FitBit? Electronic Tracking Devices

DeeDiddyGee

Hi, Folks:

I have been considering buying an electronic tracking device to gauge calories burned that will sync with MFP, such as FitBit. My question is as follows:

1. Who out there uses this kind of device?

2. Do you like it?

3. Do you wish you purchased a different tracker? If so, which one?

Of course, reading up on these trackers makes them all look great (and they may be), but I am looking for answers from those who actually use them.

Thanks in advance!

Dee

frugalafterfifty

following this thread, Dee. I was wondering as well

Flab2fitfi

I have a fitbit and a HRM.

Although my Fitbit tends to give less calories burnt than my HRM I use it all the time as it just fits on my bra and stays there all day. It also gives me the incentive to do more especially making sure I burn enough calories. Most of my exercise is walking and if I was doing the gym or workout video I would switch to my HRM.

punkrain

I have been using a borrowed Fitbit for about a week. I like that it automatically syncs, but it feels more like a fancy pedometer than anything else, I mean it tracks your steps and gives you a calories burned number, but I feel like the treadmill does that better. After using it, I am looking at getting a heart rate monitor that will integrate with Digifit that will then integrate with MyFitnessPal.

tattedlady75

I have the fitbit zip that i got 2.5 weeks ago. Most of my exercise comes from walking so it was perfect. I love it, I can check to see how many steps i have taken or how many miles for the day and it gives me a push to try and hit my goals. If most of your exercise is going to be from something other than walking then you may want to look into getting a HRM. I dont use a treadmill and most of my walking comes from when i have a chance, randomly throughout the day at work and then evening walks in the neighborhood.

Zumbanator

I have fitbit zip and I like it. It give me incentive to get up and move around when I see my "realtime" activity data displayed on the fitbit app, especially when I see how often I am just sitting doing at the computer for hours on end. Can't log activity in MFP in the usual way or there are double-entry problems and possible overestimation of caloric output.

pcon1212

I have a FitBit and I really like it. I have a sedentary desk job and wearing the FitBit motivates me to try to fit in more movement throughout the day. Most of my exercise at this point is walking and light weight lifting so I haven't had the need for a HRM. That being said, if/when I step up my exercise routine I would also love to get a HRM that synced with DigitFit which in turn syncs with MFP.

FlamencoGal

I got my FitBit Zip last fall and I LOVE IT!!!!! It has pushed me to do 10,000 steps or more per day. I love that it syncs with MFP. I just love everything about it!!! I bought one for my BFF and she loves it now.

msb803

I love my Fitbit! I wear it everyday(got it in November), and it's definitely helped me lose weight this year. I like it because it reminds me to be more active during the day. I do Crossfit, so I'm definitely active each evening, but using the Fitbit encourages me to move more throughout the day(I have a desk job, so this is important!) I did end up getting a HRM as well, simply because the Fitbit doesn't track most Crossfit WODs. I'll wear the HRM for those, and use the Fitbit One all day long. I hope that helps!

crazyellybean

1. Who out there uses this kind of device? I use the bodymedia, it's a bit more than the Fitbit, but it's much more accurate as well. If you do a lot of walking then the Fitbit would be great, but if your into other activities such as biking, elliptical, lifting, then your not going to get an accurate reading.

2. Do you like it? LOVE it.

3. Do you wish you purchased a different tracker? If so, which one? Nope, I did a lot of research on the devices before purchasing them, and went from my HRM to the Bodymedia and it's been my staple since.

Here are a few things I found out when researching:

1) the Bodymedia is 90% accurate in most activities, it uses 5 sensors to track your calorie burn and is more accurate than an HRM

2) the HRM actually estimates your calorie burn as well, it's not any more accurate than using the machine, it estimates your calorie burn based off the oxygen intake between heart beats. I was logging 200-500 MORE calories when using my HRM.. it was quite the shocker when I switched to the bodymedia

3) If your a walker and that's your exercise, Fitbit would be great, it's basically a glorified pedometer (although I know nothing about the new one that just came out)


ANY method you chose, the most important thing is to stick with it! Doesn't matter which device you use, as long as your consistent with your numbers it will work for you.

Personally I love the Bodymedia, because I can track my calories burned, steps, activity level, sleep and so much more, and I can do this all my pushing a button on my phone. However, the Bodymedia does carry that $7.00 a month fee.

Eliza956

I also have the fitbit zip. I had previously had the more expensive one that tracks your sleep but I was having difficulty with durability so I bought the little zip because it can get damp and not die.

I like it to keep track of how much I am moving during the day and it is like a little game for me. I find that I now park in the back of my parking garage, I take the stairs and walk more rather than having my intern run my errands.I do miss the stair count as the zip does not have that ability. I do log my activity and I do not seem to have the other issues that people have with double-entry as long as I log everything in MFP and the correct time the overrides the information from that time period.

