BMF accuracy

jaz050465
jaz050465 Posts: 3,508 Member
I know BMF is more accurate than fitbit for daily activity but is it as accurate as a chest strap HRM for running and weight training?

Also, do most people have the extra display unit?

Replies

  • verdemujer
    verdemujer Posts: 1,397 Member
    I do not have the extra display unit. I've never used a HR monitor so I can't tell you how they compare. Since Biggest Loser used these for so long, it would seem they work well. I know that I like being able to see my actual burn and adjust the recorded amount of calories burned for my exercise here. I like the food log here and the burn there and work both sites to get a program I can work with and use. The only two things I have found frustrating is that what I think is vigourous exercise, the arm band doesn't record - it just shows me as exercising moderatly. And it's not as accurate for sleep as I would really like due to the limitations of the system for recording sleep. But over all I'm happy with and glad I spent the money on it. Their customer service has been really good too.
  • jaz050465
    jaz050465 Posts: 3,508 Member
    Thanks
  • katevarner
    katevarner Posts: 884 Member
    Not all HRMs are accurate. Mostly it's a crapshoot, but my BMF seems to be pretty accurate--I ate at 500 calories under what I was burning to lose weight and lost almost a pound a week, even as I got close to goal. Now I try to eat within about 100 calories of what it says I'm burning and I'm maintaining within a couple of pounds. I think my fluctuations are more due to water weight and days I eat more carbs than an inaccuracy with the BMF.
  • Becky388
    Becky388 Posts: 157 Member
    I find mine to be very accurate for sleep.
    I sometimes wonder about the vigorous vs moderate activity but then again I don't think it matters in the end because the calories burned are still being recorded. I do know it does not record certain activities as "activity" as well as others BUT it is still recording the calories. Weightlifting and cycling are some its weak at recording the activity itself, also found out that kayaking is too (I really thought it would record extra steps but it did not) however there was an increase in my calories burned during that time even if it wasn't showing steps or vigorous activity. Running racks up the steps and registers as vigorous.
    As far as weight lost I haven't lost any yet but I think it was from carrying an extreme deficit (1200-1500 most days). Since the MFP intergration and my better understanding of the net calorie issue, I'm doing much better, just waiting for the metabolism to catch up. I've wore mine consistantly for a year (I've had it longer) and it definitely follows me. Was working out faithfully (2700 cals a day), sustained an injury that sidelined me from everything including normal daily activities but continued wearing it (2000 cals a day) - big difference.
  • Weekly deficit -- 4249 calories (607/day) which should correspond to a 1.214 pound weight loss. My weight last friday (day after Thanksgiving) was 144.2 but the lowest weight I recorded since (and also on) Nov 11 (date I first was "going to get serious" about losing the 5 pounds I gained in May) was 141.8 -- which 140.6 is 1.2 pounds less than.
  • jaz050465
    jaz050465 Posts: 3,508 Member
    Anyone know why these are so cheap on eBay (used). Am I missing something?
  • Becky388
    Becky388 Posts: 157 Member
    I don't have a clue why. It seems mine was quite a bit higher new than what they are now new. I bought mine almost 3 years ago, wore it most of a year, then didn't wear it a year, now wearing it again. Maybe they are like otter boxes, I bought the one for $35 on ebay but the exact one here was almost $70.
  • frosty73
    frosty73 Posts: 424 Member
    They are probably cheap because they require a subscription ($7/month) in order to use them. They are worthless without the subscription, unlike a Fitbit or a pedometer that works whether or not you have a computer attached.

    Just got mine yesterday and so far I love it, but I can't imagine how long before I'm going to get annoyed and/or not wanting to pay for the monthly subscription. I am cheap.
  • aeich8899
    aeich8899 Posts: 55 Member
    I ordered mine yesterday and am so looking forward to getting it hopefully next week.
  • jaz050465
    jaz050465 Posts: 3,508 Member
    They are probably cheap because they require a subscription ($7/month) in order to use them. They are worthless without the subscription, unlike a Fitbit or a pedometer that works whether or not you have a computer attached.

    Just got mine yesterday and so far I love it, but I can't imagine how long before I'm going to get annoyed and/or not wanting to pay for the monthly subscription. I am cheap.

