Fitbit..or nah?

Twignasty

Hello fellow users. I'm really thinking about purchasing a fitbit to help track my daily activities and work. I know they are a bit pricey, but is it really worth the buy? Anyone have any other brands they use to keep up with their daily calories? Would really love the help so I can finally purchase something.
!Thank you!

Ems500c

I am posting to see the results myself! I am looking into a fitbit, so would love all the feedback!

Jessica_Woodford

I just received my fitbit today, which I ordered from Amazon. Several family members have one and love it. I have been using the fitbit app on my iphone to record my steps, but it seems to really eat up my battery. So, I am hoping the actual fitbit flex will save my iphone and serve as a constant reminder that it is important to get up and move. Sorry I do not have more to report so far, but I am hopeful this helps me with my fitness regimen. Good luck to you!

RonJr88

I Love my fitbit..I have had zip and now have a flex.I wear it everyday and had no problems.It does a great job tracking my steps and sleep and helping to remind me to get my 10,000 steps in a day.

SXMEnrico

I've been using the fitbit one for about a week. I find it helpful in tracking my activity and sleep. Its also a good motivator.

geckospot

Love it! I had the Flex but it died so I took my hubby's One. Didn't like wearing that ugly bracelet anyway. The One clips into my pants pocket and I wear it every day. I haven't synched with the site since I switched to the One, but I write down mileage every day. I've been using one for about a year.

Swiftlet66

I got mine about a month ago and it's great for motivation. During the summer, I only work part time and I didn't realize that on my off days from work, I was only netting around 2000 steps and an extremely low calorie burn. Lol. Now, on those days, I try to get out more, which is awesome imo. I have the One and it also has a sleeping tracker which made me realize why I always feel tired (apparently I'm a very restless sleeper) so now, I go to bed earlier to get more hours in and feel better because of it.

Yanagibashi

I love mine! I have the One (really wanted a Force but those have been recalled). As far as accurate step and calorie burning, there are probably better (and more expensive) on the market. Rather than believe everything it says, I use it more as a gauge of how much effort I put in per day. I can easily see if I did better or worse than the day before. It becomes like a game: each day, go a little farther or a little faster or a little longer than the day before.

madyt7

They are pricy, but worth it. I used it when I originally cut weight from about 220 lbs down to 170. I'm using it again now since I bulked back up to 200ish, and now I'm losing again. It's a really nice reminder as to how you need to adjust your intake accordingly. If you need some more help losing I definitely recommend it.

whitecat651

I've read reviews that say the FitBit is basically a glorified pedometer and that it isn't accurate/the sleep function is a gimmick, ect, but unless you're willing to invest in a heavy duty heart monitor for working out then the FitBit may be your best option, especially if you want it for every day use. There are alternatives-Jawbones makes the Up24 which sounds like it has way better software, but is also pricier and has a tendency to break down. tl;dr you have options, and the fitbit isn't a bad one at all.

CaitlinK1

I love mine! I've had a flex for about 4 months, and I find it really motivating- I love to get badges for achieving goals. I love that it syncs with MFP automatically, so I can set my activity level to sedentary, and only get credit for the movement I'm really doing. If you're a runner/walker, totally recommend. If you prefer biking or swimming or something it can't track, it might not be as useful.

Takes2long

I've had mine for around a month or so. It does track my activity, but I use my HRM when I'm exercising, too. One thing I'll mention is if you get it, or for anyone else that has one…sign up with EveryMove.org. Sync it all together, and you earn points for your activity. Especially steps!! I've earned free shoes, discounts on sneakers, tea, watches. Yes, you do have to buy something. But the companies usually give back to the community in some way, Most products are green in some way. The next reward I'm working towards is a watch. It's BOGO. "Epic International is more than just a watch company, it's a company with philanthropy at its core. For every Epic timepiece sold, Epic will provide clean drinking water for an individual in Haiti for five years through the distribution of water filters. Epic teams also provide health education during our distributions to teach the basics about germs, disease, hygiene and food preparation. " Sorry for the long ramble. The FitBit does get you moving. I was going to return mine, but I find myself moving a bit more, walking further, just get in more activity, to earn more rewards.

brianpperkins

If it is right for you or not really depends upon what you do and what you want to track about your activity level. If you walk a lot, or want a tool to help you get up and walk more throughout the day it might be a good tool for you. If you're a swimmer, cyclist, aerobics class type ... it might not be since it tracks only steps.

I have a Flex and use it to track trends. It isn't a must reach X steps every day thing for me. For others, it is.

Twignasty

Love the reviews from everyone! I'm really trying to use it to keep myself active and see my progress each day. Definitely will look more into it! Thanks alot! I'm excited!

Mariachicat

I want one but I'm planning on upgrading my phone so want to wait until I do that...then invest in a Fitbit, Jawbone, or something comparable. I think Apple is coming out with one called iWatch soon. I'll probably wait, but I've been wanting one too! Let us know what you decide.

want2bahotmama

I love mine! I had the Ultra (first gen.) is was old but, still worked until it went into the wash : ( I ended up going to BestBuy and getting the Zip they have 2 for about $100.00 it does not track sleep or stairs but, it shows your steps and calorie burn.. Very helpful.. Good luck no matter what you do

bsmith101112

I love it! My husband has one... it's kinda nice to have the competition of steps. I also purchased one for my sister as a birthday present! We are becoming a fitbit family. Pricey, but it's an investment in your health!