So yea it is a glorified pedometer but I find it to be a good motivator.

blood6338

I've had my Fitbit One since November. I love how it automatically syncs to the internet when I'm near my laptop. I log my steps on another site and the fact that it's all out on the Fitbit site makes it so much easier to log several days in a row if I miss a few days logging my steps. The fact that it syncs with MFP is great too. I'm not going to claim its a 100% accurate but I've not seen a pedometer yet that was. It is a fancy pedometer but if you climb stairs for exercise it tracks floors climbed which is nice. The sleep tracking feature is nice. I realized I don't toss and turn near as much as I thought. It also has a silent alarm that you can set which is a nice feature. I've occasionally been known to sleep thru my bedside alarm...not anymore. I am considering a HRM at some point but I will probably still wear my fitbit even then to track steps. It's very secure. We did attach a lanyard to it as a precaution but the only time that's been necessary was when I wear the thin nylon running shorts. Other than that it stays in place really well.

scottyg70

I'll weigh in on the Bodymedia Fit, too. I've never used the FitBit, but I love the Bodymedia and the data that it tracks. It's a good fit for me, but may not be for everyone. It all depends on what you're looking for. The bottom line, to echo Eliza, is if it's a good motivator then you can't lose no matter what you choose!

bobbijodmb

Great topic. I am actually involved in a research study that is studying this topic. The study is 2 years long and for the first 6 months every gets the same treatment- meeting once a week and weighed once a week. After the first 6 months we were broken up into two groups. Half of us got the BodyMedia Fit and half of the group didn't. They are studying to see if spending the money on the electronic tracking helps with weight loss. I am part of the group who got the BodyMedia Fit.

So after that informaiton here is what I think: (and on a side note about 1.5 years ago I got myself a heart rate monitor and loved it. I liked seeing how many calories I burned when working out)

1. Who out there uses this kind of device? I have the BodyMedia Fit (which links with MFP) but I actually like their program to track my food, so I log on here for the community but I log all my informaiton on their site.

2. Do you like it? I absolutely love it. It holds me accountable and I can see how many calories I have burned all day vs how many I have ate. So every day I have a pretty good idea about what the scale should say the next morning because of how I have been doing.

3. Do you wish you purchased a different tracker? If so, which one? My mom has a fit bit and likes that, but from being both- I really enjoy the BodyMedia fit and would recommend that. I am not sure how much they cost since I am able to use mine for free for the next 18 months (and get paid to share my results with the study whoo hoo)

For me, I like to see numbers- What i am doing, where I need to improve and it proves/disproves a lot of ideas that I had. I would recommend.

DeeDiddyGee

I have the fitbit zip that i got 2.5 weeks ago. Most of my exercise comes from walking so it was perfect. I love it, I can check to see how many steps i have taken or how many miles for the day and it gives me a push to try and hit my goals. If most of your exercise is going to be from something other than walking then you may want to look into getting a HRM. I dont use a treadmill and most of my walking comes from when i have a chance, randomly throughout the day at work and then evening walks in the neighborhood.

WIll a heart rate monitor track calories burned?

DeeDiddyGee

Personally I love the Bodymedia, because I can track my calories burned, steps, activity level, sleep and so much more, and I can do this all my pushing a button on my phone. However, the Bodymedia does carry that $7.00 a month fee.

Thank you. This is the first I have heard of Bodymedia and will look into it!

BunnieMommie

I love my Fitbit One. I also have a HRM because I do other things in the gym, besides walk. I was considering the BodyBugg but did not get it. For the reason that you have to wear it around your arm. I prefer the Fitbit because it's small and no one knows you are wearing one. I like my Fitbit because it does motivate me to move around more. And like someone mentioned, I never knew I woke up so much during the night!

GlassSlipperGurl

I got my FitBit Zip last fall and I LOVE IT!!!!! It has pushed me to do 10,000 steps or more per day. I love that it syncs with MFP. I just love everything about it!!! I bought one for my BFF and she loves it now.

Same here...I will check mine, realize I need more steps for the day start walking around the house to get them in or take the dog out, etc

bobbijodmb

True-- you do have to wear it on your arm, so its all on your preference. I guess I just have a low tolerance for caring. Most of my shirts cover it up, and if not, its a good conversation starter "whats that on your arm" lol

I love my Fitbit One. I also have a HRM because I do other things in the gym, besides walk. I was considering the BodyBugg but did not get it. For the reason that you have to wear it around your arm. I prefer the Fitbit because it's small and no one knows you are wearing one. I like my Fitbit because it does motivate me to move around more. And like someone mentioned, I never knew I woke up so much during the night!

