Who has a Fitbit? And does it really help?

Bump to read later....

I have a fitbit and have it set up to adjust my daily calorie goal automatically, which means that I don't actually need to manually log exercise unless it's in a form that the fitbit can't pick up properly, such as swimming, cycling or yoga. It's excellent and I've definitely found MFP easier to use since getting it, as well as finding it motivational for getting more exercise. It really does help me, but YMMV of course.

One thing though - the numbers, while approximately the same as my Polar FT HRM, are not identical so if that bothers you, you can adjust them for a particular activity (use the stopwatch function on the fitbit, starting and stopping it when you start/stop your HRM to make this as easy as possible).

It's the normal stuff that I find it useful to track though, such as stair climbing, walking to the corner shop, things that I wouldn't bother using the HRM for. They all add up and it's nice to have something slightly more accurate than guesswork.

I have been using the Fitbit for approximately three months. I have walked almost seven hundred miles in that time. I do about 8 miles a day. Five of those miles are done as one continuous exercise every early morning. I have lost about 15 pounds in that time without altering my diet at all. In terms of fitness, the results have been life- changing for me. My joint aches and pains have disappeared. My aerobic shape has improved by leaps and bounds. To be clear, the Fitbit didn't do this. I did. The fitbit is just a great fitness tool to have to keep you motivated and informed. What you can accomplish with the Fitbit depends upon what you are prepared to commit to and follow through with. If you want to lose weight, dieting has to be a part of your overall plan. The Fitbit is just a very nice tool to help you achieve whatever fitness goals you have set for yourself. There are, as you know, no magic bullets...it is just blood and guts that gets things done. It all starts with a decision to think different. The Fitbit, in my estimation was a necessary tool for me. I love the information I get from it. I love how it syncs to the Fitbit website and logs all of the short and long term information. I just love this technology! I recommend it in the highest!

I lost over 60 lbs after getting my fitbit, and I consider it to be invaluable in my weight loss journey to this point. Wearing it has helped me more accurate estimate my activity level so that I eat enough (even on non-workout days), and it challenges me to climb more flights of stairs and take more steps than I would otherwise.

I can't recommend it enough, although I think the benefit of the sleep monitoring is a bit overinflated (though I do like the altimeter for stairs). There are a few cheaper fitbit versions now that I would probably buy instead given the price difference of $40 or so.

^^ This...... I love my fit bit

Bump

I've had my Fitbit for about a month now and I have lost some weight. I think its because I am aware of when I'm sedentary and its becomes a goal of mine to get to the 10,000 steps per day. It definitely makes you aware of how active/non-active you are.

I would definitely recommend it.

I have a fitbit, and agree that I feel like it keeps everything more accurate because my activity level is all over the place. I also have a Fitbit Aria scale, which is awesome and is now integrated here

Speaking of which... It's time for me to get off my lazy backside and get moving

There are similar posts on the message board. I followed a couple of them and what I took away was if you had to choose between the Fitbit or HRM, the HRM is the way to go. I was looking into buying a Fitbit or upgrading my HRM. I bought a Polar FT60 and have no regrets. I think the Fitbit is a neat gadget but would not be useful for MY goals. I workout (lifting and/or cardio) 5-6 days a week so meeting a daily step goal isn't important to me.
I have yet to hear a Fitbit owner NOT liking it so if you think it will help you reach your goals and purchase one I don't think it's a bad thing.

I guess I will be the first to say, I absolutely hate it!!

Just a few days ago, it told me I burned 4244 calories in the 7 hours I spent ASLEEP, from midnight to 7AM.

Yesterday, I walked 11 miles, took over 26,000 steps and burned just over 1,000 calories. According to my BodyMedia, my TDEE for the day was 2536. According to Fitbit: 1867 TDEE, 1545 of which was burned during the walk, and I only took 19,023 steps :huh:

I have one, and absolutely love it-my "consience in my pocket"! I've never climbed stairs in my life because I wanted to, but now I do! It keeps me honest, and so does my Aria Scale-best investment in my health I've made.