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How reliant have you become on fitness tech?
Phirrgus
Posts: 1,894 Member
I started with an Apple Watch 2 a while back, and liked being able to track the info it showed. It did motivate me in some odd, maybe not healthy "Got to close the rings" kind of way, yet today I'm actually considering dumping the watch altogether and going completely old school because I can feel myself wanting to fixate on the device and the info it's tracking. Don't like that.
My buddy, just this morning told be he's having a hard time getting his cardio done because he can't find anything decent on Netflix to watch. I asked him about what I posted above and he said he doesn't "feel" as if he accomplished what he should have if he doesn't close the rings and/or see certain numbers.
Just for discussion purposes, what are your opinions on how much is too much dependence on wearable (or other) tech?
edit: Using a fitbit Versa now for what it's worth.
My buddy, just this morning told be he's having a hard time getting his cardio done because he can't find anything decent on Netflix to watch. I asked him about what I posted above and he said he doesn't "feel" as if he accomplished what he should have if he doesn't close the rings and/or see certain numbers.
Just for discussion purposes, what are your opinions on how much is too much dependence on wearable (or other) tech?
edit: Using a fitbit Versa now for what it's worth.
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Replies
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I just walk for exercise. I've never used any fitness tech. I've lost the excess weight/maintain without any of the fancy gadgets.
I'm old school but more than that-I'm cheap LOL
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I do not have a wearable fitness tracker. I already use my phone too much, and sit in front of a screen at work. When at the gym, I intentionally leave my phone in my locker. No headphones or music, except whatever is on the gym’s sound system.
Am I missing out? No idea. There are two young women I work with at one of my jobs and they have their technology strapped to their biceps. I think it’s ridiculous.
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I just walk for exercise. I've never used any fitness tech. I've lost the excess weight/maintain without any of the fancy gadgets.
I'm old school but more than that-I'm cheap LOL
Most of this applies to me, too. Even when I was running.
Why should I spend money so I can obsess even more about my weight and stats?4 -
HA! I need to be lolI just walk for exercise. I've never used any fitness tech. I've lost the excess weight/maintain without any of the fancy gadgets.
I'm old school but more than that-I'm cheap LOL
After using multiple devices for a few years...I don't think you're missing out.I do not have a wearsble fitness tracker. I already use my phone too much, and sit in front of a screen at work. When at the gym, I intentionally leave my phone in my locker. No headphones or music, except whatever is on the gym’s sound system.
Am I missing out? No idea. There are two young women I work with at one of my jobs and they have their technology strapped to their biceps. I think it’s ridiculous.
Granted, my PoV is that of a guy doesn't bike or run any great distances, or swim - all weightroom type workouts. I could see myself thinking differently if I engaged in those activities.
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I enjoy having my Fitbit calculate my calories and a running app to tell me how far I've run. I appreciate being able to quickly look up calorie counts so I can make food decisions when I'm out in the world. I like being able to listen to podcasts while I run.
But I think I could do without them.
To me personally, too much dependence would be when I wouldn't do the activities without them. Skipping a run because my app wasn't working or deciding to eat huge meals because the MFP database was down, stuff like that.9 -
HA! I need to be lolI just walk for exercise. I've never used any fitness tech. I've lost the excess weight/maintain without any of the fancy gadgets.
I'm old school but more than that-I'm cheap LOL
After using multiple devices for a few years...I don't think you're missing out.I do not have a wearsble fitness tracker. I already use my phone too much, and sit in front of a screen at work. When at the gym, I intentionally leave my phone in my locker. No headphones or music, except whatever is on the gym’s sound system.
Am I missing out? No idea. There are two young women I work with at one of my jobs and they have their technology strapped to their biceps. I think it’s ridiculous.
Granted, my PoV is that of a guy doesn't bike or run any great distances, or swim - all weightroom type workouts. I could see myself thinking differently if I engaged in those activities.
