Fitbit vs BodyMediaFit

SpitfireStacey
SpitfireStacey Posts: 158 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I did a search and read the replies in a previous (fairly) recent thread but still felt I needed more info so I'm sorry for the repetitive thread title.

I am reasonably in shape. I have maybe 10lbs to lose/convert to muscle. I do Crossfit, I work part time and stay home with a 2 year old the rest of the week. I want a machine that can accurately guage how many calories I burn in my day when I vary so much between working and staying home.

Fitbit is what I asked for for xmas and didn't get. I have since been researching and decided that there are a lot of people who say the fitbit is a "glorified pedometer" and that the BMF is more accurate.

I'm not particularly fussed about having the armband on, or any indentation from the armband but I don't want to subscribe to a service that is not very useful or particularly necessary for tracking my daily burn.

Here are my specific questions:
The Fitbit One does not specify if it comes with the armband required to wear it or not - do I have to buy this separately and how do I know what to buy specifically?
Do I really have to tell it when I sleep/workout/walk/whatever?

What does the BMF do WITHOUT the subscription fee - ie, is it absolutely necessary to use the website/subscribe to it?
Have they upgraded so that it will sync with my android Samsung phone?

Which do you have/prefer and why?

Thanks in advance!

Replies

  • SwimKitty
    SwimKitty Posts: 122 Member
    I don't think you wear the Fitbit with an armband. I think it just clips on (but I've never actually seen one in person :)

    I have the Bodymedia Fit. I have the Samsung Epic android phone, and it does sync, but you need The Link model of BMF - the Core does not sync with phones. I like being able to check my cals burned on my phone throughout the day - helps with my food choices.

    The only way to charge your BMF is with a USB cable connected to your computer. Wall chargers are NOT available. When you connect to your computer, it automatically brings up your BMF webpage, which includes a lot of info, including calories burned, calories consumed (I have mine linked to MFP, so that's easy), sleep duration and quality, intensity of exercise and activity, and steps taken.

    I have stalled out on my weight loss, eating around 1800 calories. Thought I'd go to maintenance for awhile, but had no idea what my maintenance could be. After wearing the BMF, I was surprised to see 2400-2500 calories burned daily, on non exercise days. On highly active days, I have (per the BMF) burned up to 3000 calories. I have increased my cals to 2300, and have not gained over the past few weeks. I will be starting a deficit again after the holidays. I do feel that this has helped me narrow my numbers down, without adding on weeks of trial and error.

    For this reason (and I'm not spending money on MFP) I think that the subscription fee is more than affordable. I bought mine at Costco for $130, which included a 12 month subscription. If you buy 12 months ahead of time, it comes out to less than $7/month, totally worth it.

    I thought the arm band would bother me, but I really do forget it's even there. I wear it very loosely, just tight enough to stay on , and it works just fine.

    And no, you cannot access any of the info from your BMF without a subscription.

    Msg me if you need any other info :)
  • ChinniP
    ChinniP Posts: 166 Member
    After researching it a bit, I had just purchased the Bodymedia Link. I'm anxiously awaiting it's arrival! But my primary goal is weight loss and it seemed the best device to provide the right kind of feedback for that.
  • krystina_letitia9
    krystina_letitia9 Posts: 697 Member
    BUMP to read this later.
  • MIM49
    MIM49 Posts: 255 Member
    "For this reason (and I'm not spending money on MFP) I think that the subscription fee is more than affordable. I bought mine at Costco for $130, which included a 12 month subscription. If you buy 12 months ahead of time, it comes out to less than $7/month, totally worth it."

    on sale at Costco now for $119.99 includes 12 month subscription
    http://www.costco.com/BodyMedia-FIT™-LINK-Armband.product.11680102.html?catalogId=10701&langId=-1&keyword=BodyMediaFit&storeId=10301
  • SpitfireStacey
    SpitfireStacey Posts: 158 Member
    I don't have a costco membership, can I still order one? off to check the link now...
  • SpitfireStacey
    SpitfireStacey Posts: 158 Member
    Ordered it! Thanks everyone, now to get started!
  • OMGeeeHorses
    OMGeeeHorses Posts: 732 Member
    They dont come with a wall charger, but the usb connects to a usb port like a portable wall charger. :) so if you have an Iphone it will work with that. I have the core armband and LOVE IT, I have lost 13lbs with it and have had it a few months :) its so worth the 7 a month :). And the more you wear it, the better it calculates for your body. Its not waterproof but they are coming out this fall with core armband 2. I am so getting it as I swim a ton!! Fit bit to me is a joke, something that clips on Your clothes and calculates your burn. So not accurate. I bought fit bit one before the armband and it so was not for me :)
  • IronAngel26pt2
    IronAngel26pt2 Posts: 129 Member
    I have never heard of the fitbit. I just purchased my 3rd bodymedia device. The LINK and love it. You need to have a subscription to view your data. It comes with a few free months. It syncs nicely with MFP and with your phone. I have not had any issues with mine and i've loved them...
    If you have any more questions just ask.
    Renae

Categories