Cassie06

I had a FitBit! I loved it! Then I lost it and I can't find it!!

AnotherTryLiz

I have the Fitbit Zip and LOVE it. Hook it to my bra first thing in the morning and forget about it until an hour before bedtime to make sure I have all my steps in.

Amandatorie

I have a FitBit. I don't use it to track my "exercise", I use it to track my daily activity (i.e., walking). I take it off when I'm at the gym, or going for a run, and log that separately into MFP. I have a desk job, so the FitBit is great to see how much daily walking I'm getting in. It can REALLY vary...from only a couple thousand steps on a day I drive to work, and don't do any other walks, vs. 10,000 steps when I take the train to work, and then go out to lunch, and then walk the dog in the evening.

The reason I like it is if I'm considering driving vs. walking to the store, or I'm considering watching TV vs. taking the dog for a walk, or anything along those lines, and I see that my steps is low for the day, I'll end up doing the walking in stead. Also, there have been some days where I think "Man, I'm tired today!" and then I'll realize I walked the full 10,000 steps, in addition to working out, and realize why!

crazebeck

I want the Polar F7, I have been researching for months and I think that will track my exercise the best. I am looking for something that doesnt have a monthy subscription fee, removeable battery, and can track my heart rate for a more accurate calorie burn report. Anyone have a Polar or Garmin and can suggest a model that is tried and true?

Ascolti_la_musica

FITBIT!!!
Love this little bug! I have the FitBit Ultra clipped to my bra at all times. I've bought TONS of exercise gear and gadgetry, and nothing has motivated me to MOVE more than my FitBit. I love that it syncs automatically, too, so I don't ever have to log exercise on MFP. I also have the FitBit Aria scale, so I just step on Friday morning and have my weight and body fat percentage uploaded automatically.

I don't like the chest strap on an HRM, and the ones without just don't do the job right. Owning an exercise bike, an aerobic step, resistance bands, weights, a pile of workout videos, etc. doesn't mean you are or will be using them consistently. The FitBit has me moving consistently. That is the highest praise I can give anything in this house!

spfldpam

1. Who out there uses this kind of device? I have a Fit Bit One I bought in Jan of this year

2. Do you like it?-Yes, I love it!

3. Do you wish you purchased a different tracker? If so, which one? No, I love my fit bit one! It motivates me to move more throughout the day and challenges me to get 10,000 steps or more in a day in. I like how it syncs with MFP also!
Best $100 I have spent in a long time!

spfldpam

I also have a HRM watch I used to wear at the gym but I checked it to the readouts on the cardio machines and it was basically the same rate so I quit wearing it. I sometimes where it though when I am doing strength training. It isn't a fancy HRM watch but it did/does the job I need for it. I bought it at TJMaxx for $20 last summer.

louismetal

I just got my Fitbit this week and I'm loving it! I'm a geek for looking at graphs and stats and love that feature of it as well as the motivation to get moving!

msb803

CrazeBeck,

I have a Polar FT4 and love it! It works great and I haven't had any issues with it. I bought it earlier this year when I started Couch to 5K. I have exercised-induced asthma, so being able to see my heart rate has helped me control my breathing during my runs.

aliciaaw

I have one, wear my everyday. I love it!!!!!

angieroo2

I want the Polar F7, I have been researching for months and I think that will track my exercise the best. I am looking for something that doesnt have a monthy subscription fee, removeable battery, and can track my heart rate for a more accurate calorie burn report. Anyone have a Polar or Garmin and can suggest a model that is tried and true?

I have the Polar FT7 and I love it. The chest strap doesn't bother me and I like seeing my calories burned during and after my workout.

gitnfit2

There are a lot of opinions and options so I would always recommend looking at the benefits of each and based on your life style pick the right fir for you. For my part I can speak to the FitBit Ultra, Garmin FR60, and MotoActiv. For general step counting the FitBit does a great job with a rechargeable battery life 2nd to none, I think my wife has to charges hers every 4 weeks or so. Hers has also survived the laundry twice now with only a minor chip to the case. Down side other than steps I do not see allot of benefit to it but it helps motivate her so I am all for it. The next is the Garmin FR60. Great running watch when paired with a HRM and foot pod. Plus the bonus of a 1 year battery life. The down side is it does not display steps or calories you have to wait til it uploads to your computer and then look at the software. The last is the MotoActiv I have. You can ware it on the hip, as a watch or with a sport band. It tracks steps and calories through the day. As a running watch I love it during my runs I can see pace, calories, heart rate total distance and map if needed. Down side you have to charge it fairly often every other day for me. The fitbit is the only one right now that auto connects with MFP. I hope this helps and you are able to find 1 that fits your style and helps to motivate and track information for you.