Prefered activity monitoring/syncing with MFP

stacetherainbow

What do you use to monitor your activity and exercise (fitbit, jawbone UP)? Does it sync with MFP (reliably)? Are you happy with it?
Is it worth it to pay for one of the devices that monitors sleep as well?
Thanks for your thoughts

missybct

I have a HRM - Polar FT4, and got it for around £45 (not sure on dollar conversion) from Amazon.

I also use Runtastic (I paid for Pro), but purely as a GPS tracking device in terms of distance and speed. It always over estimates my calorie burn by about 10%, so I edit it via my HRM and also upload my workouts to the Polar website.

My advice is that if you are a beginner to sports/fitness, get yourself a Polar FT1/2/4 - they are decent if a bit basic, but will track the relevant measurements you need. If you've got extra cash, you can go higher to the athlete standard watches, but for me personally a) I can't afford it even if I'm a data junkie and b) it probably wouldn't be of much use to me just yet.

MFP over estimates my calories too. There are debates about whether to eat exercise calories back, if at all, and at what percentage, but you have to play around with it and work what is best for you. I usually eat some back depending on what I've done during the day, but providing my net calories are good and I do not feel hungry (I refuse to!) then I don't necessarily eat them back. MFP puts you at a deficit of your BMR anyway.

mtbchk

I have a Fitbit One and sync it with MFP. It has been very reliable. I have worn it along with my Polar FT7 while exercising, and find the two are very close. I like syncing with MFP because it takes the guesswork out of TDEE.

The sleep tracking feature is cool, too.

stacetherainbow

Thanks for the feedback!