Are fitness wristbands worth it? Do you use one?

theguy12

So the buzz seems to be using a fitness wristband to keep you motivated, track workouts, etc.

My first question - are they worth dropping $100 on?

Secondly - which is the best? What do you use? Why does it help you?

Reviewers seem to think the Fitbit Force but there are a lot of options and some even do heart rate too. I have been noticing LifeTracker, Polar Loop, Fitbit Flex, Nike Fuelband, JawboneUP, etc

TAsunder

I have a fitbit one, which is more of a pocket/clip-on device. I think it helps. Especially if you get some friends on it and have a friendly competition for steps.

Of the ones out there, I guess FitBit is the one I'd buy again right now. The app and website are outstanding. However, I am very very interested in the Razer Nabu and somewhat interested in the Lumo Lift -- though I don't think the Lumo app is anywhere near as good as FitBit.

princessnuriko

YES! I have the basic Polar FT4. I got it off Amazon around Christmas. It was about 42 bucks. They are about 70 bucks now. The basic keeps track of HRM and calories burned. It's great because MFP really overestimate calories burned for the exercises I do. Since I got, I can't wait to exercise so I can see how well I'm doing and to see how much more I have to burn to get to my goal for the day. Polar has other models, but I find that the FT4 is good enough for me. I workout at home with my DVDs and I had no idea that you can actually burn a lot of calories as you do working out to Turbo Fire.

dshalbert

I love my Fitbit Force. If you like gadgets and like social media, you can't go wrong. Go to the Fitbit website to compare the different types and price points. I does make me more aware of my activity and keeps me trying to improve. Once I started getting friends on Fitbit (similiar to MFP), you can get competitive, challenge and encourage each other to take more steps. You'll find yourself looking for excuses to walk or run more, like taking stairs insead of escalators and elevators, parking farther away from your destination, walking your dog farther, asking random people if you can walk their dog . . .just kidding on that last one, but my point is that it is a fun motivator.

JONZ64

BUMP

StephTink76

Bump.

Interested too!

May invest in one around June.

theguy12

But does POLAR automatically update My Fitness Pal?

aesquivel47

i got my wife a JawboneUP 24 because at the time I bought it, I believe it synched best with her MFP smartphone app. She seems happy with it.

Lesa_Sass

I am on my 3rd fitbit style(in 2 years) and love my Force the best.

I feel that the fitbit is an investment into myself.

It helps me see how much I am or am not moving. I also compete with my husband so it is also fun.

It is not a waste of money if you can afford it.

valerie521

I originally bought the Polar FT4 but in all honesty I never got into using it. First, there are a lot of buttons and frankly I dont have the patience for little buttons that I can't see with my old eyes. So, unless I'm going to walk around with my glasses on all the time -- that product doesn't work for me.

I recently bought a Fitbit Flex online. I love the ease of use. I also love that it logs your sleep and that you can honestly see if you sleep good or if there are patterns of restlessness. I thought I slept more but I seem to average 7.5 hours a night. I thought I slept like 9.....

I do love that Fitbit sends me little updates to let me know how close I am (via text or email) to my goals. This way if I am shy my 10,000 steps, I can take a quick walk around my neighborhood and feel satisfied with my step count for the day. THAT number I was dillusional about as well. I thought I always would get 10,000 steps in each day because I start with a nice long walk. BUT NOT TRUE. I am into monitoring my exercise more now as well as what I eat. AND, the flex is waterproof. I only take the band off to recharge my battery - every 6 days or so. Good luck

RunsOnEspresso

I have the jawbone up.

Positives: sleep tracking (I need to get more of it), vibrates when you've been still too long, syncs with runkeeper and MFP, I don't have to remember to take it out of pants pockets or waistbands because it is always on my wrist, easy to switch from active to sleep mode, gets me to move more often at work, tha app is great (easy to read and great graphs)

Negatives: not 100% accurate (It didn't show that I moved for an hour when I know I did), seems to think I need less calories than I do (and I haven't found where I can adjust this as it is based on algorythm using gender, height, weight etc)

For me it isn't a big deal to sync with my phone a few times a day. Some people may not like that option. I also am not bothered by not having a website. The battery doesn't usually last a full 10 days but it is pretty close.

