Shoul I get a Fitbit or HRM?

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Replies

  • arcticfox04
    arcticfox04 Posts: 1,011 Member
    Go for the HRM if you do serious workouts. Namely one that uses a chest strap. Much more accurate results. I recommend an Polar FT4/7 or a Bluetooth HRM that works with Smartphone Apps.

    Fitbit if you take it casual.
  • JenniferSpindel
    JenniferSpindel Posts: 56 Member
    Love my FitBit! If I do some other workout that doesn't include steps (such as cycling or strength) I add those into MFP.... Plus I'd rather undercut my calories than overstate them :)

    Plus, the sleep thing is kinda a fun feature (though not that useful)
  • Lrdoflamancha
    Lrdoflamancha Posts: 1,280 Member
    Bumping so I can see answers
  • PayneAS
    PayneAS Posts: 669 Member
    HRM will be more accurate than anything. Personally I own both. I use my FitBit to accrue extra calories while chasing after my son all day and my HRM for my daily workouts. I have the Polar FT7. The FT4 is also a good model.

    Have your adjustments been right? I don't eat any of my adjustments because I think they are off a bit. When I did eat them I gained :o( I only use my fitbit for walks and to get mileage in. I use my HRM on the elliptical and Strength training sessions.

    My adjustments have been within +/- 50 cal or so of correct. I have a custom profile here though so I do eat most of my exercise calories back (although not all and depending on the day).

    I have had zero problems with linking my FB to MFP. The only 'issue' I've seen, which is a non-issue for me, is that if I enter food on MFP and it copies over to the FB site then I change it later on MFP, it won't change on FB and will make it look like I went over my daily goal. But since I don't use the FB site for my food goals, I don't bother to go fix it or even care. I use the FB site to track how well I'm sleeping and how much I'm moving. :)

    http://www.fitbit.com/user/22HTZ2
  • eljulia
    eljulia Posts: 40
    Bumping so I can see answers

    THANK YOU for posting that--now i finally understand why people post "bump"..... and the piece of the puzzle falls into place! LOL!!


    i also love my Polar FT7, i had my gym trainer help me set it up for the "fitness zones" and it's been quite revolutionizing. I have fibromyalgia and so i am somewhat careful about the types of exercise i do, plus the pain and fatigue issues have a bearing on the level of my exercise from day to day. The HRM has been really helpful for me, i even did a 24 hour test of what i actually burn in a low-key day to get an idea of what i really burn, and yesterday i wore it into the infrared sauna at the gym because i'd been told "it burns anywhere from 300 to 600 calories in 30 minutes." They lie, i only burned 135, which is still 4 X more than i normally would by just lounging and reading (which is what i do in the sauna.) Can you tell i'm easily amused?

    If you just want to know basic calories, either the Fitbit or a HRM will give you the basics, i'm only familiar with the fitbit through friends who own them. i do enjoy the HRM and my trainer tells me it will be more accurate for my calories than the MFP database, plus it helps me keep within the heart rate range i need to be since it warns me when my heart rate goes too high. She's told me that my best burn will be in that 80 percent range for at least 30 minutes (and she had scientific reasons for that but i can't quite remember them) so the HRM telling me my heart rate really keeps me where i want to be for the best overall burn. (Something about burning all the sugar and then moving on to the fat?? Maybe??? *sigh* i'll have to ask her again!)

    The Polar HRMs have such comfortable chest straps, and that makes wearing them super easy. Very easy to use. And for the price range, the FT7 has been a great one, tho there are certainly ones on either side of that one that would be great too! Now i'm curious to see what you pick! i saw the itty bitty Fitbit at our local Brookstone store, so i can certainly see the draw to it!
  • happycauseIride
    happycauseIride Posts: 536 Member
    So do the HRM that don't use a chest strap, just attach at the wrist, work ok? I've been looking into them, but I'm unsure of the chest strap.

    What do you think?
  • contingencyplan
    contingencyplan Posts: 3,639 Member
    The Fitbit is more or less a pedometer with a computer built in. It has no real capability of measuring your vitals and only estimates calories burned based on steps taken. In other words it's basically useless for forms of exercise that don't revolve around taking steps (running, walking, etc...). It can't be used for circuit training, calisthenics, yoga, plyometrics, or anything else.
  • morgansmom02
    morgansmom02 Posts: 1,131 Member
    I have a FitBit and it is awesome. I had a HRM but the strap broke. The HRM was uncomfortable. The FitBit clips to your bra and you forget about it all day.
  • morgansmom02
    morgansmom02 Posts: 1,131 Member
    AND Fitbit tracks how you sleep. It is pretty awesome
  • PayneAS
    PayneAS Posts: 669 Member
    So do the HRM that don't use a chest strap, just attach at the wrist, work ok? I've been looking into them, but I'm unsure of the chest strap.

