BodyMedia any input?

I have the BMF LINK armband; really like it. Downsides - You have to wear it all the time on your upper left arm (23 hrs per day suggested). You get used to it and the armband does not have to be very tight. After it's on for a few minutes it kind of sticks to your skin so tightening the strap doesn't really add appreciable security. It is largish but not terrible - just slightly bigger than the width of the strap, probably 1.25 x 1.25 inches. In August, there will be a smaller device available (announced last week, the "Core 2) and that device will be considerably smaller and somehow will allow the incorporation of an HRM. The LINK is water-resistant but not waterproof - no showers/swimming etc. but it should be okay with sweat or rain.

The BM website has a monthly fee of $7, but then so does Fitbit if you want the same functionality (though I think their Premium website is slightly less annually).

The positives - this is not a pedometer that estimates everything based on steps (and/or altitude). While it does measure steps, it also measures your body heat, skin flux and galvanic skin response to calculate energy expenditure. It's accuracy is supposedly certified by a medical testing agency.

The LINK armband that I have (not sure about other versions) supports Bluetooth and can be linked to a mobile app (both iPhone and Android apps are available). This works well as a display device though I have noticed that the Android version I have does not upload the data automatically to their website from my phone. According to the documentation that functionality used to be in the app, so I assume they'll put that back in the next development cycle or so. In the mean time, I just sync via USB once or twice a day.

The battery life on the device is great. You could probably go for 4-5 days without a charge, maybe longer. I take it off in the mornings when I shower and plug it into the USB, that sync's it and tops of the battery to about 90% (charging does not take long).

It links very nicely to MyFitnessPal and I integrate with a Withings WiFi scale as well. Pretty cool setup overall that provides a great deal of data.

If you want to stylize it, there is a website with different removable "skins" that you can use to decorate the unit with - or create your own for $5-6.

I have found it to be extremely useful. Highly recommended.

I got it for the new year and really love it. Currently I'm trying to talk my father into picking one up for himself.

It's a great motivator, to be honest. I love having it link to my phone and check on the fly how much I've burned. But as Evileen said, it is a great tool to make sure you are keeping the same deficit even if you are burning way more calories or if you happen to have an off day (or be sick), you can lower the calories you take in to keep on track.

The only times I tend to notice it on is if I'm wearing a sweater with tighter arms, then it just looks a little weird. I still wear it out in those occasions, as I've gotten a little OCD about wearing it out of my home.

As for Cons to it, the only issue I have had with it is that the bluetooth doesn't seem to want to stay connected. I had to start ignoring my phone while on the treadmill (a nice 30min work out) because it kept requesting the pairing pin code EVERY MINUTE. Which was weird because when I would be out on my normal route through the neighborhood it wouldn't do it.

I've been using mine for about a year and plan to continue. It's been really helpful to me to have visual data about activity level and calorie burn, and now that it syncs with MFP's food diary it's pretty much ideal.

The negatives, to me, are that an armband isn't great placement for someone who works in a professional office environment. So I have to either wear long loose sleeves to cover it or deal with the funny looks and questions about what's on my arm. The other problem I've found with the armband is that after many months of wearing it there is a slight indentation in my arm muscles from where the band sits. Not so ideal.

Overall, it's worth it to me, but wanted you to be aware. If the armband issues are of concern you might want to consider a less obtrusive gadget. One of my coworkers uses a "Jaw Bone" wrist band that seems to provide similar data as BMF.

Good luck.

I don't have it, but you might want to talk to the fitbit folks. Fitbit offers similar data, also syncs with MFP, is about to release a wristband or armband style this spring, and does NOT charge a monthly subscription fee unlike BodyMedia. Just FYI.

I really like the BodyMedia. I couldn't compare it to Fitbit but in general I think any device that gives you feedback is fabulous. I'm one of those that has to stay away from facebook games because i become obsessed with getting points for stupid things. I compare the feedback from my device in the same way - which is a good thing. If it says I should get a daily burn of 2500 (that includes bmr burn) and 10,000 steps, I get a bit obsessed with meeting the numbers.

I have the Bodymedia Core and don't find it bulky at all. I try to wear it on my upper left arm when I can but when I wish to conceal it, the device works just as well slipped in the side of my bra or on my left calf. I find it produces similar readings.

I just got the BodyMedia Link this afternoon, and am starting to experiment with it. Does anyone know if there is a larger arm band available? Didn't see one listed on their sight. Whilst I am rather large, there are definitely many larger people than I, at both ends of the fitness continuum, so I was mildly surprised that at its biggest setting it's a tad too tight on me...

You can buy armbands in small, medium, and large. Check the webpage.

You can buy armbands in small, medium, and large. Check the webpage.

Ah, yes. I missed it because they were hyping the skins so heavily. Thanks!

I love my BMF Link and feel more confident in my calorie numbers burned. I generally wear it on my left arm during the day and on my lower calf at night. This is just to give my arm a rest. I have worn it on my calf during the day also and have not seen a difference in the readings. If I ever get to the point of feeling confident to wear sleeveless blouses to work, I will move it to my calf. I would recommend this to anyone losing weight.