BodyBugg

Eponine7

Thinking about getting one. I don't have a smart phone to use with it.

What are your experiences? Do you wear it while you're sleeping?

Any feedback, tips, etc. would be appreciated.

I am using a Polar FT4 for my workouts now but the chest strap bugs me.

TIA!

tallen3687

Hope you get an answer. I don't have either, but was looking into getting something to help me track better.

briehill

My mom used to have it. She wore it all the time (on her upper arm). The only time she took it off was when she was taking a shower. She found it worked really well for her. Helped her lose over 100lbs. I stole it from her for a month and found that I liked it as well. It's nice that it tracks all activity not just when you are working out. I use endomondo now but only when I'm working out which means that I don't see the calories I'm burning from walking around a classroom (which I was suprised to find with the body bug was quite a few) and just the general day to day stuff you're doing.

everydaypam

I have had a BodyBugg SP for about a year. I love it because I can track what my actual calorie burn is every day and not just estimate based on what is in the database here (which is usually off by a few hundred calories one way or another for me). I hate the food logging software they have, hence the reason I am on here.

I will note that with the last few software releases I have been having major issues synching my BodyBugg with my phone and have been wishing I got the standard version 3 so I could order the wrist attachment and actually see my burn and steps throughout the day.

The plus side is that they are a very responsive company. If you post an issue or complaint on their Facebook page they respond within the hour every time.

All-in-all I love it and would recommend it to anyone looking for this type of device.

kmbrooks15

I have a BodyMedia Fit armband. It's basically the same thing (I think they are even made by the same company with the BodyBugg being marketed by Biggest Loser and 24 Hour Fitness). I sleep in mine and when I sync it, it shows how much I slept the night before. I wear it all the time except when I'm showering or syncing it. I find it gives me a much better picture of my calorie burn. I still track my food here, though (the MFP database is better), and put my total calories into BodyMedia's site as a daily estimate.

If I'd only had 20-25 pounds to lose, I wouldn't have gone this route, but since I have about 75 to lose, I felt like it was worth it. I'll probably keep it up through reaching goal weight and maybe six months of maintenance, then sell it.

Eponine7

Thanks for your responses...

What do you mean when you say "sync it"? Do you hook it into your USB port or something to download info?

(Sorry I'm so clueless).

And it tracks sleep? By your heart rate somehow? Interesting. Is it only the Media Fit that does this or the BodyBugg too?

fitcounselor

I have one and I LOVE IT. I don't care for the food tracker so much, which is why I use MFP, but I enter my exact calorie burn according to my BodyBugg. I wear it ALL the time (except in shower) - even to bed. It is amazing because sometimes I can see how much my burn varies from night to night. I can burn as little as 400 calories and as much as 600 sleeping (for 6-7 hours). Pretty crazy huh. Well, let me know if you have more questions!

BTW, there is also a promotion where you can save $30 if you use the following link: http://bodybugg.extole.com/a/clk/3db2v

GOOD LUCK and feel free to friend me!

kmbrooks15

Pretty sure Bodybugg does it too. I think they are pretty much identical as far as what they do. I picked the BodyMedia because the Core armband is a little smaller and sleeker and will not show as much under my sleeves at work.

Yes, you plug it into a USB cable and it syncs up with the website. It pulls all the data off your armband and loads it into the website. It only takes a few seconds.

If you don't have a smartphone (I do, but it's a prepaid from Virgin Mobile and sometimes not so reliable), you'll want a display with it. When I get ready to go work out, I zero the trip meter so I can see what I burned just during my workout. I can enter that number here at MFP so I keep accurate info here.

Feel free to ask any further questions. It may be later today or tomorrow before I answer again...lunch break is over!

rodeomc

I have a fitbit. I went with it over the Bodybugg because of size. I clip mine on my clothes waistband and never even know it is there.

Eponine7

Thank you all so much! I am going to look online for a BodyBugg or BodyMedia & treat myself as an early Christmas gift.

kgool

Any thoughts on how the Fitbit compares? I can't figure out how it gets an accurate reading unless it is going purely by kinetic motion/steps. It doesn't track heart rate does it?

Just1forMe

Pretty sure Bodybugg does it too. I think they are pretty much identical as far as what they do. I picked the BodyMedia because the Core armband is a little smaller and sleeker and will not show as much under my sleeves at work.

I am pretty sure the Bodybugg does not track sleep. I think that is one of the major differences between BodyMedia Fit & Bodybugg. My friend saw my BMF and wanted one but accidentally bought a Bodybugg a few weeks ago and told me she messed up because it does not track her sleep and the one she wanted was a BMF but she forgot the name

I LOVE my BodyMedia Fit. It is an amazing tool worth it's weight in gold! One of the best things I've EVER done for myself...

kmbrooks15

Pretty sure Bodybugg does it too. I think they are pretty much identical as far as what they do. I picked the BodyMedia because the Core armband is a little smaller and sleeker and will not show as much under my sleeves at work.

I am pretty sure the Bodybugg does not track sleep. I think that is one of the major differences between BodyMedia Fit & Bodybugg. My friend saw my BMF and wanted one but accidentally bought a Bodybugg a few weeks ago and told me she messed up because it does not track her sleep and the one she wanted was a BMF but she forgot the name

I LOVE my BodyMedia Fit. It is an amazing tool worth it's weight in gold! One of the best things I've EVER done for myself...

I thought Bodybugg did, so I'm glad I didn't go with that one! I like that the BMF tracks my sleep.

I love my BMF, too. It really helps give me good information on how much I'm burning all through the day. Much more specific information than the heart rate monitor I was using.

