BodyMedia Link or Polar FT40/60

Hi Stefanie!

I was in the same boat as you recently. I KNEW that my Fitbit was not accurate (I got my RMR tested and I could see that my Fitbit had under-calculated my BMR by a couple hundred calories a day but when I contacted Fitbit support they said that its impossible to change it).

So just like you, I wondered if I should get an HRM to use with my Fitbit or a BodyMedia Fit. I chose a BMF and here's why:

1) Cost - In my research on HRMs I realized that a good one was going to run me at least $160. But with the EatMore2WeighLess discount code, I got the BodyMedia Fit Link (I need the bluetooth sync!) for only $114 with tax and shipping.

2) Even adding an HRM to my Fitbit would not have given me an accurate burn because Fitbit will only estimate my BMR and I can't adjust it. But the BMF does adjust its calibration based on data it gets from me so that after a week or two of wearing, it is very accurate. And if I feel its not accurate, it DOES allow me to adjust it.

So I got a BMF and then I tested for a couple of weeks by wearing both my Fitbit and my BMF. My BMF gives me at least 300 calories more per day than Fitbit, even on a day when all I do is steps and stairs and no workouts and you would think they would be the same. But Fitbit actually under-counts my steps I've discovered!

I have found that they both are about the same in how they calculate my sleep. However, with the Fitbit I have to remember to put it in the wristband and push Start before I sleep and then push End when I get up. Try as I might, I sometimes forget to do that. But my BMF captures my sleep automatically with no additional actions on my part. So for that reason alone it ends up doing a better job of capturing my sleep.

So overall, I am VERY happy that I got a BMF. And the best part is that if I do want an HRM someday, there are a couple of HRMs that work WITH the BMF, so I can wear my BMF and HRM for a workout and my BMF will get data from the HRM!

The ultimate test for me was that half-way through my metabolism reset I switched to eating my full (larger) BMF burn. I ended my reset with ZERO net gain! And now that I am eating a very small cut from my BMF (-10%) I am losing. So I can't argue with the results!

The BMF is the best of all worlds in my humble opinion! :flowerforyou:

Edit to say that Yes, the BMF is not a heart rate monitor. However, it can measure the same category of data as an HRM: how hard I am working. It just finds that out using body temperature and sweat levels versus heart rate.

1) Cost - In my research on HRMs I realized that a good one was going to run me at least $160.

Just for anyone who may be looking... I just got the Polar FT4F Water Resistant Time & Heart Watch from Amazon for $65. I love it.

http://www.amazon.com/Polar-Water-Resistant-Heart-Watch/dp/B0084EI2B8/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1371059219&sr=1-1&keywords=Polar+FT4F+Water+Resistant+Time+&+Heart+Watch

I use an HRM and find this gives probably the closest to an accurate rate of calorie burn since it is programmed to the user's weight, height, etc and should be equally accurate no matter what form of exercise is done. Of course even an HRM can never be fully accurate.
Finding a good HRM is no easy matter as I have tried loads. The Polar FT7 was good and currently I use a Garmin 910XT as I do a variety of different exercise types.

I still have a Fitbit, which is a great motivator, although really very accurate as to calorie burn.

Good bit of info! Thanks! That was the one distraction, wearing the armband. That is why I like my Fitbit One, it is easy to hide. But I am definitely having an issue with the calories burned. I need something more accurate. Mostly from my exericse, more than my daily burn. I, too, have only done internet/google searches, but I am seeing BML as the top contender. But I will need to see what these monthly fees will be before making a decision. I am doing just fine clean eating and working out, but I want to stay on top of my fitness level and ensure I am eating enough/not too much each day.
I appreciate your post!!

That was my big hesitation too, the armband. Now that I've left work and I'm doing school full time, I don't worry as much about someone seeing it. But honestly everyone who has seen it and asked about it just thought it was way cool and now I feel like a rock start fitness-type for wearing it! LOL And I find that I am way less prone to lose my device. I've lost my Fitbit a couple times but never happens with the armband.

As for monthly fees, I was paying for Premium with Fitbit, so the BMF yearly fee was comparable: about $60/year.

I find I like the interface better of bodymedia, I use MFP for forums only... the bodymedia is generally nicer/prettier and user friendly.. but you can use it..

Bodymedia is something I would recommend to anyone so they know exactly how many calories they are burning every day. Yes it's on your arm all day, but you don't feel it after the first day, it's adjustable, and if you have a t-shirt with sleeves on, no one will see it...

*hug* good luck with whatever you choose

I also agree having it on my arm for work wasn't too big a deal, people just thought it was awesome and asked lots of questions. I did however hate having it on my arm for social activities, and this ultimately is why I stopped wearing it. I figured a few months of data was plenty and was a large enough window to have an idea of my burns depending on the day's activities/workout.