Alatariel75

I've been agonising over whether to get one, too. It's expensive and I don't know whether it would change anything for me, or just assuage my curiosity. I do martial arts and it wouldn't count that and I don't know if it would make me walk more... I have a pedometer on my phone which appears fairly accurate so I'm struggling to justify the fitbit.

shireeniebeanie

Love it! Their customer service is amazing, too.

FancyPantsFran

I really like it. They are pricey but worth it. I bought it before I left on vacation to help remind me to stay on track...Motivates me to hit my step goals too

simplydelish2

I would save my money. I have a flex and I don't believe it is any where close to being accurate in recording steps. The current dashboard is messed up, giving people credit for way more miles than they have done - I got my 250 mile badge just 20 days after my 50 mile badge - and there is absolutely no way I walked 200 miles in 20 days.

I've requested assistance from customer service - and I'm still waiting after several days. And the last time I had an inquiry their answer was so off the wall I think they rep must have either answered someone else's question or he had way too much fun the night before.

IMO it's the worst $100 I've ever spent. Only good thing - wearing it on my wrist does remind me to move more and that has to count for something...but I think a string could do that and that wold be far cheaper!

And if you are thinking about using it for the sleep function - that function is a total waste!

kitza101

I guess it depends on what works for you and your personality - for me, I find it really motivating to be able to see the stats on what I am doing each day, in terms of walking around. I find I go out of my way to walk more - why park right at the entrance when you can park at the back and get those extra steps? Or why not get off the bus a stop early so you can walk more? Things I wouldn't have thought about in the past, but now I feel motivated to do. Plus the exercise calories that come with it are a nice bonus!

I have the Fitbit One. I've been using it since November 2012, and it is in my Top 5 list of the best products I have ever purchased. I'd tried to lose weight before, and never stuck with it long term - I'd gain it back. I know weight loss is about diet, but for me my Fitbit and the helpfulness of MFP are intertwined - both motivate me and keep me on track. Mine is quite accurate too - I have checked my usual routes and the kilometres match pretty closely. I always take exercise calories with a grain of salt, but I do that with any logged exercise on MFP.

In the year and a half I've had my Fitbit, there have only been a couple of days I haven't worn it - and most of those were days when I was in transit via planes. A few times I forgot I had my Fitbit on my bra, and the one downside (or perhaps a perk for some!) of wearing a Fitbit in an airport is that it will you a free breast exam :P

curvygirl77

I bought a used off craigslist for 20 bucks; never really used it so I gave it to my and loves it --so yes I think it's beneficial

cyncynmar

LOVE LOVE LOVE mine, I have the force. It syncs with all my app...MFP, Pact, EveryMove I have since last Oct and I have walked more, lost 22 pds and made a ton of friends. I also have the aria scales, I would highly recommend it. If you are worried about the cost, dl the PACT app, it pays you to eat fruits/veggies, exercise and log your food. :laugh:

klfoster88

I have a fit bit and I would not trade it for the world!!!!!!!!!! I've had it a month now and it really helps me see what I'm burning all day not just in workout sessions. I know no calorie measuring device is 100 % effective but it helps me see when I need to move more in comparison to my eating.

graceyykim

I absolutely love my fitbit!! I think it was a good investment. I have the fitbit one and it's been so useful to me so far as well as keep me motivated! The only thing is that it can't track resistance activity such as elliptical well.. it is not a heart rate monitor.... So usually i take it off while doing activities other than running or walking and then log them seperately.

FrugalMomsRock75

I love my fitbit! I have it linked to my ipod, phone, and desk top. It's awesome.


Edit to add: I have fitbit One.

SherryTeach

I've worn a fitbit daily for two years. I credit MFP and my fitbit for helping stay on maintenance for about that long. I also use an HRM for formal exercise, but glancing at my fitbit a few times a day reminds me to move more in my general activities. I am absolutely sure I burn more calories by being aware of wanting my step number to be as high as possible.

TwistedSpinster

I got a fitbit flex and tried it for 4 weeks, (after the force was recalled). I wish I would have read more reviews before the purchase. Its a good piece but its too high of a price. Mine broke, Its not really water proof. I work at a hospital and am consistently washing my hands soon water got trapped in the band and then made its way into the tracker. when I looked it up, I realized that fitbit flex doesn't stand up to the companies claim of water resistant. I bout the Garmin vivofit for 20$ more then the flex and think that its a much better system for what I need. I've heard good reviews on the Polar Loop also. If fitbit came out with another Force I would give it a try. Also fit-bit offers a 45 day return period on their website so I would buy it directly just in case.

Twignasty

I have heard some say get a HRM with the fitbit. So many options!
Really trying to accurately track my calories burned and activities so maybe both would be best.

cwrig

I have heard some say get a HRM with the fitbit. So many options!
Really trying to accurately track my calories burned and activities so maybe both would be best.

You can not integrate a Fitbit with a Heart Rate Monitor. The only activity tracker I know that connects to a HRM is the Garmin VivoFit. It tracks steps like the fitbot but also can connect and track your HR via a HRM.

Fitbit is fine if you are just tracking steps (walker). Thats all it really does.