For running outdoors, I find a running app really useful especially when I'm training for a specific distance. You can pay attention to the run and the scenery and know that the app will let you know when you've hit nine or ten miles or whatever and it's time to go home.1 -
janejellyroll wrote: »I enjoy having my Fitbit calculate my calories and a running app to tell me how far I've run. I appreciate being able to quickly look up calorie counts so I can make food decisions when I'm out in the world. I like being able to listen to podcasts while I run.
But I think I could do without them.
To me personally, too much dependence would be when I wouldn't do the activities without them. Skipping a run because my app wasn't working or deciding to eat huge meals because the MFP database was down, stuff like that.
LOL, an mfp friend was debating whether or not to do exactly that the other day because he couldn't access the database.1 -
I just got a Fitbit Alta for Christmas and I use it, but I don't obsess about it. I work a desk job so I like the reminder every hour to get up and move (if I haven't already) and yes I get motivated to complete the goals I have logged in. So as I think it has helped to motivate me for sure I am on board with it.
As for Netflix, I am trying to find a way to entertain myself now that I have switched to the bike from the treadmill. I always run with music, but I find the bike is mind numbingly boring. Somehow feel like I am "cheating" if I watch TV while I pedal - like it isn't a proper workout . Right now I am using audible to listen to books instead. Again I am on board with that technology because I probably wouldn't finish many workouts in the winter just staring at the walls (wind chill is ridiculous here this week.)
If I walk/run/kayak/bike outside I can't wear headphones - it makes me nervous if I can't hear what is going on around me and I find it more stimulating to be outside so I don't really need it.3 -
I DO NOT need a reminder to get up every hour from my desk at work. I stand up probably every half hour because I have always had trouble sitting still/concentrating for longer periods of time. Plus, I drink a lot of water and coffee during the day!
I don’t wear headphones when I walk or cycle outside because it also makes me nervous. One of my pet peeves is walkers who block my path when cycling on the BiKE path - what they’re listening to with their headphones makes them deaf to my bike bell or my verbal warnings that I’m behind them. 🙄1 -
I just got a Fitbit Alta for Christmas and I use it, but I don't obsess about it. I work a desk job so I like the reminder every hour to get up and move (if I haven't already) and yes I get motivated to complete the goals I have logged in. So as I think it has helped to motivate me for sure I am on board with it.
As for Netflix, I am trying to find a way to entertain myself now that I have switched to the bike from the treadmill. I always run with music, but I find the bike is mind numbingly boring. Somehow feel like I am "cheating" if I watch TV while I pedal - like it isn't a proper workout . Right now I am using audible to listen to books instead. Again I am on board with that technology because I probably wouldn't finish many workouts in the winter just staring at the walls (wind chill is ridiculous here this week.)
If I walk/run/kayak/bike outside I can't wear headphones - it makes me nervous if I can't hear what is going on around me and I find it more stimulating to be outside so I don't really need it.
This. My fitbit has reminded me to move more during my day while sitting at my desk. It's also been great for those days that I don't work out and I have been much more motivated to get those 11,000 steps in on those days.0 -
Outside of MFP and a once in a while fitness program on streaming, I'm pretty old school. No wearable, and all the stuff at my normal training is pretty much body weight exercises. The gym doesn't even have AC (and we're in the tropics). As someone who is very connected in my daily life, I find the the kind of primal nature of my workouts to be a breath of fresh air.3
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janejellyroll wrote: »I enjoy having my Fitbit calculate my calories and a running app to tell me how far I've run. I appreciate being able to quickly look up calorie counts so I can make food decisions when I'm out in the world. I like being able to listen to podcasts while I run.
But I think I could do without them.
To me personally, too much dependence would be when I wouldn't do the activities without them. Skipping a run because my app wasn't working or deciding to eat huge meals because the MFP database was down, stuff like that.
LOL, an mfp friend was debating whether or not to do exactly that the other day because he couldn't access the database.
