Is Fitbit legit?

leidgreen

Hey y'all,

I've been using a Fitbit Charge for a few weeks now and I am questioning the accuracy of the reported "Calories Burned". I bought it to track (and encourage) daily steps but also to see how many calories I actually burn during my workouts. I've heard the count on gym machines are grossly overstated and didn't want to rely on incorrect data.

During one of my cardio workouts, per my elliptical, my strides after 45 min was 4258, calories burned 793. During the same workout, per my Fitbit Charge, I was active 14 min , my steps were 3984 and calorie burn was 231. The stride/steps were pretty close but those calories... HUGE difference. I also work my *kitten* off (no puun intended) HIIT/Crossfit style workout and during the 60min session, the Fitbit shows I am active for 12 to 29 min and my cal burn has been reported between 179 and 229.

Also, things look off when comparing an active day to a down right lazy day.

An active day - 60 min jalk (planned jog that turns into a walk) + 60 min HIIT reported as follows:
Calories Burned: 2595
Steps: 11,369
Miles: 5.46
Active Min:74

Vs.

a lazy day - I work from home so this is literally me rolling out of bed, working a desk job and lazing around all day

Calories Burned: 2323
Steps: 2199
Miles: 0.94
Active Min: 0 (Don't judge me)

For reference, I am 31, 5'6 (OKAY, 5'5.5) 230lbs

Does this seem accurate? Is it possible i'm using it incorrectly? Any help will be Awesome.

Thanks guys!

shadow2soul

Fitbit says in their FAQ that their devices that don't have a HRM cannot accurately track things like the elliptical.

Fitbits are great for calculating the calories burned during running and walking. Other things need to be manually logged.

As for your difference in days, other than the elliptical calorie burn probably being off, some things you should ask yourself:
On your active day, do you get many steps outside of your workouts? Or do you get a little lazy (Im guilty of this)?

I_Will_End_You

The calorie burns given by your Fitbit look far more accurate to me than the ones give by the machine. It's really difficult to burn 800 calories in 45 minutes, 231 sounds closer.

besee_2000

I know there are areas of error with my Fitbit Flex but I use it as a pretty decent guideline. One thing I've noticed is when I pet my dog I will get steps which he deserves. He is a great dog.