JayLe81

Thanks for posting this!!! I was trying to find out if anyone on here uses one and what the general advice was on them

JayLe81

Thanks for posting this!!! I was trying to find out if anyone on here uses one and what the general advice was on them

amberl10

Regarding the bodybugg or media fit, do you pay extra or just purchase the device? I read somwhere it's a certain amount per month or is that just to be able to log the food? I'm thinking of getting it for Christmas.

AddA2UDE

I'll probably keep it up through reaching goal weight and maybe six months of maintenance, then sell it.

Are you sure this is possible? I don't have one yet either. I was reading the FAQ's the other day on their website and saw something that led me to believe that there was some type of issue with using one that had already been assigned to someone else. The FAQ went something to the effect of, "Q: My friend gave me theirs, how do I set up my account with it? A: You can't."

ambercanfly

I really wanted one of these but they're effing expensive! Not only do you buy the device for $$$ you have to subscribe to their online service for a minimum of $7 or so a month (if you prepay for the whole year). You can't use the device without this subscription... wtf? I believe it's the same for bodybugg/body media fit/etc

Just stick with the HRM unless you have money to burn.

Just1forMe

I really wanted one of these but they're effing expensive! Not only do you buy the device for $$$ you have to subscribe to their online service for a minimum of $7 or so a month (if you prepay for the whole year). You can't use the device without this subscription... wtf? I believe it's the same for bodybugg/body media fit/etc

Just stick with the HRM unless you have money to burn.

I got mine new on Ebay with 6 months free subscription and 2 extra free armbands (different colors) for $130. It was the best $130 I've ever spent! Totally worth it. It is extremely accurate and very sensitive. I fell asleep sitting up in a recliner watching TV one evening at 8:30 (I was sick and it detected that I was asleep! I was amazed at that. The information on how MY body works and burns calories is invaluable to me. I can accurately guesstimate (from past data) how many calories I will burn in advance from say, 6pm to midnite so I know how to adjust my calorie intake to maintain the proper deficit. I will gladly fork over $83 for a year of data service when my free 6 mos is up. It is totally worth it! I can't say enough good things about my BodyMedia Fit

Just1forMe

I'll probably keep it up through reaching goal weight and maybe six months of maintenance, then sell it.

Are you sure this is possible? I don't have one yet either. I was reading the FAQ's the other day on their website and saw something that led me to believe that there was some type of issue with using one that had already been assigned to someone else. The FAQ went something to the effect of, "Q: My friend gave me theirs, how do I set up my account with it? A: You can't."

I'm pretty sure this is also NOT true. I know people who have purchased a used band. What you can't do is use one band and share an account with more than one person to upload data.

Just1forMe

This is a great link to compare BodyBugg, BodyMedia Fit, activity monitors, HRM's etc...

http://www.bodymedia.com/Products/Compare

ahinescapron

I actually got one a couple of weeks ago and ended up returning it. Despite multiple calls to tech support, I was never able to get it to work correctly on my computer or on my smart phone. I thought the device was cool, but just got tired of messing with all the glitches and the database sucked. I also didn't like that they charge you after the first six months to use their website. I just got the fitbit and compared it to what I got on my Bodybugg for the week that I had it and it was pretty darn close. The setup for the fitbit was super easy and it worked right out of the box. I also find it much more discrete. Neither of them actually use your heart rate btw.

Eponine7

Okay, one more question for everyone. I am leaning towards the BodyMedia Core Armband. How important do you think it is to get the display watch? Do you find it motivating, or do you think I could do without? It's a little expensive so I was wondering how important it was.

Of note: I do wear a pedometer, and I have a Polar FT4 I suppose I could still wear during workouts if I wanted immediate feedback, although it seems like a lot of gear to wear.

TIA for your feedback!

kmbrooks15

I use the display so that I can track my workout burn. I will use it other times, too. For example, I work at a church and sometimes have to climb several sets of stairs to go up to the sound booth. It's interesting to zero the trip meter and see how much you burn just by that activity.

That said, I don't know that the display is really NEEDED. I think I just WANTED it. You can order it separately, so if you don't think you need it, just get the armband. You can always order the display later if you decide you need it (I think the cost is slightly more, but if you're not sure you need it, it might be better to wait).

Let us know how you like the armband. I'm always interested in hearing what others think when they get it. Some people love it, and I've heard others say they didn't find it helpful. Each to his own, I guess!

Just1forMe

Okay, one more question for everyone. I am leaning towards the BodyMedia Core Armband. How important do you think it is to get the display watch? Do you find it motivating, or do you think I could do without? It's a little expensive so I was wondering how important it was.

I bought my BMF band with the intention of buying the display later. I am SO glad I did it that way because after having it for 4 months or so, I know now that I'll never buy it I don't need it at all...I upload my data by popping out the sensor and plugging it into my computer 4-5 times a day. It takes about 2 minutes and it recharges the battery while you are uploading...usually it's fully charged in less than 5 minutes! I don't see the need to have your burn information instantly, but if you have to know and have lots of extra money to blow...

kmbrooks15

Yeah, the syncing is quite easy. I guess I like having the display for instant information when I'm at the gym. Some days, my menu is planned out and I know I need x amount of calories burned in my workout to be able to eat what I've planned; those are the times when it's really helpful to have the display. But I don't think it's really necessary, as Just1forme has stated. You can probably do without it if you need to keep the cost lower.

Eponine7

Excellent responses, everyone--thanks so much!

I think I will just order the armband and see how it goes, now that I know I can just order the display separately in the future if needed.

Geez, these MFP boards are great!! How did I live without them??

Take care everyone!

kendib

Thanks for the info. Makes my decision easier.