Your thoughts on the Body Bugg?

RedneckWmn
RedneckWmn Posts: 3,202 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
The Body Bugg is on sale for $99 and I'm seriously considering buying one....who has used one? What are your thoughts? Is it worth the investment? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
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Replies

  • Jacwhite22
    Jacwhite22 Posts: 7,010 Member
    my only thought is I would hate to have to pay a monthly subscription to be able to use the device. Lots of people have them and love them.
  • myfitnessnmhoy
    myfitnessnmhoy Posts: 2,105 Member
    It's a way to estimate calories burned. You've lost 28 pounds, so I'd say your estimation skills aren't too shabby as it is. :)

    But it's only $100. If you want a shiny new toy, who am I to say no? ;)
  • MdmAcolyte
    MdmAcolyte Posts: 382 Member
    The fitbit thing looks like a better deal ~ and it's website tracker is free.
  • debussyschild
    debussyschild Posts: 804 Member
    Go with fit bit. Or just buy a HRM. Don't pay any more than necessary to lose weight. It's not required.
  • Rae6503
    Rae6503 Posts: 6,294 Member
    I have one. It seems to be accurate for me. Fun tool. Motivated me to get up and move occasionally at work. Doesn't make you magically eat less than you burn though... I got tired of wearing it. It looks weird, people ask about it all the time, I got a tan line, etc. I stopped wearing it a few weeks ago.
  • thedreamhazer
    thedreamhazer Posts: 1,156 Member
    I really love mine. I'm a data person -- I appreciate the readouts it gives me and that I can run reports on calories eaten, burned, steps taken, hours of sleep, physical activity, etc. over a period of time. I wear mine all the time.

    As to Rae's point -- you will get asked about it all the time. Some inappropriate people will make heroine jokes (a strap on your arm ... get it??). And I totally have a tan line.

    Also -- if you bike a lot, you may not want to bother. It's very bad at recording calories burned for biking (at least, stationary biking --- I never do any other kind).
  • RedneckWmn
    RedneckWmn Posts: 3,202 Member
    I've got a HRM that I use. I just feel like I'm either burning more then I think or I'm not burning nearly as much as I'm estimating.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,024 Member
    I used one for 2 years. Got tired of Apex's lack of responses to issues and for $10 a month, that's too much to pay for crappy service.
    But it is a great tool if you use it consistently.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • RedneckWmn
    RedneckWmn Posts: 3,202 Member
    Thank you all so much for the feedback! I really appreciate it!
  • DelilahCat0212
    DelilahCat0212 Posts: 282 Member
    I love mine! Look for a $20 coupon - I got mine for $79. The website is free for the first 6 months. Worth it for me.
  • RedneckWmn
    RedneckWmn Posts: 3,202 Member
    Is it uncomfortable to wear? I've heard you could wear it on your leg also.
  • sirrah17
    sirrah17 Posts: 26 Member
    I wore mine on and off for about two years. At times, I found it really helpful, and at others it was just an annoyance.

    Pros:
    ~motivating to see what little bursts of activity can do for your overall daily calorie burn
    ~easy to use
    ~newer versions sync to smart phones (which might eliminate the need for the digital display (see below), but I am not sure)
    ~good battery life


    Cons:
    ~people do ask (not for me so much because I almost always wear sleeves to cover my extra large arms)
    ~the interface to track calories in and out is clunky at best
    ~I'd think the bugg is worthless without the digital display (which'll set ya back another $75 or so)
    ~it beeps without warning (most tones you can silence, but on occasion it'll beep for reasons beyond your control. that was an issue for me in some professional situations)

    You might consider having your basal metabolic rate tested to get the same result. It'll tell you how many calories your body burns on a normal day. Most dieticians offer the service or can tell you where to have it done.

    You might also try finding it used (maybe even new) cheaper on eBay or Craigslist (or buying mine). You can transfer the service -- not sure what all it entails, but I'd guess it's rather simple.
  • sirrah17
    sirrah17 Posts: 26 Member
    Comfort wasn't much of an issue for me. Maybe if I had a long day, I might find it irritating toward the end of the night, but it's easy enough to slip off if that's the case. I made it a point to keep my strap clean -- especially if I was working out a lot -- to avoid a build up of bacteria. May sound weird -- but I'd toss my strap in the dishwasher.
  • Raynne413
    Raynne413 Posts: 1,527 Member
    I had the Body Media Fit, which is basically the Body Bugg, and I have the FitBit. I made the mistake of lifting weights while wearing the BMF, and I ended up with an indention in my muscle due to the band.

