BodyMedia device

I've decided that I'm going to go ahead and get this. I've researched the Nike Fuel band, regular pedometers, Fitbit, etc and the one that keeps coming up on top regarding accuracy is the BodyMedia. Plus with the discount and the ability to sync with MFP I think I'll finally have something that works.

I've been trying to lose weight for most of my life sadly. I do exactly what the books, websites, etc say to do and then get discouraged when I weigh myself. To that end I wanted to find an alternative to the scale too. I'll prob still weigh in but only weekly until I can figure out what works, then eventually I'd like to not use the scale at all. Three numbers don't define me and a bad weigh in can mess up an entire day! NO MORE! I'll post more once I get the BodyMedia device. I'm definitely getting the Link...the extra couple of dollars seems worth it.

You are going to LOVE your bodymedia! I did so much research when I joined MFP and I saw the apps that they linked with. First I got really excited about the Fitbit cuz it was so little and cute and looked like it would motivate me. But as I researched into it more, it seemed to be basically a fancy, expensive pedometer. Those things can count your steps, but it can't tell if you are walking up stairs or just walking on flat ground where the Bodymedia can tell the difference in exertion levels using biofeedback. I have had mine for about a week and a half and I now hate to even take it off to charge it or to shower! I don't want it to miss any of my steps! It is so motivational, you'll adore it! It is a great way to know almost exactly how many calories (95% accuracy) you are burning throughout the day and it gives you ideas of what to do if it calculates that you will come up short of your goal for the day. For example, the other day was a totally lazy day for me and it told me that I was going to be like 300 calories short of my goal and why don't I go ride my bike for an hour so I dragged my honey out into the cold with me to ride our bikes for a little while around our neighborhood. I teach Zumba and Salsa three times a week and I originally just used my heart rate monitor. My students love hearing approx (since we are all different) how many calories we burned after every song and I love seeing it myself. But now I can tell them how many steps we took and our activity level as well. Bonus! I love it so much that I applied to become a Bodymedia affiliate so I can sell it myself!

I got the Core since Bodymedia stated that they don't support HTC phones yet, and I have just ordered the display unit so I can satisfy my need for immediate gratification instead of waiting until I hook up to my PC. :0) I'm a total fan and I'm sure you will love it too. Keep us updated!

BTW, thanks Becky for the FB info. I just joined.

tonya

Im still undecided on the body media. I feel it makes me want to eat more. Maybe being a bigger guy it gives me a false calories reading? a normal day for me seems to net me a 1500+ deficit. I just dont see me realistically burning what it says i do. Working out calories seem accurate, its the daily activities that seem really high. Been using it everyday for the last few months too so im sure its adjusted.to me.

Paul, it's pretty accurate. We burn so many calories just doing nothing. We just don't realize it. Before I got bodymedia, I only used my heart rate monitor. After teaching Zumba from 5:30 to 6:30pm then resting until 7pm to teach Salsa until 8:30 then dancing with my students for an hour, I would burn around 2500 calories. That is including demonstrating steps, sitting and chatting with students, standing around watching people dance, eating a snack, whatever. The more active we are, the more calories our bodies burn even when we are at rest. The more calories we burn, the more we need to feed the machine to keep it operating. It's a beautiful thing. We just don't realize it unless we are actively monitoring it. See, you didn't realize how much of a beast you actually were until bodymedia! But if you aren't sure about your armband, why don't you try a HRM just to see how they compare? I use a Polar F7.

Im still undecided on the body media. I feel it makes me want to eat more. Maybe being a bigger guy it gives me a false calories reading? a normal day for me seems to net me a 1500+ deficit. I just dont see me realistically burning what it says i do. Working out calories seem accurate, its the daily activities that seem really high. Been using it everyday for the last few months too so im sure its adjusted.to me.

Paul, it's pretty accurate. We burn so many calories just doing nothing. We just don't realize it. Before I got bodymedia, I only used my heart rate monitor. After teaching Zumba from 5:30 to 6:30pm then resting until 7pm to teach Salsa until 8:30 then dancing with my students for an hour, I would burn around 2500 calories. That is including demonstrating steps, sitting and chatting with students, standing around watching people dance, eating a snack, whatever. The more active we are, the more calories our bodies burn even when we are at rest. The more calories we burn, the more we need to feed the machine to keep it operating. It's a beautiful thing. We just don't realize it unless we are actively monitoring it. See, you didn't realize how much of a beast you actually were until bodymedia! But if you aren't sure about your armband, why don't you try a HRM just to see how they compare? I use a Polar F7.

LaPirinola: Do you still wear your F7 when exercising? I have the FT7 and was thinking of doing both, but didn't know if they would interfere with each other. I should receive my BodyMedia on Thursday - I'm looking forward to using it.

Hi Dogacreek,

Thanks for giving us a try! We are honored that you have made BodyMedia part of your fitness journey. We believe that keeping track of your burn, sleep, and your activity is essential to achieving your fitness goals and we pride ourselves with being the most accurate device on the market. Keep us updated on your progress!

-- Laurie

Thanks smulokwa for asking the question and everyone for all the input. I have been researching the BMF for sometime (isn't this what they wore on Biggest Loser?) but wasn't sure if it would be worth the investment. I mean, the weight loss industry is BIG BUSINESS and there are things for sale that are more gimmick than useful. I think after I read all the responses, I will buy it!

Does anyone use the BM for tracking while bike riding? This is an area that I find most of the devices fall flat. Please provide any guidance in this area you can.