That's the exact line I'm watching for. I like to use the tools to help me do what I'm going to do anyway. They're not *the reason* why I'm doing it.3 -
janejellyroll wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »I enjoy having my Fitbit calculate my calories and a running app to tell me how far I've run. I appreciate being able to quickly look up calorie counts so I can make food decisions when I'm out in the world. I like being able to listen to podcasts while I run.
But I think I could do without them.
To me personally, too much dependence would be when I wouldn't do the activities without them. Skipping a run because my app wasn't working or deciding to eat huge meals because the MFP database was down, stuff like that.
LOL, an mfp friend was debating whether or not to do exactly that the other day because he couldn't access the database.
That's the exact line I'm watching for. I like to use the tools to help me do what I'm going to do anyway. They're not *the reason* why I'm doing it.
I like that - agreed.3 -
I wear TWO heart rate monitors when working out! I wear my Apple Watch all the time and when I'm at Orangetheory Fitness I wear my OTF one to link into their system. I find it highly useful. I get the calorie burn and see how much I stayed in the higher heartrate zones during my workout. I track that data in an Excel spreadsheet. I can see my improvements over time: am I able to stay longer in the orange zone (84% or higher of the max heart rate), etc. When I'm working out and see I'm hovering at 82% or 83% I push it a bit harder to make it above 84%.
I like the little notifications I get from my watch for hitting a new move goal for the day, or a new personal best for number of calories burned during a workout. It gives me a little feel good smile, but I don't get hung up on it.3 -
FireOpalCO wrote: »I wear TWO heart rate monitors when working out! I wear my Apple Watch all the time and when I'm at Orangetheory Fitness I wear my OTF one to link into their system. I find it highly useful. I get the calorie burn and see how much I stayed in the higher heartrate zones during my workout. I track that data in an Excel spreadsheet. I can see my improvements over time: am I able to stay longer in the orange zone (84% or higher of the max heart rate), etc. When I'm working out and see I'm hovering at 82% or 83% I push it a bit harder to make it above 84%.
I like the little notifications I get from my watch for hitting a new move goal for the day, or a new personal best for number of calories burned during a workout. It gives me a little feel good smile, but I don't get hung up on it.
Hmmm - you are an outlier to the idea I had when posting this.
I've never met anyone who used their tech to the exacting degree you're describing and I can see how useful that would be when pursuing your gains the way you are. I'm glad you posted that, gave me something to think about. Thanks 0 -
If you are struggling with insomnia engage a serious cyclist in a conversation about cycling technology - guaranteed zzzzzzz.
When I'm training indoors I've got data whizzing about everywhere.
My HRM is linked to the bike and also my Garmin cycling computer, my phone is linked to the WiFi for music (via wireless headphones of course!) and also controls the bike and gets data back from the bike, the Garmin is also picking up the power, speed and cadence sensors from the bike.
I'm not reliant on the data and technology but it makes the exercise more interesting and opens the door to making my training far more technical and precise. I don't have to guess if I'm improving or not, I've got the data to prove it.
Outdoor riding using Garmin and Strava gives me a load of useful or simply interesting information and adds to the enjoyment. It's fun reviewing your progress and comparing yourself to others. Having started working in IT way back in 1978 I still have a sense of wonderment that I've got mapping of the whole of Western Europe on my cycle computer.
What no paper tape or punched cards?
I did my first few long distance events trying to use paper turn-by-turn cryptic instructions and having got lost several times I can vouch for the usefulness and convenience of today's tech.
On the other hand I've never had any real interest in tracking activity (as opposed to exercise) with an all day tracker. Simply doesn't interest me, it's performance data I want - I don't care if I've done xxxx or xxxxx steps.
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I don't like gadgets and don't care for "wearable tech" either. I don't even wear a watch anymore (retired), and most of the time my phone and I are in different places so no need to use it for fitness reasons. I always leave my phone inside my gym bag because listen to whatever music is playing at the gym.