    That aside, I got tired of paying the monthly fee, and I decided to go back to the FitBit. I wore them both for a few days and compared the calorie burns and they were VERY close to each other. So I cancelled my subscription to Body Media, and I'm back to using the FitBit.
  • HeatherMN
    HeatherMN Posts: 3,821 Member
    I had the Body Media Fit, which is basically the Body Bugg, and I have the FitBit. I made the mistake of lifting weights while wearing the BMF, and I ended up with an indention in my muscle due to the band.

    That aside, I got tired of paying the monthly fee, and I decided to go back to the FitBit. I wore them both for a few days and compared the calorie burns and they were VERY close to each other. So I cancelled my subscription to Body Media, and I'm back to using the FitBit.

    ^This answers one of the questions I had about the gadgets. Thanks!
  • RedneckWmn
    RedneckWmn Posts: 3,202 Member
    I had the Body Media Fit, which is basically the Body Bugg, and I have the FitBit. I made the mistake of lifting weights while wearing the BMF, and I ended up with an indention in my muscle due to the band.

    That aside, I got tired of paying the monthly fee, and I decided to go back to the FitBit. I wore them both for a few days and compared the calorie burns and they were VERY close to each other. So I cancelled my subscription to Body Media, and I'm back to using the FitBit.

    ^This answers one of the questions I had about the gadgets. Thanks!

    I thought the FitBit was basically to count your steps since it is just attached to your clothes? Interesting. Now I'm so torn! The battery on my HRM is dying, got the notification this morning. I'm taking this as a sign I need to purchase something new and fresh. Just don't know what!
  • bltrexler
    bltrexler Posts: 180 Member
    I bought one on groupon and wish I had saved my money for a polar FT60 HRM watch. There is a 7$ fee everymonth to use the service to download the data from the device. Plus its bulky and obvious. I feel it worked just fine but does not have HRM ability. I don't use mine anymore and plan to buy the HRM in the end.
  • 1973CJ5
    1973CJ5 Posts: 41 Member
    I have the BB with the digital display. I like it as I am kind of a techno-geek and like to be able to see the data immediately throughout the day. I had the version that synched to the phone, but it would never work correctly with my HTC so they replaced it free of charge for me.

    The subscription fee does suck, but I got mine for $7 a month. The food database sucks, that is why I use MFP.

    I like it as long as you can afford the subscription.
  • ShannonMpls
    ShannonMpls Posts: 1,936 Member
    I have one and got good info from it, and I like how much it motivated me (I ALWAYS take my dog on a longer evening walk, watching my steps add up). Came with a 6 month subscription and I doubt I'll want it beyond that (I'll already know what I burn by then). I got it for $79 using a link:

    http://bodybugg.extole.com/a/clk/4l6MGq

    You get a code from that link that you use as a coupon code on the site and it takes $20 off.

    Edited to add: I learned that you can buy new 6 month subscriptions on eBay for only $19.99 - the feedback on them is nearly 100% so they definitely work. AND if you tuck the bodybugg into your bra strap you get info almost identical to wearing it on your arm :)
  • cdiveduck
    cdiveduck Posts: 20 Member
    It is on groupon now: http://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-bodybugg-personal-calorie-management-system?c=all&p=5
  • b14a3w3
    b14a3w3 Posts: 61 Member
    I love love love Fitbit. I have been using it for about a month and am so motivated to get up and move. The website is layed out well and you can challenge yourself against other users. Upload is automatic...every 15 minutes I think. It will also hold a weeks worth of data if you are not plugged into a USB port. Fitbit also works with many other rewards programs. I earn Amazon gift credit or other discounts (Earndit, HealthMonth & Nexercise). There are many others to chose from.

    I am also using the Aria scale which works in conjuction with fitbit. I step on the scale and it updates my fitbit website automatically.