    What do you think?

    No, HRMs that don't actually *actively* monitor your heart rate are not as accurate. It is making a guess at what your heart rate is between the times you have to touch the contacts to measure it. While the chest straps are not 100% accurate (nothing is), it is *the most* accurate.
  • gr8pillock
    gr8pillock Posts: 374 Member
    I have both. The fitbit makes me walk longer and more often and climb more stairs, just in my regular day to day activity, but my HRM is what makes me feel accomplished after a workout. So, it depends. Do you want to be all over more active day to day, or do you want to get more out of your workouts? :)

    Me, I'm a gadget fiend so, I wanted both. :)
  • CrystalFlury
    CrystalFlury Posts: 400 Member
    I'd say get a HRM. I have the Polar FT4 and love it for my workouts. You can wear it around throughout the day if need be. Even though you're looking for something to keep track of calories burned and you're doing lighter workouts (walking) I think you might surprise yourself later and start on higher intensity workouts, making the HRM a better buy (for future purposes).

    When I began MFP, I tended to make walking my main workout--I could run, but I felt I was too heavy to really run without hurting some part of my body in the future (knees). I'm looking into getting a fitbit just to have it for fun, however, I probably wouldn't use it for my regular workouts.

    It's really up to you, if you believe buying the fitbit matches your lifestyle then by all means maybe that's the way to go. My advice, get the HRM.
  • Rachiepie6
    Rachiepie6 Posts: 423 Member
    I vote HRM. Polar are great.

    Fitbit you have to wear 24/7, HRM you wear when you exercise.
  • tmbowen12
    tmbowen12 Posts: 175 Member
    I vote HRM. Polar are great.

    Fitbit you have to wear 24/7, HRM you wear when you exercise.

    I don't wear my fitbit 24/7.
  • NicolePatriot
    NicolePatriot Posts: 621 Member
    HRM. Fitbit is just a glorified pedometer. I've got both, and used my fitbit once or twice.
  • tejasmh87
    tejasmh87 Posts: 91 Member
    I personally would recommend a HRM. I have the Polar FT7 and LOVE it. I think, and someone will correct me if I'm wrong (I am sure), but the FitBit is better for stairs and walking, but not as accurate for cardio/harder workouts. That's just my 2 cents. LOVE my polar!!

    Bingo!

    I love my Fit Bit to track steps and calorie burn. However for major cardio (which I will be beginning soon) a Really great HRM is a good idea. That will be my next investment gadget wise
  • sonjarogers72
    sonjarogers72 Posts: 110 Member
    I have a HRM Polar FT4- BEST INVESTMENT EVER! This thing is so accurate and simple! Fit Bit doesnt stay on when your jumping all around and stuff- I bought the Polar after seeing someone in the gym wear it, and after she told me about it, I was sold!!! Ordered mine on the Sears website for 80 bucks! MEGA SALE
  • Ashlee2421
    Ashlee2421 Posts: 58 Member
    I just got my Fitbit Ultra last week, and I'm already debating sending it back. I didn't research good enough apparently. All kinds of people are having problems getting their fitbits to sync. Mine stopped working properly after 2 days. No matter what computer I tried it on, steps their "support team" told me to take, it would say the device isn't recognized. $100+ later and I'm wanting to pull my hair out. I was sooooo excited for it and now I'm very disappointed. They're having a problem with their bases so they're sending me a new one free of cost. If I have problems with this, I'm sending it all back.
    I have a HRM watch that I got from walmart for like 30 bucks that I wear all the time. I bought it when I started Insanity. I found it to be pretty useful =]
    '
  • mdorsey2010
    mdorsey2010 Posts: 55
    I've never used a Fitbit but I do have a HRM (Polar FT4) and I LOVE it! It's made a huge difference in my workouts!
  • Aboele79
    Aboele79 Posts: 40
    i would highly reccomend a HRM i have the polar FT80 and love it, it s also a lot more accurate :D always a bonus
  • 1Fizzle
    1Fizzle Posts: 241 Member
    Neither!! Save your money.

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