Fitbit Flex vs HRM

Depends, really.

If you are interested in accurate measurement of your calorie expenditure during exercise, you're better off buying the HRM but make sure the model you choose will compute calories burned.

If you feel you are more in need of motivation to get you moving a minimum amount on a regular basis, then the FitBit is probably more what you're looking for.

I have a Fitbit Flex and love it!

Though it makes me sad when it takes away my calories :sad:

I have a Force and a HRM, wahoo blue hr. I use both! My force is for all day and I use my HRM at the gym.

I've used both and like the fitbit better, honestly. The HRM is good because it can measure a larger range of activity (the fitbit won't take bike riding into account, for example), but I've been losing weight by getting to my 10k steps per day, thanks to the fitbit's motivation.

Get both if you can.

I use my Fitbit One all day, helps me get a good idea of my daily activity (TDEE)

Then when I got really serious about losing weight I got the HRM. I have a bluetooth one that syncs with my cell phone, pair it to my Endomondo app.

With Fitbit and Endomondo connected to MFP it really helps get a good snap shot of my day. It s amazing how much I was "winging it" before I got these tools. They have really helped me.

BTW, If you can only get one, and you don't eat back your exercise, I would go with the fitbit (if you aren't eating back you exercise, a rough estimate of calories burned is all you really need.)

It depends on your activity. I use a HRM (Garmin 410) because I run and I train and run by heart rate. It to me gives a more accurate account of calories burned and distanced traveled. You can also upload your activity to the Garmin database and run reports, analyze data and so much more. It also can be used for cycling and other activity.

I did a pretty thorough write-up on fitbits vs hrms over here;

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1168915-can-t-decide-on-a-fitbit-or-an-hrm-read-this

I think the FitBit is great if you are looking to analyze your day to day. If you are looking for data FitBit is the way to go. You will be able to locate correlations that possibly exist and perhaps make changes to see better data outputs. For example, you may see a correlation between certain foods and sleep and know to stay away from certain ones, or others help you sleep, of course this example is based on you tracking your diet. So if you would like to see if any patterns exist, which can be useful information for anyone than that's a great route to go. It's also great if you are just getting started and want to start with working on just being more active by taking more steps.

The HRM on the other hand in my personal opinion is the route to take if you are trying to lose weight. The reason being the monitors on the machines are junk (if you are hitting the gym, or have at home machines) and are not going to give you an accurate reading. So why a HRM when it comes to weight loss goals? Because your body burns fat in certain zones, and even more fat if you know your own personal zones. One you hit a certain HR you move into cardiovascular zone which is great for your heart, but isn't going to give you the results you are looking for (as much). The idea is to get your heart rate into that sweet spot and watch the pounds melt.

So quick answer - FitBit if you are trying to get moving period and/or you love data and are looking to find correlations in your daily life. A HRM if you are looking to work out and loose lbs.

I know this discussion has been brought up several times, but alas, I feel the need to talk about it.

I'm really torn on which to buy: the fitbit flex/force or a HRM. Which is better for my weightloss needs? I would a product that combines both.

What have you found has helped you to meet your weightloss and health goals?

I just got a Fitbit flex and really like it. I've had a Bodybugg in the past too and like it better than an HRM, but wearing that damn armband after awhile got tedious. Not to mention you had to pay a monthly fee to track with it.
With Fitbit you don't and it's very comfortable.
HRM's aren't good for ACCURATELY reading any anaerobic activity (weight lifting or even yoga) and though Fitbit isn't as accurate at cycling or stepmill work, it does read anaerobic activity more accurately.
Also you shouldn't wear an HRM (the one's with chest straps are the most accurate) all day, whereas a Fitbit is just a band on your wrist, or clipped to your garment.
All in all you need to figure out what type of physical activity you're going to engage in more. If it's cycling or spin, I'd get an HRM. If it's kickboxing, step aerobics, or lifting, I'd get a Fitbit.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

I am currently loving the Polar Loop. I have both the wrist thing (the Loop) and a bluetooth HRM that goes with it. I like it because I wear the Loop all day and the HRM chest strap when exercising. I like the combination because I do alot of strength training and core which includes activity that is not picked up on the Loop alone. It also picks up activity on the stationary bike.

Be warned, however. The setup is not as easy as advertised. It took a couple of days to pair the Loop with my phone. I am not sure why, but all of a sudden one day I got it to work. Once my phone was paired, the chest strap HRM was a breeze.

Since pairing everything, it has been working like a charm and I am really enjoying it.

Good luck.

PS - I love the bluetooth function - no interference with other HRM's in the gym!