just exercise. I really like that it tracks sleep too. I think I'll end up wearing both during workouts just to see how they measure up.

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