No fit-bit or any other fitness tracker for me. I don't want them or need them, and the same with fitness apps. The only exception is MapMyWalk and I only use it to calculate distances, not calories burned when walking.
I use the MFP web version to log my food because I never downloaded the app. No internet, not logging. Freedom!
I move a lot (big house), and I am always fidgeting so I don't need a reminder to get up from my home-desk. My bladder gives me plenty reminders during the day, too. I don’t watch TV during the day, only at night after dinner and by then I enjoy my well-earned relaxation.
If these gadgets had been available when I was much younger, I would “probably” had use them more. But at my age, I like less complications and an easier living life. I didn’t have much to lose when I joined MFP and I got to my goal weigh without the help of apps or fitness trackers. No need for me to use them now after being in maintenance for 9 years. I make food and meal decisions based on my weight, my hunger, my likes and dislikes, and my logging.
As other members posted, I don’t know if or what I am missing, but judging by my result not much and not very important either.
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Just for discussion purposes, what are your opinions on how much is too much dependence on wearable (or other) tech?
I think it's important to bring knowledge of the route, or (ideally in any case) a map and compass. Relying only on my watch for navigation would set me up for a miserable night or two if the battery died or the thing crashed. It's been very stable and has great battery life, but I don't want to tempt fate.1 -
I use two apps to track my hikes and take photos with my phone. I don't use any other technology on my hikes.
If I had to get back on the treadmill for some reason (can't think of even one reason I would need to), I would need a serious amount technology because running on the treadmill is about the most boring exercise I've ever engaged in.
And then I read the forums on MFP way too often!0 -
If you are struggling with insomnia engage a serious cyclist in a conversation about cycling technology - guaranteed zzzzzzz.
When I'm training indoors I've got data whizzing about everywhere.
My HRM is linked to the bike and also my Garmin cycling computer, my phone is linked to the WiFi for music (via wireless headphones of course!) and also controls the bike and gets data back from the bike, the Garmin is also picking up the power, speed and cadence sensors from the bike.
I'm not reliant on the data and technology but it makes the exercise more interesting and opens the door to making my training far more technical and precise. I don't have to guess if I'm improving or not, I've got the data to prove it.
Outdoor riding using Garmin and Strava gives me a load of useful or simply interesting information and adds to the enjoyment. It's fun reviewing your progress and comparing yourself to others. Having started working in IT way back in 1978 I still have a sense of wonderment that I've got mapping of the whole of Western Europe on my cycle computer.
What no paper tape or punched cards?
I did my first few long distance events trying to use paper turn-by-turn cryptic instructions and having got lost several times I can vouch for the usefulness and convenience of today's tech.
On the other hand I've never had any real interest in tracking activity (as opposed to exercise) with an all day tracker. Simply doesn't interest me, it's performance data I want - I don't care if I've done xxxx or xxxxx steps.
Oh you are way past anything I've done LOL. I was happy just getting my watch to pair with the phone correctly Great point (again) about using the data to map progress. I do with my weight, and have the capabilities to track strength via an app I like, but never really considered trying to tie it all together the way you and FireOpalCO are doing. Thank you I don't like gadgets and don't care for "wearable tech" either. I don't even wear a watch anymore (retired), and most of the time my phone and I are in different places so no need to use it for fitness reasons. I always leave my phone inside my gym bag because listen to whatever music is playing at the gym.
No fit-bit or any other fitness tracker for me. I don't want them or need them, and the same with fitness apps. The only exception is MapMyWalk and I only use it to calculate distances, not calories burned when walking.
I use the MFP web version to log my food because I never downloaded the app. No internet, not logging. Freedom!
I move a lot (big house), and I am always fidgeting so I don't need a reminder to get up from my home-desk. My bladder gives me plenty reminders during the day, too. I don’t watch TV during the day, only at night after dinner and by then I enjoy my well-earned relaxation.
