Is having a fitbit or something similar worth it?

I have the fitbit zip. It counts steps, distance and calories burned. Does a little more than a regular pedometer and only costs $59.99, which if I am correct, is not that much more than a lot of pedometers. If you want to monitor sleep or have the altimeter (height reading function for stairs) one of those fitbits will run $99.99 and I don't have one so I can't say anything.

I love mine though

It has worked for my husband and for me.

Forgot to mention we have fit bit zips. It keeps me moving during the day and in the evening so I just don`t get home and veg.

I had the Ultra ( no longer available) for about 6 months and woke up one day to find it cracked. I emailed the company and they offered me a free replacement/upgrade to the One.

What I like is that I can tell exactly how sedentary I am on my lazy days, and when I feel like I have been running all day, the fitbit confirms it! I basically wear mine 24/7 with the exception of bathing.

I've had a Fitbit for over three years now and I can't imagine myself without it's feedback It's just SO simple, the syncing is automatic and wireless. I love the graphs on the website, I'm such a visual person. My two boys have Fitbits, as to my parents, and we have a friendly family competition going! *Ü* (I'm usually #1) I really like the sleep tracking too. I even did a blog post about it http://jenbsjourney.blogspot.com/2013/07/a-fitbit-fan.html

There are also several "reward" sites that you can link your Fitbit to. I don't do anything more than I would already, but it's nice to get a few perks. I've earned a couple $5 reward certificates for Amazon using Everymove, donated to charity (often the "rewards" are really discounts in disguise, but Everymove and Earndit also have charity options). I'm earning balance rewards with Walgreens and I'm waiting to see if Achievemint will really send me a $25 check ...

And I love how it works with MFP. Just tracking your activity isn't enough (as I'm a testament to) ... I still gained weight, but now using it together with MFP, I'm moving in the right direction.

Totally love my fitbit flex! The only time I take it off is to recharge.

Thanks for asking this as I have been wondering too. I see different types are mentioned. Is there one that is better then the other? Can you see your progress on the wristband or do you just go by the lights. I saw a reference to a Jawbone - that one seems to track food too. Wondering if anyone has any experience with that one?

I got the Flex last month. Not sure exactly how accurate it is, but again, have not bothered to figure out & plug in my stride info. I find wearing the band to be very comfortable, I don't even realize it's on (but again, I wore a POW bracelet for years as a teen). I sleep like crap and the band shows that. I charge it about once a week or so (it lets you know when it needs it) and it charges fast.

What I like most about it, and would be most likely the same with any Fitbit product, the Jawbone UP, Nike Fuelband and other fitness gadgets out there, it MOTIVATES me to do more and for that fact alone, it's worth the price to me. I don't have to remember to put it on, it won't fall off, I won't throw it in the washing machine and it works with my cell (Samsung SG3) and of course here on MFP. I like being able to see the data (syncs in real time on the cell using Bluetooth), you can manually enter sleep if you fall asleep before tapping it to record.

I wish it showed steps and wish it showed the time on the device though. I'm wearing it on my non dominant hand and wearing a watch is a bit problematic but do able. I am on a computer 8 hrs a day for work and then practically from work till bedtime on my laptop. ..I have not seen added steps from typing. You can wear it in the shower but I advise taking it off as water does collect in the thing and I'd rather not have some creeping crud or mold set up camp on my wrist, lol

So yep, I do love it. Got mine at Best Buy as they had them in stock, black only. I just won the slate (band only) in small off ebay so can swap them out. Am sure there are better ones out there but this works for me. I've been walking consistently (outside & on treadmill) since I got it (had done NOTHING prior) and make an effort to go up & down each aisle in the stores and even so far as parking further away just to get more steps in LOL

I am on my second FitBit and don't regret a single cent. The first one I got used on eBay and used it until the charging cable wore out. It actually still works despite my washing it twice and cracking the housing! The info garnered from it has been priceless; I'd not have been nearly as successful without it.

Thanks for the info, Blitz! I already store my phone and work id in my bra so maybe I should go with the wristband - getting a bit crowded in there.... :-)

I had a fitbit ultra and it is VERY worth it. Worth every penny I completely loved it
My only problem which I had and I think other people have too is that I lost mine. It is either somewhere in my laundry that I can't find or I lost it at a friends.
BUT!
fitbit has the Flex wrist band and that's what I use now. Love Love Love it!

Pedometers are a great reference for your activity level which will let you know how many calories you've burned that day, which that can be compared to your BMR etc.

Is it more reliable in tracking cal, distance and just steps then a pedometer? Also I am starting to swim a whole lot more can it be water resistent?

I have the fitbit Flex and I absolutely LOVE IT. Of course it's a great way to track your data, but more importantly for me, it's a motivator. I like to have friends on my site and you can kind of compete with others which is another form of motivation. I hope you find what you are looking for! Good luck on your purchase.

I lost 100lbs. using the body bugg! It was totally worth it! I was able to really "see" how my activity (output) and food intake worked. I took it off and found a stressful job and gained 25lbs. back(big time bummer) I am now wearing body media and it works, but it is hard to get back into counting and moving if you take a break...SO DO NOT STOP PAYING ATTENTION TO WHAT YOU EAT, HOW MUCH YOU MOVE, AND WHAT YOUR GOALS ARE! Take it from me it is not easy to start again.

I'll answer the "something similar" part of this with: My BodyMedia was the best purchase I have ever made. Hands down. Period. End of story.