Fitbit

Anita672
Anita672 Posts: 32 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all - I'm looking at getting a Fitbit - specifically the Flex one which is a bracelet. I do enjoy gadgets/technology. I use MFP pretty consistently. The idea of a better idea of calories burned is appealing.

I'm looking for feedback on others' experiences and how they use Fitbit as part of their weight loss program (do you adjust calorie goal?).

Thx in advance!

Replies

  • bachooka
    bachooka Posts: 719 Member
    I'm getting one for me and my husband when they come out... (I want the tangerine so I have to wait) And honestly, if you love electronics and a new toy will motivate you, get one!
  • Anita672
    Anita672 Posts: 32 Member
    The colors are pretty! I was just reading another thread that is making me rethink this tho - the bracelet has to sync to your phone or computer to see the data whereas the Fitbit One has a display = instant gratification. Hmmmmmm.
  • rebelate
    rebelate Posts: 218 Member
    I have the Fitbit tracker, but am going to be getting the One, or Flex in the next few months. Even this one is pretty neat. The first day it was a little frustrating. I log my food on MFP, and let fitbit automatically bring over my exercise. It's really cool, and has definitely helped me stay motivated and be more aware of just how much I was moving. I'm not much of a gym goer, so this actually gets me moving throughout the day.
  • 04ward
    04ward Posts: 196 Member
    My husband bought me one for Christmas and I love it! It helps encourage me to keep moving. If I'm at 7000 steps, I push myself to get in over 10000 for the day. If I have 3 or 4 stairs climbed, I work to get to my goal of 10, even if it means just going up and down the staircase until I get there before quitting for the day. It just makes you work harder to achieve goals. I have the Fitbit One. My husband commented that he thought I might use for a few weeks then leave it lay and he would start using. Since this didn't happen.....I bought him his own for Valentine's day and now we compete against each other to see who can get in the most steps.

    It works well with the MFP program. They are a little bit different in calories you can eat but if you set them up similar they are really close. I log all food and activities into the MFP and it automatically goes to the Fitbit site. I check the Fitbit site because it give you a meter as to where you are throughout the day on calories ate or need to eat based on actual # burnt at that time. My big problem was not eating all day then eating everything all at once. Now I watch the meter and it will show if I'm deficit, on target, or over by what I have actually burned by that time.
  • Tmoney19
    Tmoney19 Posts: 80 Member
    I just got my FitBit "One" today and have been asking around about it as well. I learned that i can sync it to MFP which is pretty cool. I will monitor this board to get mre answers as well. :-)
  • Anita672
    Anita672 Posts: 32 Member
    Hmmmm. Just realized my iPhone, iPod touch AND ipad are not the required models that can sync with Fitbit. I can sync to my PC. I think. Still worth doing? For sure would go with the One not the Flex then.
  • rebelate
    rebelate Posts: 218 Member
    My partner has an iPhone 4, and his syncs with his Fitbit Tracker. It's only supposed to work with 4S/5, but his works. He has to close the app, then reopen it everytime he wants to update. It gives him an error message, but it updates, so I'm not sure.
  • rebelate
    rebelate Posts: 218 Member
    Oh, and even if you don't update it, it'll sync up with MFP without updating on the fitbit app, if this makes sense.
  • 04ward
    04ward Posts: 196 Member
    I just noticed that the new Flex they are coming out with doesn't track stairs/steps. Basically it and the ONE do the same except the ONE adds stair climbing feature. I like my ONE because I can carry in my pocket, clip on belt or pants, or clip inside clothing to be completely unnoticeable. Also, you can view your stats without having to sync or check your computer. I check mine throughout the day to push myself to higher goals. It stores info for up to 7 days so if you're not home and can't sync, you can still see how you're doing with the push of the button.

    I also like how the ONE gives you personalized messages. It will show things like GET MOVING! SMOOCHES! HOLD ME! and more along with your name. The flower shows how active you've been and the more active, the longer stem the flower gets. Like I said, nice to see all this at a glance without having to sync and look at a computer/phone screen first.
  • gimpygramma
    gimpygramma Posts: 383 Member
    I have an even older model...the Fitbit Ultra. Like the One, it shows my steps, flights of stairs, mileage, and calorie burn. It will not sync with a smart phone or tablet. It is small and I generally clip it on my bra...though I learned the hard way not to do that during a heavy workout...it did not like getting wet. That being said, when my first one drowned in my sweat, they sent me a second free of charge.

    As others have said, it is a major motivational tool. No one has mentioned much about the Fitbit site. I do not log anything there but it provides badges for your accomplishments. So the day that I climbed 43 flights of stairs I found myself feeling silly but still running up and down the stairs that evening to make it to 50 so I'd get a badge. I have my 750 mile badge and an axiously awaiting my 1000 mile one. They e-mail you a summary of your accomplishments each week...so it is all very encouraging.

    Over and above that, the feature I like best is the one where you can check your calories consumed vs calories burned for each week. (It picks up my calories consumed from MFP.) It works out almost exactly...a 3,500 deficit and I can count on seeing that one pound drop on the scales. Anyway as you can tell from these comments, I am a fan. I love my Fitbit.
  • gimpygramma
    gimpygramma Posts: 383 Member
    Oh and about adjusting calorie goals. On MFP I put my activity level as sedentary. The only exercises I log are those that my Fitbit cannot detect...swimming, cycling, and elliptical trainer. Otherwise I rely on my Fitbit to keep track of my activity.
  • sarahmarc
    sarahmarc Posts: 31 Member
    Love my fitbit and the groups I belong to on the fitbiti website! It's very motivation. Mine only syncs with my laptop. I must say the stair counting feature is awesome.
  • Ascolti_la_musica
    Ascolti_la_musica Posts: 676 Member
    LOVELOVELOVE my Fitbit! It is the most motivating toy I have gotten since I started.

    I wanted the Flex, but didn't want to wait. My iPod is at least four years old, but the FitBit syncs with the computer just fine.
  • 04ward
    04ward Posts: 196 Member
    Just found out I can now sync my Galaxy III with my Fitbit! So excited! Now it and MFP are both "mobile" along with me! :)
  • Anita672
    Anita672 Posts: 32 Member
    Ascolti do you mean your ipad is 4 years old or iPod touch? I have an ipad 2 and if the One can sync to this that would def work for me - better than my desk top.

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