If these gadgets had been available when I was much younger, I would “probably” had use them more. But at my age, I like less complications and an easier living life. I didn’t have much to lose when I joined MFP and I got to my goal weigh without the help of apps or fitness trackers. No need for me to use them now after being in maintenance for 9 years. I make food and meal decisions based on my weight, my hunger, my likes and dislikes, and my logging.
As other members posted, I don’t know if or what I am missing, but judging by my result not much and not very important either.
You have much more the mind set I'm currently at, so I can really appreciate what you're saying. Thanks for the inputNorthCascades wrote: »Just for discussion purposes, what are your opinions on how much is too much dependence on wearable (or other) tech?
I think it's important to bring knowledge of the route, or (ideally in any case) a map and compass. Relying only on my watch for navigation would set me up for a miserable night or two if the battery died or the thing crashed. It's been very stable and has great battery life, but I don't want to tempt fate.
Even though I'm not a cyclist I had not considered that. If I were to go by your user name and guess at location I would not want to be stranded either. Not my idea of fun at all.1 -
Yeah...I love my fitbit. I had the OG model in 2012 and lost most of the extra weight that I put on after my dad died a few years before, and it completely changed my lifestyle. I started off with "getting steps", and eventually took up running, and at some point started logging food, using strava/map my run, and playing pokemon go while running. I started getting faster, which I knew because I was recording my pace, and I started going longer until I was about the most fit I've ever been (I was always skinny when I was young but didn't exercise regularly). I ran my first half marathon in 2:04 on a hilly course in 95 degree weather. Even now, when I am reading or watching a show, I have a tendency to be reading or watching it on my phone while I walk around the house or fold laundry or whatever. I have a hard time being completely sedentary, and it's all because I got that fitbit in 2012!
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susanpiper57 wrote: »Yeah...I love my fitbit. I had the OG model in 2012 and lost most of the extra weight that I put on after my dad died a few years before, and it completely changed my lifestyle. I started off with "getting steps", and eventually took up running, and at some point started logging food, using strava/map my run, and playing pokemon go while running. I started getting faster, which I knew because I was recording my pace, and I started going longer until I was about the most fit I've ever been (I was always skinny when I was young but didn't exercise regularly). I ran my first half marathon in 2:04 on a hilly course in 95 degree weather. Even now, when I am reading or watching a show, I have a tendency to be reading or watching it on my phone while I walk around the house or fold laundry or whatever. I have a hard time being completely sedentary, and it's all because I got that fitbit in 2012!
Ok that's inspiring, and makes me want to keep my fitbit
Thanks for sharing - I hope the journey just keeps getting better for you 1 -
susanpiper57 wrote: »Yeah...I love my fitbit. I had the OG model in 2012 and lost most of the extra weight that I put on after my dad died a few years before, and it completely changed my lifestyle. I started off with "getting steps", and eventually took up running, and at some point started logging food, using strava/map my run, and playing pokemon go while running. I started getting faster, which I knew because I was recording my pace, and I started going longer until I was about the most fit I've ever been (I was always skinny when I was young but didn't exercise regularly). I ran my first half marathon in 2:04 on a hilly course in 95 degree weather. Even now, when I am reading or watching a show, I have a tendency to be reading or watching it on my phone while I walk around the house or fold laundry or whatever. I have a hard time being completely sedentary, and it's all because I got that fitbit in 2012!
Ok that's inspiring, and makes me want to keep my fitbit
Thanks for sharing - I hope the journey just keeps getting better for you
I'm at public url: //www.fitbit.com/user/22WC9G if you want to be fitbit friends The downside is that I am getting back into running after my last pregnancy, and I'm annoyed at how much slower my pace is, even though I know I'll get my endurance back with time. Because of course I'm tracking my slow pace lol. Everyone responds differently to tech, it's just worked really well for me. 0 -
Reliant or dependent, nope. I do use it to see keep track of how I'm doing. For instance, I know I maintained 19.0 MPH on the indoor bike today for 40:46, averaged 208W for the whole time, including the warmup, and averaged 250w for the last 26:33 of the ride. Average H/R was 120
I can compare these figures to other efforts to see if I'm working harder or not.