    I bought Fitbit at Amazon so it was also $99.....well worth it. No fees to use the website.
  • ChristyRunStarr
    ChristyRunStarr Posts: 1,600 Member
    The Body Bugg is on sale for $99 and I'm seriously considering buying one....who has used one? What are your thoughts? Is it worth the investment? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

    Where did you find it for $99? I have a FitBit but I've thought abuot getting this too (I love my workout gadgets! I also would feel more comfy wearing this than my Fitbit while I sweat and work out due to the size)
  • RedneckWmn
    RedneckWmn Posts: 3,202 Member
    The Body Bugg is on sale for $99 and I'm seriously considering buying one....who has used one? What are your thoughts? Is it worth the investment? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

    Where did you find it for $99? I have a FitBit but I've thought abuot getting this too (I love my workout gadgets! I also would feel more comfy wearing this than my Fitbit while I sweat and work out due to the size)

    It's on Groupon here in Dallas. Was also on Amazon and on 24 Hour Fitness website.
  • RedneckWmn
    RedneckWmn Posts: 3,202 Member
    Now I'm leaning more towards the FitBit if it's that comparable. Decisions decisions!!
  • Raynne413
    Raynne413 Posts: 1,527 Member


    I thought the FitBit was basically to count your steps since it is just attached to your clothes? Interesting. Now I'm so torn! The battery on my HRM is dying, got the notification this morning. I'm taking this as a sign I need to purchase something new and fresh. Just don't know what!

    It does mostly count your steps, but it also measures your intensity level to help figure out how many calories you burn. I know the BodyBugg says it goes by sweat levels/body temp, etc., and it is supposed to give you a more accurate reading, but when I wore them together, my daily averages were always between a few hundred calories of each other, at the most. So I just decided to go with the FitBit. I also love seeing my sleep patterns, and the fact that it syncs with this site.
  • RedneckWmn
    RedneckWmn Posts: 3,202 Member


    I thought the FitBit was basically to count your steps since it is just attached to your clothes? Interesting. Now I'm so torn! The battery on my HRM is dying, got the notification this morning. I'm taking this as a sign I need to purchase something new and fresh. Just don't know what!

    It does mostly count your steps, but it also measures your intensity level to help figure out how many calories you burn. I know the BodyBugg says it goes by sweat levels/body temp, etc., and it is supposed to give you a more accurate reading, but when I wore them together, my daily averages were always between a few hundred calories of each other, at the most. So I just decided to go with the FitBit. I also love seeing my sleep patterns, and the fact that it syncs with this site.

    I think you have sold me on the FitBit! :)
  • DelilahCat0212
    DelilahCat0212 Posts: 282 Member
    Comfort wasn't much of an issue for me. Maybe if I had a long day, I might find it irritating toward the end of the night, but it's easy enough to slip off if that's the case. I made it a point to keep my strap clean -- especially if I was working out a lot -- to avoid a build up of bacteria. May sound weird -- but I'd toss my strap in the dishwasher.

    great idea! mine is getting funky!
  • mike_littlerock
    mike_littlerock Posts: 296 Member
    my problem with the device is that it basically guesses at your calorie burn. it uses accelerometers to track motion, but if you are riding a bike it would be fairly inaccurate as you dont have much arm motion, another example would be when doing HIIT (high intensity interval training) since he has no idea what your heart rate is, it would try to estimate your burn. My wife has one and she likes it as it gives a general idea of the calorie burn/ steps, etc.. I purchased one, but being a data geek, i researched it more and switched back to my HRM.

    they should give you the option of the arm band for general daily wear, but to couple that with a chest strap HRM function when working out to increase the accuracy.. IMHO
  • DelilahCat0212
    DelilahCat0212 Posts: 282 Member
    I have one and got good info from it, and I like how much it motivated me (I ALWAYS take my dog on a longer evening walk, watching my steps add up). Came with a 6 month subscription and I doubt I'll want it beyond that (I'll already know what I burn by then). I got it for $79 using a link:

    http://bodybugg.extole.com/a/clk/4l6MGq

    You get a code from that link that you use as a coupon code on the site and it takes $20 off.

    Edited to add: I learned that you can buy new 6 month subscriptions on eBay for only $19.99 - the feedback on them is nearly 100% so they definitely work. AND if you tuck the bodybugg into your bra strap you get info almost identical to wearing it on your arm :)

    Ohhhh I am so going to try that!
  • Reinventing_Me
    Reinventing_Me Posts: 1,053 Member
    Now I'm leaning more towards the FitBit if it's that comparable. Decisions decisions!!

    There are plenty of YouTube reviews for both. I have a FitBit and seeing how sedentary I was displayed on the website really made me want to get up and move. It also tracks stairs climbed and hills. I read somewhere on the website that it counts 1 flight of stairs for every 10 foot increase in elevation. I also like the challenge badges that you can earn each day: 10,000 steps, 10 flights of stairs, etc.

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