    Just found out I can't suscribe to the USA site from the UK. The UK sell BMF under the name if KIfit. Their site (which is the same but rebranded) is 20pounds!!!! a month so that makes your one look a bargain! N
  • aeich8899
    aeich8899 Posts: 55 Member
    That is crazy 20 pounds a month... Holy crap. Could you get a USA address and use that to subscribe to the webpage?
  • jaz050465
    jaz050465 Posts: 3,508 Member
    Sorry. I got that wrong but its still dearer though. About £10-15 a month depending on package. You need to have the payment bank registered in the USA, not just an adress!
  • aeich8899
    aeich8899 Posts: 55 Member
    That's crazy... I hope you can find something reasonable and get thatt to help.
  • Becky388
    Becky388 Posts: 157 Member
    They have different packages for the activity manager? As far as I know there is only one here in the US.
  • mad923
    mad923 Posts: 42 Member
    I'm starting my 5th day with BMF Link and I'm pretty happy with it so far.
    I needed some way to keep conscious about moving the body. (I'm a seasoned coach potato).
    New Personal Bests =2545 calories burned & 1.43 average daily METs on Dec 1, 2012.
    The dogs are probably confused but loving it - more walkies!
  • jaz050465
    jaz050465 Posts: 3,508 Member
    They have different packages for the activity manager? As far as I know there is only one here in the US.

    In terms of how many months you pay for.

    http://www.kiperformance.co.uk/category/Subscriptions/19

    You can only get the equivalent of the advantage though- not the core or link.

    May have to buy from USA and use UK website. Have emailed Uk customer to check I can do this.
  • Becky388
    Becky388 Posts: 157 Member
    Oh, I see. It used to be cheaper here if you subscribed for longer periods of time but I think it's just a flat rate now. It's a stand you can only get Advantage, I LOVE my Link.
  • I just got my BodyMedia Link today and I am so excited to begin using it. The only thing is that sometimes at work I may not have long enough sleeves to cover it up. I am prepared to wear a three quarter cardigan if need be but I would rather not if I can help it. I have seen that some people have worn it tucked into their bras.

    I am wondering if this would be an option for me. I sit at a desk most of the day and am not so concerned with step counting. I am thinking that I will wear it while at work and on my arm at night and working out. I figure that there isn't much real activity that it could get wrong if I am just walking around the office and typing emails. Since the only thing that will be affected is the motion sensors.

    Does anyone have any ideas? I am thinking I am going to try it in my bra next week and then on my arm all week and see if the numbers differ greatly.
  • jaz050465
    jaz050465 Posts: 3,508 Member
    I just got my BodyMedia Link today and I am so excited to begin using it. The only thing is that sometimes at work I may not have long enough sleeves to cover it up. I am prepared to wear a three quarter cardigan if need be but I would rather not if I can help it. I have seen that some people have worn it tucked into their bras.

    I am wondering if this would be an option for me. I sit at a desk most of the day and am not so concerned with step counting. I am thinking that I will wear it while at work and on my arm at night and working out. I figure that there isn't much real activity that it could get wrong if I am just walking around the office and typing emails. Since the only thing that will be affected is the motion sensors.

    Does anyone have any ideas? I am thinking I am going to try it in my bra next week and then on my arm all week and see if the numbers differ greatly.

    I asked Kiperformance this ( the British version- same hardware). They said it is not accurate unless you put it where they say.
  • healthybabs
    healthybabs Posts: 600 Member
    I just got my BodyMedia Link today and I am so excited to begin using it. The only thing is that sometimes at work I may not have long enough sleeves to cover it up. I am prepared to wear a three quarter cardigan if need be but I would rather not if I can help it. I have seen that some people have worn it tucked into their bras.

    I am wondering if this would be an option for me. I sit at a desk most of the day and am not so concerned with step counting. I am thinking that I will wear it while at work and on my arm at night and working out. I figure that there isn't much real activity that it could get wrong if I am just walking around the office and typing emails. Since the only thing that will be affected is the motion sensors.

    Does anyone have any ideas? I am thinking I am going to try it in my bra next week and then on my arm all week and see if the numbers differ greatly.

    You can also wear it on your leg above the calf which I do quite often with great results. My only complaint with it is that the velcro wears out and you have to order new bands or sew it back on with a heavy duty needle as one of my friends did. I have had mine for about 3 yrs.