Activity tracker recommendations please...

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arv51862
arv51862 Posts: 115 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I know that this is a little difficult to answer because few are likely to have experience with several models to compare... But I'm looking for recommendations on a fitness tracker.
Which one would you recommend, & why ?
Which one do you use (or have used) & what do you like about it the most ?
& what does it not do that you wish it did ? (realistically)
Thanks...

Replies

  • ScubaSteve1962
    ScubaSteve1962 Posts: 609 Member
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    What are you tracking?

    I have the Polar V800, it's a bit pricey, but hey it's my money (LOL) I like the Polar's because I do mostly cardio, I'm able to sync with the equipment to let my heart rate adjust the level/resistance/incline with out having to hold on to the handles.Its waterproof to 100 ft and will read your heart rate while swimming also has GPS. You have to use a chest strap, which is not a problem for me, I only need my heart rate when I'm exercising. Gives me a Vo2 test so I go by the calories it says I burn.

    Most won't buy it because of the price $399 with HRM sensor. I would recommend it or the Polar A300 (water proof, heart rate underwater) M400 ( GPS water proof, sports profiles, no underwater heart rate)

    The only thing it does not do that I wish it did is more of an app problem, it doesn't sync with MFP on android system, only works with IOS

    I've owned 3 polar products, Loop, FT80 and V800 have been very satisfied with all.
  • JeffTCole
    JeffTCole Posts: 140 Member
    edited July 2015
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    I have tracked my activity with an app called Endomondo for the past 4 years. It is free. I think it is fairly accurate and it is easy to use. Your activity syncs up with MFP.
  • shadowfax_c11
    shadowfax_c11 Posts: 1,942 Member
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    I have been using a Fitbit Flex and until recently would recommend it. I love the Fitbit but have run into problems with the battery that seem to be an inherent flaw. I hear that Fitbit is pretty good about replacing faulty trackers so we will see how things play out over the next few days. I really miss my tracker though.
  • mwyvr
    mwyvr Posts: 1,883 Member
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    @arv51862 You'll get much better recommendations if YOU tell US what YOU want to use a tracker device or app for.
  • FitPhillygirl
    FitPhillygirl Posts: 7,124 Member
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    I have the Garmin Vivofit 2 which works very well with my goals and MFP. I posted my thoughts on it in this thread: community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10207476/garmin-vivofit2#latest
  • arv51862
    arv51862 Posts: 115 Member
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    mwyvr wrote: »
    @arv51862 You'll get much better recommendations if YOU tell US what YOU want to use a tracker device or app for.

    I'm only vaguely familiar with them at all, I don't think I'll really "get" what all they might offer in terms of benefits until I own one.
    Just looking for any advice from those that already own & use them.
    As of yet I'm not convinced that I "need" one lol.
    But everybody seems to use them now so there must be something to them....
    Long story short, I don't know, that's why I asked...
  • mwyvr
    mwyvr Posts: 1,883 Member
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    @arv51862 You don't need to be familiar with the devices, just tell us what sort of "active" things you like to do or are planning on getting into. Then it'll be easily possible to match you up with the right sort of device, if any, that makes sense for your situation.

    It goes without saying that just because a lot of people have them it doesn't mean they are always a good idea.

  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
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    arv51862 wrote: »
    mwyvr wrote: »
    @arv51862 You'll get much better recommendations if YOU tell US what YOU want to use a tracker device or app for.

    I'm only vaguely familiar with them at all, I don't think I'll really "get" what all they might offer in terms of benefits until I own one.
    Just looking for any advice from those that already own & use them.
    As of yet I'm not convinced that I "need" one lol.
    But everybody seems to use them now so there must be something to them....
    Long story short, I don't know, that's why I asked...

    I suspect you won't benefit from one.

    What type of training do you do? Run, cycle, swim, weights, DVDs?
  • lewissheldon125
    lewissheldon125 Posts: 11 Member
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    There appears to be three main types of tracker on the market, a very basic description that might help you is

    a) wristband "fitbit" style tracker that you wear on your person all day and it tracks your daily activity, calorie burn etc. Not entirely sure what the benefit of these are, perhaps someone else can help you there.

    b)Tracker apps. Endomondo and Strava spring to mind. These track activities, you switch them on when you start your activity, walking, cycling, running normally and they track distance travelled, time, calorie burn. These are useful as it gives you something to measure your performance, track improvement which keeps things interesting and motivates. Both are free but for me Strava has the edge as it records your personal best times and compares you against others, friends and general public which is nice to see.

    c)GPS style trackers, Garmin etc. These are the more high tech end of the scale and have a cost associated with that BUT you start to get more real time information like heart rate and mph/kph during your activity plus you can download route's onto these types of device to follow on cycles.

    As others have said, it really depends on what you are looking to get out of these tools. Hope this helps.

    Cheers
  • SwindonJogger
    SwindonJogger Posts: 325 Member
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    vivoactive.
    It has gps so i can track running and trekking
    it has step accelerometer so i can track steps and work to my 10,000 step goal. it also warns me if i have been too inactive for a duration.
    it has bluetooth so i can link it to my heart monitor
    it has garmin connect so i can log all my data
  • msf74
    msf74 Posts: 3,498 Member
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    This might help you:

    Comparison Chart

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