Can I trust my fit bit during workouts?

Kabuhtu

I was reading the post "So you're new here" and it suggested I get an hrm chest strap. I wear my fit bit during work outs. Just wondering if a hrm with chest strap is that much more accurate? Has anyone worn both at the same time and seen a difference between the two?

stanmann571

Bottom line is that yes, the optical/wrist based become less accurate the more you sweat and the more vigorously you're moving

niniundlapin

I'd say I believe the chest strap is more accurate in terms of reflecting the actual heart rate, but it also depends on how you use your Fitbit. If you have a wrist type HRM already, like your Fitbit, use it as a reference for workout zone (what heart rate would make you burn more fat/enhance cardiopulmonary function) is not a bad idea. But if you're seriously training and performance review is critical, maybe a chest strap can provide more accurate information in that case.

ChelzFit

I have worn both my fitbit and polar chest strap during my workouts, I have noticed that my Fitbit underestimates by 100 calories compared to my chest strap. I have the Blaze, during cycling my heart rate might only top at 115 and my Polar will read 140 which seems more accurate. I have used my Polar for years and just find it more reliable compared to a fitbit when it comes to calorie burn during workouts.

KirbySmith46

My Fitbit was very inaccurate, so I went to the Apple Watch.

Duck_Puddle

I have worn both at the same time for quite a while. My experience is that optical HR (any manufacturer- I have a few) are generally pretty OK for steady state, not too intense cardio where the wrist doesn't move/flex. So if you're walking or running at a steady pace-the OHR is ok. If you're doing anything with variable or high intensity (any kind of intervals), the wrist moves a lot or is bent (biking, most calesthenics, weights, rowing, etc) the OHR is not ideal. It probably will detect changes in intensity (but with a considerable lag vs the chest strap) and for all the rest-it's a complete crapshoot and depends on wrist position, how sweaty you are, how much you're moving and also skin tone/hairiness. It's sometimes right, it's sometimes not. It's just not reliable. But if you're walking/running at a steady state, it's not bad.

cecekay19

I went on a 20 mile bike ride this weekend and it only recorded 8100 steps for that ride. I find that a little hard to believe but I am new to this, less than 2 weeks, and am not trying to overthink things. I have a Charge HR.