Helpful Tool or Glorified Pedometer?

McManda89
McManda89 Posts: 27
in Fitness and Exercise
The shiny futuristic allure of the Nike+ Fuel Band and the FitBit Flex are almost enough to make me want to buy one just to have on my wrist, but at the same time these are expensive gadgets that claim to accurately monitor your activity throughout the day.

I'm aware that Flex isn't out yet, but considering it has a little bit of a smaller price than the Nike+ Fuel I am considering giving it a try. Has anyone here used a Nike+ Fuel or similar product (Maybe Jawbone?) and what was your experience with it? Was it actually very accurate and helpful in tracking your exercise or would a cheap pedometer from Walmart be just as effective?

I guess what I really want to know is... Are these bands worth the money or are you paying for a fancy interface and a fancy bracelet?

Replies

  • Railr0aderTony
    Railr0aderTony Posts: 6,803 Member
    I have the fitbit Ultra and is a useful tool but it is also just a glorified pedometer, It is great for monitoring you daily activities but you would still need a Heart Rate Monitor to track your workouts unless all you plan to do is walk. I have the fitbit and a Polar Ft7 HRM, Great combo.
  • chrisjathompson
    chrisjathompson Posts: 227 Member
    Check out this comparison. I think this is the most interesting article I have read on these devices.

    http://www.getgrok.com/2013/01/a-comparative-review-28-days-with-the-fitbit-one-jawbone-up-nike-fuelband-and-bodymedia-link/

    (edit cause I forgot to give the link haha)
  • maegmez
    maegmez Posts: 341 Member
    I went back and forth so many times on this but to me, it's not worth the money unless it has a heart rate monitor with a great algorithm to calculate your calories.

    My reasoning:

    I started lots of cardio training at 258 pounds. At 220-225, I got a Garmin FR70. I found my resting heart rate to be 53! Wow, how great is that!?! Until I discovered that any calories burned calculator that based the outcome on height, weight, and sex were way too off. So for me, a fitbit would have been a waste of money. I burn alot less calories and have to push harder to burn what I used to. I currently weigh 173 and burn the calories of a 150 pound person.

    A good heart rate monitor is going to be more accurate and it is equally motivating!
  • jaz050465
    jaz050465 Posts: 3,508 Member
    A HRM is only good for cardio e ercise. A Bodymeia fit is supposed to be more than 90% accurate for all day wear.
  • jaz050465
    jaz050465 Posts: 3,508 Member
    Check out this comparison. I think this is the most interesting article I have read on these devices.

    http://www.getgrok.com/2013/01/a-comparative-review-28-days-with-the-fitbit-one-jawbone-up-nike-fuelband-and-bodymedia-link/

    (edit cause I forgot to give the link haha)

    What a great review. Best I've seen.
  • kitza101
    kitza101 Posts: 99 Member
    I guess it depends on what you are looking for and what kind of personality you have, ultimately. A Fitbit may very well be a glorified pedometer, but for me it is a great motivational tool. I love gadgets and I love numbers, and I love the graphs and stats my Fitbit can create about me and that alone keeps me going back for more - how much further can I walk to beat x stat, for example. To be honest, it wasn't until I bought my Fitbit One that I really got serious about weight loss and over the past few months have made more progress than I did in years of umming and ahhing about losing weight. The combination of the Fitbit, the tools on this site and how they can synchronise is really up my alley. However, I know that other people have different goals and motivation to me - take what works and leave what doesn't!

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