verdemujer

I have a BodyMedia band I really enjoy 'knowing' what my exact burn is plus the data on my sleep and my steps. This site way over estimates the calories burned on the exercises I do so its really good to know my true calorie use. My girls couldn't stand the idea of the band on their arm being visable so they wanted the Fitbit Force for Xmas. So far they like it. I am looking at getting a HRM though as I can't see my heart rate whiile I'm working out for training purposes. Supposedly knowng your heart rate while working out is suppose to be better when following a specific training program. I haven't committed yet though since I've paid for the body media (now 2 years ago) and aren't quite wanting to shell out more for a HRM. By the way, Jawbone bought Bodymedia but I haven't seen them change their products yet.

g0radioham

If you want something low cost but still motivational then go for one of the Omron 'Walking Style' pedometers. I have had a Walking Style II for years - it's simple but effective. Similar updated models sell for ~ $30 I guess on Amazon (sorry I deal in GBP!). I find the reviews on Amazon are very helpful in deciding which work and which are not so good. I was hoping to get a Fitbit One for Christmas but apparently no-one loved me that much
By the way, apart from two days when I had an accident I have done 10K steps each day this year so far! (all down to monitoring with the Omron... so it does work for me at least.

karibj2010

I started with the Fitbit Flex...loved it...and a few months ago I upgraded to the Fitbit Force...and I absolutely LOVE it. Worth every penny. I love what I feel this little tool has helped me accomplish in my weight loss journey.

cwolfman13

never used one...have always been curious about them...have never really had any issues not having one (in that I lost weight pretty easily and I've been maintaining for 9 months pretty easily)...but I like gadgets...but $100 can buy me some cool gear for my bike, so I usually end up going that route when I have $100 burning a whole in my pocket.

Zx14chick

My husband and I both have the basic Polar HRMs. We feel it makes our workouts more effective, plus we hope that the calorie burn is more accurate. I have found MFP rarely calculates my burn, sometimes higher, sometimes lower. I spent around $70 on my HRM on Amazon and wish now that I had purchased the one that syncs online. We use Virgin Miles pedometers at work and I forget to wear that darn thing all the time, which stinks because they actually give you money for your steps based on how many you take in a year!

dimple_gal

I got the Fitbit Flex for Christmas, and I have really enjoyed the additional challenge. It motivates me to move more, and since I have a fairly sedentary job, it pushes me to get up and walk more. The sleep information is interesting also. My only grip is that it really only calculates based on steps. So, non-stepping exertion - the rowing machine, lifing weights, etc. are great exercise, but not tracking. I am looking into a HRM next, which should capture everything.

ejbraun

I've had the Fitbit Flex for almost a month and I am liking it. Interested in the calories burned on there compared to my HRM and which one is more accurate. I think its well worth the money as long as you use it.

theguy12

I am pretty much convinced to buy a Fitbit Force BUT one big question.

I don't really run/walk.

I like to workout (circuit training). Is it still going to be useful? Isn't it mostly for steps?

abadvat

I am pretty much convinced to buy a Fitbit Force BUT one big question.

I don't really run/walk.

I like to workout (circuit training). Is it still going to be useful? Isn't it mostly for steps?

Depends - what you need it for? if it is to track calories burned then get yourself a HRM instead, at least figures are correct and not guestimation!

Lesa_Sass

I am pretty much convinced to buy a Fitbit Force BUT one big question.

I don't really run/walk.

I like to workout (circuit training). Is it still going to be useful? Isn't it mostly for steps?

Yes, it gets you moving your body. So get up and move.

Its not going to help with the circuit training thing though. You may want to consider a HRM.

theguy12

Wish there was a wristband fitness tracker that did HEART RATE too plus the steps, sleep, etc. ANY IDEAS?

So if your lifting weights, throwing your arms around, etc how does it know difference between that and steps by the way?

CrazyC

Wish there was a wristband fitness tracker that did HEART RATE too plus the steps, sleep, etc. ANY IDEAS?

So if your lifting weights, throwing your arms around, etc how does it know difference between that and steps by the way?

^^^ if you want something like that check into the Polar Loop. I almost bought one, but it's still fairly new. I like to research the piss out of something prior to buying it. :Wink: Two styles of the Polar Loop come with heart rate monitors for about $150 - $170 +. Very similar to the Polar heart rate monitors others mentioned but it ALSO tracks sleep, steps, calories burned etc like the FitBit Flex and/or Force. Thus, it like having a heart rate monitor AND a Fitbit Force and/or Flex in one. I actually have the Fitbit Force AND a Polar FT7. I love both of them. Hope that helps.

theguy12

Right - saw the LOOP. You have to wear a heart rate chest strap with it right?

And I don't think the loop links to MFP. Boo.

