Looking for Calorie Counter Armband...Suggestions?

shoemakerdr

I think it'll be an FT7 Polar HRM for me around $100, it'll be a fitness reward I'll save for, looking forward to it! I've only heard good things:drinker:

Polar FT7 is awesome! I have been using it for about a week and it's REALLY helped me out. It tracks all your personal info (height, weight, age, sex, etc) so the reads are really accurate.

I don't really see much use in the BB armbands, especially since you have to pay twice as much for the actual device PLUS a subscription. That's kind of ridiculous. I recommend getting a HRM watch that tracks calories (Polar has some of the best out there but any will do) and then using MFP to keep track of everything at the end of the day. It's more cost-effective and you get the same kind of results. And you could wear the chest strap all day if you really wanted to get a really accurate count for the day.

I just want to point out that BodyBuggs (or Body Media Fits) and HRMs do not do the same thing. BB's are designed to be worn ALL day and estimate your calorie burn even when at rest. HRMs are NOT - they are only designed to accurately estimate calories burned when actively engaged in aerobic/cardio exercise. I would not recommend you wear the chest strap all day, because you would not get an accurate estimate of your total calories burned for the day. Period. (Read this blog for more info on that: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Azdak/view/the-real-facts-about-hrms-and-calories-what-you-need-to-know-before-purchasing-an-hrm-or-using-one-21472 )

While I don't use my BodyMedia FIT anymore, and am going to start using a HRM to aid in my running training, the BodyMedia FIT was VERY helpful when I was just starting out on this journey - you can see the difference in your daily calorie burn when you encorporate "random" exercise like taking the stairs at lunch, going for an impromtu walk, parking at the back of the lot, running errands after work instead of sitting in front of the TV. None of these are things I would use the HRM for, but by using the BodyMedia FIT I was able to really understand what an impact incorporating such "casual" exercise can make.

Both BB type devices and HRMs have their place and both can be helpful. The BB may not be something you're interested in, but it's premature to completely dismiss it and say that it's ridiculous.

I had no idea. Thanks for setting me straight.

sapper29_25

The Biggest Loser BodyMedia® CORE Armband & Display Device
$151.99

Scubanana7

There is a new item that is almost like the BodyBugg and alot cheaper. It hasn't been out very long and its called
the FitBit and they have a website and are also on facebook. The cost for the FitBit is $100.00 and it does the same thing
as the BodyBugg. I am thinking about buying one of these.

Fitbit is a great step counter. It is not a body bugg. I got my Body Bugg a month ago. I am HOOKED. I will not mind paying the $6.95/month fee at all at the end of my six month freeby. I am kicking myself for not getting this a year ago when I first thought about it. I have struggled with weight loss for that year and only lost 35 lbs. I am convinced I would have done better with the BUGG.

Add up those burgers and fries that got you overweight....the Body Bugg is worth the money! I didn't get it because of Biggest Loser either. It was free for signing up for personal training at 24-hour fitness. A true blessing to me! I wish I would have bought it a LONG time ago.

MFP food diary syncs to Body Bugg. I already had a Timex Ironman HRM. It shows too many calories burned, but I use it to keep an eye on my heart rate, which is accurate. It doen's sync to BodyBugg, but the Garmin HRM does. I may splurge so I can be all synced up! I'll just give the Timex to my daughter.

heatherRph13

I use the Fitbit, they are super compact, you can wear it on your bra strap, pocket, or belt.. You can sync it to your MFP account and it'll convert your steps to exercise calories (handy feature). The Fitbit, counts steps, and calories burned plus more depending on which you one you get, and they usually range from $60-100

infamousdrew76

Agreed, and anyone who thinks that an HRM does the same as the BodyMedia products is really misinformed. I would recommend doing you're own research, and I believe that you will find over and over that based on independent studies the BodyMedia products are far more accurate than HRMs for tracking calorie expenditure.

If you do decide to get one, shop around...I got the BodyMedia Fit Link from Costco's website for $130 and it came with a one year subscription to the service. Even if you are not a member I believe you can still purchase with a small fee. Well worth every penny!

purrdyhay

Hi - I am looking into a band and just wanted to give this post a bump to the top ... any new reviews and how is everyone liking the products they have been using for awhile now? Thanks!