I know this morning's effort was about 5% lower than last night overall, but I maintained a higher rate of speed over the shorter duration.
Essentially, it keeps me honest.
I also use it to calculate how many calories I can eat back. I try to eat back only about 1/2 of my exercise calories.0 -
susanpiper57 wrote: »susanpiper57 wrote: »Yeah...I love my fitbit. I had the OG model in 2012 and lost most of the extra weight that I put on after my dad died a few years before, and it completely changed my lifestyle. I started off with "getting steps", and eventually took up running, and at some point started logging food, using strava/map my run, and playing pokemon go while running. I started getting faster, which I knew because I was recording my pace, and I started going longer until I was about the most fit I've ever been (I was always skinny when I was young but didn't exercise regularly). I ran my first half marathon in 2:04 on a hilly course in 95 degree weather. Even now, when I am reading or watching a show, I have a tendency to be reading or watching it on my phone while I walk around the house or fold laundry or whatever. I have a hard time being completely sedentary, and it's all because I got that fitbit in 2012!
Ok that's inspiring, and makes me want to keep my fitbit
Thanks for sharing - I hope the journey just keeps getting better for you
I'm at public url: //www.fitbit.com/user/22WC9G if you want to be fitbit friends The downside is that I am getting back into running after my last pregnancy, and I'm annoyed at how much slower my pace is, even though I know I'll get my endurance back with time. Because of course I'm tracking my slow pace lol. Everyone responds differently to tech, it's just worked really well for me.
@susanpiper57 Thank you for that! Very kind, but I would be an anchor on your list to be honest. I can't run...well, no more that a couple of hundred yards. My feet are kind of messed up, but thank you 1 -
susanpiper57 wrote: »susanpiper57 wrote: »Yeah...I love my fitbit. I had the OG model in 2012 and lost most of the extra weight that I put on after my dad died a few years before, and it completely changed my lifestyle. I started off with "getting steps", and eventually took up running, and at some point started logging food, using strava/map my run, and playing pokemon go while running. I started getting faster, which I knew because I was recording my pace, and I started going longer until I was about the most fit I've ever been (I was always skinny when I was young but didn't exercise regularly). I ran my first half marathon in 2:04 on a hilly course in 95 degree weather. Even now, when I am reading or watching a show, I have a tendency to be reading or watching it on my phone while I walk around the house or fold laundry or whatever. I have a hard time being completely sedentary, and it's all because I got that fitbit in 2012!
Ok that's inspiring, and makes me want to keep my fitbit
Thanks for sharing - I hope the journey just keeps getting better for you
I'm at public url: //www.fitbit.com/user/22WC9G if you want to be fitbit friends The downside is that I am getting back into running after my last pregnancy, and I'm annoyed at how much slower my pace is, even though I know I'll get my endurance back with time. Because of course I'm tracking my slow pace lol. Everyone responds differently to tech, it's just worked really well for me.
@susanpiper57 Thank you for that! Very kind, but I would be an anchor on your list to be honest. I can't run...well, no more that a couple of hundred yards. My feet are kind of messed up, but thank you
No worries, and no need to run Whatever exercise you like best will work best for you in the long run. Good luck with the rest of your journey! 0 -
susanpiper57 wrote: »susanpiper57 wrote: »susanpiper57 wrote: »Yeah...I love my fitbit. I had the OG model in 2012 and lost most of the extra weight that I put on after my dad died a few years before, and it completely changed my lifestyle. I started off with "getting steps", and eventually took up running, and at some point started logging food, using strava/map my run, and playing pokemon go while running. I started getting faster, which I knew because I was recording my pace, and I started going longer until I was about the most fit I've ever been (I was always skinny when I was young but didn't exercise regularly). I ran my first half marathon in 2:04 on a hilly course in 95 degree weather. Even now, when I am reading or watching a show, I have a tendency to be reading or watching it on my phone while I walk around the house or fold laundry or whatever. I have a hard time being completely sedentary, and it's all because I got that fitbit in 2012!
