Activity Tracker AND Heart Rate Monitors

stuman74

That was my biggest question, wearing it while you work out. So since they both sync to MFP they don't double count? MFP knows not to do that correct?

Correct. The FitBit will adjust for the calories reported from the H7. Another way I have done it is to have the H7 only sync to FitBit and then only FitBit to MFP. But if you create a syncing "triangle" where all 3 sync to each other, you could run into problems.

Ryderod

also wear my Polar H7. Both sync to my iPhone and I have it set to have each sync with MFP

How are you getting your H7 to sync with MFP? Digifit?

stuman74

also wear my Polar H7. Both sync to my iPhone and I have it set to have each sync with MFP

How are you getting your H7 to sync with MFP? Digifit?

Yes. Sorry I left that out earlier. I use Digifit. I think I had to pay a few bucks to get the HRM sync capability. But it has worked very well for me.

happysherri

I have a Fitbit Flex. Those stupid dotted lights motivate me to walk more throughout the day! LOL I always want to try and light it up, therefore parking further, taking the stairs, walking on break, etc.... more

renelatting

I also have the Polar FT7. Mine also syncs with all the cardio equipment at the gym. Without it, the it will show I've burned close to 1000 calories when I truly might have burned only 500-600 (depending on the exercise.

Definitely NOT a waste of money!

SKME2013

I have the Firbit One for step counting and a Polar RCX5 multisportswatch for exercises. I would say together with my Blendtec blender, these were the most critical investments last year, that helped me tremendously in my weightloss journey.

I love eating and I love "earning" some extra calories through exercise so I can eat a bit more and have a treat here and there. I know that it is easier to cut calories, but frankly my TDEE is not exactly high and through an exercise regime I can eat more normally.

For me the combination of both works very well. As it has been said, fitbit and MFP adjust automatically to avoid double counting.
Stef.

SueInAz

I got a Garmin 410 GPS watch as a birthday gift in 2012 after I started running. That year for Xmas I asked for a Fitbit One. I use both religiously. I wear the Fitbit all day, every day, either clipped on my bra or on the wriststrap when I'm sleeping. It helps to motivate me to walk and ensure I get in my 10,000 steps most days.Frankly, I haven't been using the HRM strap much anymore because I know pretty much what my calorie burn per mile is when I run and that's my main source of cardio. I only use it when I want to specifically monitor my heartrate during a run. I still wear the watch on every run so I can track how far I've gone and the time elapsed since I run/walk intervals.

tucky3203

I just recently purchased the Bodymedia (like they wear on the biggest loser) and it is freaky accurate. Also monitors sleep quality and quantity. It's nice to have total accountability for the exercise I do. It has also showed me how if I did not have physical activity I would maintain my weight even with calorie restrictions. The only downfall is the monthly subsription after three month free. This is so you can track your data on their website. Overall I like my monitor.

andiechick

I have a fitbit for everyday to make I'm not tempted to sit down too much but when I do a 'proper' workout, ie going on my treadmill or doing my class such as body combat I wear my polar F2. Wasn't a fancy expensive HRM but it does the job. Even wear it to go swimming

angieroo2

Is anyone using an activity tracker for steps, causal movements then using an HRM for your "real" workouts? I use Pacer for steps but when I work out it takes stops accounting for any calories I may have burned earlier in the day. I'm not trying to count them twice, just keep the credit for what I might have already done.

I was considering a Jawbone Up or Fitbit to wear throughout the day then removing that and using my Polar HRM when I actually work out. Does that sound like it makes sense?

Thoughts?

Why not get one item that does it all? The Garmin Forerunner 15 has an HRM + counts steps and tracks running (if that's your thing). I'm sure there are other options if you look.

arwFTW

I am interested in getting a Polar FT7-- does this keep track of calories burned during normal everyday life, like when I'm not working out?

SueInAz

I am interested in getting a Polar FT7-- does this keep track of calories burned during normal everyday life, like when I'm not working out?

No. Heart Rate Monitors are only even close to accurate when used for steady state cardio activities like running, walking, biking, aerobics, etc.

susannamn

I just got my Vivofit but the heart rate portion of it is unreliable and way off. Have you had luck with it? I'm wondering if I need to buy a new heart rate strap. I'm using one that is several years old that I go with my other Garmin.

bigobelly

I have been using the Sportline HRM with the chest strap while using the elliptical and doing various weight circuits. I had no way to track the calories being burned when doing weights, the Sportline gives me readings from my entire time at the gym. I did see that google has some sort of tracker available for android phones.

kzooprincess

I just recently purchased the Bodymedia (like they wear on the biggest loser) and it is freaky accurate. Also monitors sleep quality and quantity. It's nice to have total accountability for the exercise I do. It has also showed me how if I did not have physical activity I would maintain my weight even with calorie restrictions. The only downfall is the monthly subsription after three month free. This is so you can track your data on their website. Overall I like my monitor.

I just got a Bodymedia last week and as far as calories burned seems very close to what my HRM was reading when I used only that. I do a dance class once a week and last week my HRM showed 515 calories while this weeks class with the Bodymedia showed 537. Considering that we did not do exactly the same songs both weeks, I would say that's pretty good. Also my kickboxing class showed a difference of only 40 calories from last week.

meinola

I had this same question the other day. My NB N4 HRM just quit working properly (replaced both batteries and still getting numbers that are way off), so I was looking into replacing just the HRM with the Polar FT7. I didn't realize the Vivofit did both, although the cost seems kind of high. I mostly do cardio classes, and like to measure my calorie burn, so it does seem like a good fit. Anyone had any other issues (I've read some negative reviews about the band, but it seems not too hard to fix) with the Vivofit, other than the commenter who was using with an older HRM strap?

Adaniel65

I use polar ft7 for when I work out only