Trying to decide if I should buy a FITBIT

TamLam99

"I mainly use it for my overall calorie count and seeing how much I can stuff my face in the evening after a hard day outside"

I love that !!

TamLam99

CSARdiver wrote: »

Most of the wristband products are pretty much the same for walking and general activity.

I don't care for the wrist based HRMs due to the degree of inaccuracy - I've been using the chest based HRMs for years now. I use a Flex for daily activity and switch to a Polar H7 for longer steady state cardio.

can you elaborate on the inaccuracy piece ? just curious if you think they over or under estimate.

editorgrrl

TamLam99 wrote: »

can you elaborate on the inaccuracy piece ? just curious if you think they over- or underestimate.

The only way to gauge the accuracy of any device is to trust it for several weeks, then reevaluate your progress.

I've had Fitbits for two years (Flex, then Charge HR), lost the weight, and kept it off. They're also great motivation.

But you still have to log everything you eat & drink accurately and honestly.

CSARdiver

TamLam99 wrote: »

CSARdiver wrote: »

Most of the wristband products are pretty much the same for walking and general activity.

I don't care for the wrist based HRMs due to the degree of inaccuracy - I've been using the chest based HRMs for years now. I use a Flex for daily activity and switch to a Polar H7 for longer steady state cardio.

can you elaborate on the inaccuracy piece ? just curious if you think they over or under estimate.

In studies comparing the wrist based, chest based, to EKG - the chest based are dead on, while the wrist based are wildly inaccurate. The wrist based are highly dependent on arm position and the inaccuracy increases with activity, so they may be over or under, but still incorrect.

The Polar H7 is ~$70 (chest strap HRM) and is probably the cheapest and best solution for anyone with a smartphone.

tkphotogirl

I have the fitbit charge but use it simply to make sure that I get off my butt and walk enough every day, plus I like the sleep stats, and it doubles up as a watch. I was always terrible at remembering to wear a watch! I sweat a lot when I exercise and find that it doesn't annoy me. It's just another useful thingy to keep me heading down the right path.