Fitbit or HRM??

kj26boys
kj26boys Posts: 73 Member
edited November 2023 in Getting Started
After getting started and losing weight this past month, I'm definitely motivated. Currently my exercise routine consists of the elliptical machine 3 mornings of the week and 1 body pump class at my Y. On the weekends I either walk/run and swim. I have several home videos that I'd like to circulate but am a little hesitant only because I can't accurately measure my calories burned. I know MFP over exaggerates exercise calories so I need something more reliable. Also I think I walk at work more often than I give myself credit for but not sure. Would you suggest a fitbit or a HRM? And why? Or if anyone has any other good ways to measure that'd be great too. Thanks!

Replies

  • Nicholec2003
    Nicholec2003 Posts: 158 Member
    bump
  • snazzyjazzy21
    snazzyjazzy21 Posts: 1,298 Member
    They do two different things. I have both, but IMO, my fitbit is better. My polar HRM is okay, but I'm 99% sure the calorie burn is widely inaccurate (sometimes double what MFP suggests), and can only being used when I'm running. My fitbit one is worn all day, everyday. It gives me an accurate guide for how much I'm moving and how many calories I should be eating. I've been sticking to the calories it recommends and have had no trouble with my weight loss. I hardly ever use my HRM now, because my fitbit can be used to track my runs so there's really no need for it.
  • Sunitagt
    Sunitagt Posts: 486 Member
    Both!!

    I wear my activity tracker all day long, and get a general calorie count. It keeps me motivated to reach at least 10k steps per day, and stay active.

    But it isn't great for times when my heartrate is elevated, since it can't tell, so when I go to the gym I wear my HRM to track my burn.

    So having both to see my approaximate daily TDEE has been really useful for me. And as I said, they are both great motivational tools.
  • MsWallwoman
    MsWallwoman Posts: 161
    They each do different things. I have both and love them. They work great together with MFP


    Good luck on your journey.
  • Mokey41
    Mokey41 Posts: 5,769 Member
    For the exercise you do I'd recommend getting a HRM. A FitBit will only register things that are like walking. If you're doing some other workout activity it's useless. I wouldn't worry about the work walking. If you were doing enough for it to make a difference you'd know it.
  • rosevalleygirl23
    rosevalleygirl23 Posts: 55 Member
    I love my fitbit, I like the social component. I have a few friends that have similar step goals and it really motivates me to try pass them on the weekly average board. I also like the dashboard readout on my phone app and the computer. I feel pretty accomplished if I can get all of my goals done and see the little "hooray" and smiley face. I'm a sucker for gamification though.
  • kj26boys
    kj26boys Posts: 73 Member
    Ha! Ok thank all. I appreciate all the feedback. I just bought a fitbit Sunday and ordered a HRM so we'll see what works for me.
  • kiasophea
    kiasophea Posts: 2
    Any thoughts on the Jawbone?
This discussion has been closed.

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