This one looks cool but once again doesn't link to MFP - http://www.mioglobal.com/Shop/MIO-Alpha/product.aspx?productid=1&deptid=1&pricecat=2

wac021

I have the Fitbit Force and I love it! I got it for Christmas and have worn it every since. I love that it syncs with MFP and it does motivate me to move more, take my break and go for a quick walk, etc.

icimani

I use the Fitbit One, which I clip to my bra strap so no one knows I have it, and I don't have to worry about it matching my clothes, going out of style, if I'll get tired of it on my wrist, etc. I thought it would keep me motivated to reach that golden 10K steps per day since I tend to be fairly competitive (many late nights beating my own scores on Wii!) but I find that it doesn't provide that kind of motivation for me. What it does do is keep my mindful of how active I'm being on a daily basis. If I'm feeling lazy and don't want to get to the gym, I'll check my step total and if it's 8-9K then I can skip the gym. if it's only 5K, then I'll get my butt to the gym. The drawback is it doesn't seem to track anything I do on an exercise bike or treadmill.

I also use a Polar FT4 to make sure I'm working out at the right level. I'm not obsessive about heart rate zones etc, but I do want to make sure I'm working hard enough and not too hard.

patlebrun1

I don't own one, but you might want to check the Polar FT80. It's more training oriented rather than running/walking. It has HRM, sleep monitor, calories burned...etc etc...

I came very close to buy it, it looks great, and I think the features are awesome, I just didn't like the feel of the wristband on my arm. Looks like a good instrument though.

allbarrett

I have a Fitbit Flex and my SO has a Jawbone UP. We both love them.

I will warn you, there is a REAL problem with the Flex (you can check out Fitbit's forums) - the unit doesn't always fit into the charger tightly enough to get a charge (I have to use a piece of folded up paper or some tape to hold it in firmly enough). This is irritating enough that 1) I'm on my second unit, having returned the first one, thinking it was just a glitch, and 2) I'm thinking of getting something different altogether. Using a piece of scrap paper to help charge my $100 toy is VERY annoying.

That said, I love the damn thing (as does the SO) and find it fun and entertaining to see how much I've moved during the day. Seeing it on my wrist reminds me to get up and get away from the desk every hour or two, even if it is just to walk around the office and stretch a bit. Unless you get a heart rate monitor, pedometers and wristbands, etc., are toys (don't kid yourself). If you can afford to drop $100 (or whatever) on electronic gadgets, terrific, but don't think that it will fix anything. I'm a gadget person, so it was worth it for me (if I didn't have to fight for an hour every 5 days to get the thing to accept a charge).

Polar Loop won't sync to MFP yet (though they keep promising to release an API so that could come). Jawbone UP will sync, as will all the Fitbit products. Garmin has a number of interesting watches that do a lot of the same stuff, closed API and they mean to keep it that way (so no syncing ever). The Pebble watch looks interesting (for a toy geek anyway), but there aren't a lot of apps yet.

nomad1000

I have a FB Force and love it.

While it isn't perfect, it does keep me motivated and seeing it on my wrist during the day at work, reminds me to get up and take a walk around the office every so often to get my steps and to stretch my legs. It also is that constant reminder that I am working a plan to get healthy and moving more.

The vibrating alarm is nice since it doesn't jolt me awake like the one on my phone.

rileysowner

YES! I have the basic Polar FT4. I got it off Amazon around Christmas. It was about 42 bucks. They are about 70 bucks now. The basic keeps track of HRM and calories burned. It's great because MFP really overestimate calories burned for the exercises I do. Since I got, I can't wait to exercise so I can see how well I'm doing and to see how much more I have to burn to get to my goal for the day. Polar has other models, but I find that the FT4 is good enough for me. I workout at home with my DVDs and I had no idea that you can actually burn a lot of calories as you do working out to Turbo Fire.

HRM like the Polar are not activity trackers. They are only for while you are exercising doing cardio, nothing more. Activity trackers which the original poster asked about, are meant for all day use. The only combination one I know of is the Basis activity tracker which also has a continuous HRM built in.

rileysowner

I am pretty much convinced to buy a Fitbit Force BUT one big question.

I don't really run/walk.

I like to workout (circuit training). Is it still going to be useful? Isn't it mostly for steps?

Depends - what you need it for? if it is to track calories burned then get yourself a HRM instead, at least figures are correct and not guestimation!

Even a HRM will not track circuit training calories well. HRMs only work well for steady state cardio not Intervals, not weight lifting, in fact not for anything but steady state cardio.