HRM vs bodybugg/fitbit

ashlinmarie

I'm sure this topic has about been beaten dead but I can't find the info I need in the search so I'll just post here.

I need something to help me make sure I'm getting an accurate calorie burn. The scale isn't budging much and I'm worried my burn is off so I'm eating over and not realizing it. I also am trying to learn to stay in my peak fat burning stage. I was looking at the polar models, but I'm not sure if I am getting the info right...does it just track my heart rate or will it give me a calorie burn as well? And is it accurate?

Would it be better for me to invest in something like the fitbit? After reading, it seems to suit my needs more than a bodybugg since I can sync it to MFP and I didn't see anywhere that I would have to pay to use it.

Any information would be greatly appreciated!

ashlinmarie

Or if someone can point me in the direction where I can get the info, that would be great!

wiltl

I have a Polar FT7, and found that yeah I was overestimating my exercise burn by almost double. Here is their website, which also has a product finder so you can see what each model does: http://www.polarusa.com/us-en/products/get_active/fitness_crosstraining/FT7. It shows calories burned during exercise, has a setting that shows the Fat Burn heart rate and Fitness heart rate.

I also have the Fitbit, and wear that every day to see how much (or little, actually) I move while working etc. Its gotten me to walk downstairs at work to use the restroom on the 1st floor and then walk back up to the 3rd just so I can see the numbers move. I also timed an activity one evening at Ikea, just to see how much I walked through there, and walked 1.3 miles!

ashlinmarie

Yeah, the fitbit would be good for me when I go to Texas as we'll be walking around base and possibly down by the Riverwalk in San Antonio, but I don't know how often it would come in handy as I pretty much only work and bike and go to the gym at this point. Maybe in the future it would be a better investment.

kimnsc

I had a Bodybugg and hated it, not to mention the $80.00 per year fee to even use the service.

I also have a fitbit and a PolarFT4 and I've found that my fitbit and hrm are in line with each other regarding calories burned. I'm consistently losing weight using the information they provide as far as calories burned.

If you have any questions please feel free to send me a message.

ashlinmarie

After reading reviews and such, I think I'm going to go with the FT4 model. Now let's just hope I can figure it out!

spoonful

I like the Fitbit a lot. I do wonder if it is too generous with giving calories back though. I never eat all of them. I gave up trusting scales period. Taking measurements works better for me.

ashlinmarie

I ordered my Polar FT4 last night! After I'm with my husband at whatever base we'll be stationed at, I'll look into the fitbit or whatever else, but something simple to make sure I'm getting the correct burn is all I need!

Now hopefully I'll be able to get it set up without him!