Ok that's inspiring, and makes me want to keep my fitbit
Thanks for sharing - I hope the journey just keeps getting better for you
I'm at public url: //www.fitbit.com/user/22WC9G if you want to be fitbit friends The downside is that I am getting back into running after my last pregnancy, and I'm annoyed at how much slower my pace is, even though I know I'll get my endurance back with time. Because of course I'm tracking my slow pace lol. Everyone responds differently to tech, it's just worked really well for me.
@susanpiper57 Thank you for that! Very kind, but I would be an anchor on your list to be honest. I can't run...well, no more that a couple of hundred yards. My feet are kind of messed up, but thank you
No worries, and no need to run Whatever exercise you like best will work best for you in the long run. Good luck with the rest of your journey!
And all the best to you on yours! 0 -
I like my toys. I have a watch, a chest strap, wireless earbuds (with onboard music) and use them all. I like running with one earbud in, so I can still hear what is going on around me. I don't take my phone when I run, as it's too frikken big to carry, so my watch tracks what I've done plus I rely on it to keep my pace at my goal for the run. I don't wear the strap that much but am going to start wearing it more for better data.
I wear both earbuds in the gym as I like my music better than what is played there. I take my phone to the gym to record my workout in an Excel sheet.
To each their own. I'd have a tougher time hitting my goals if I didn't have some of the toys.1 -
When I came here to MFP, I'd already been active (sometimes even competing) for around a dozen years, and used to using (the then more primitve) tech for monitoring workouts: Heart rate, pace, distance.
Can I work to accomplish a faster pace at the same heart rate? Did I accomplish my distance goals? Was my pace on-water faster this year, faster/slower with this technique change, faster/slower with this double partner? For next weekend's race, is our double faster at 20, 24, 30 spm in the settle? Was I hitting my HR targets for workouts in my perioidized training plans? Was my resting HR getting lower (yeah, training!) or higher (uh-oh, maybe overtraining?!?). How did weather conditions (water, wind) affect pace?
It was kind of weird to me when the Fitbit-style tech started coming out, and people started competing with their buddies to get steps (for a couple of months, until they all got bored with it, in most RL cases near me). It was kind of weird to me to come to MFP and find out that so many people think HRM are all about calories (WTFlip? Something they're not really all that fab at?)
I started with separate HRM, pace/distance GPS, stroke counter. It's cool that I can now get pretty good estimates of those, all from one device.
So, to answer your question: I'm a data geek, and I love tech. But it's mostly about heart rate, pace, distance . . . still.
Now that I'm calorie counting, I also use it for some calorie estimates, if the device seems like the most plausible source, i.e., not for everything.5 -
I find fitness trackers (fitbit currently) very useful mainly for objectifying things like NEAT & analyzing trends.
Helpful mainly due to having an erratic schedule with excessive NEAT contribution staggered with off-days with questionable NEAT (much more variable vs. work days)
I've been able to stay in shape even without/before using fitness trackers; however, my decisions/ability to account for NEAT was more of a guessing game or crap-shoot mainly driven by subjective feelings (am I feeling more fatigued, ravenously hungry, cold, etc.) vs. objective measures. For myself, fitness trackers just take a lot of educated guessing out of the equation and allow me to be more proactive implementing future changes needed to diet by looking @ trends
Has helped me mainly from over-dieting accompanied with the absence of spontaneous movement (being so tired, fidgeting/spontaneous movement turns into thoughtful movement)1
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