Pedometer app vs. Fitness tracker

khelm31
khelm31 Posts: 51 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Do any of you use a walking app? I have runtastic pedometer on my phone, but was wondering if I should get a fitness tracker such as fitbit or misfit shine. Are there more benefits to those devices vs. just using the pedometer app? Anyone have experience with either of these and fine one more useful than the other?

Replies

  • TheStephil
    TheStephil Posts: 858 Member
    I have found that the pedometer apps aren't as accurate as fitness trackers such as fitbit. However, its free-a few dollars vs $100+. You get what you pay for. I love my fitbit but I'm a data junkie and need accurate information, charts, reports, etc. Overall though, they are all just estimates. It depends on how serious you are about getting the most accurate estimate you can get.
  • chivalryder
    chivalryder Posts: 4,391 Member
    I just went and bought a basic pedometer because I don't have he money for a true fitness tracker right now.

    I was using an app on my phone, except there was one major flaw with doing so:

    For a fitness tracker to be accurate, it needs to be on your body 24/7 (or as much as possible). My phone spends most of its time in my hand or plugged into a charger. It's not going to track my fitness very well over there.

    If you are looking to use a heart rate monitor in the future, then I would suggest getting a Garmin Vivofit (http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2014/03/garmin-vivofit-review.html) or a Polar Loop (http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2013/12/polar-depth-review.html). They are very similar, but have slightly different features. Read the reviews, see what you like, go check the out and buy one.

    If you aren't planning on using a heart rate monitor, and you have a large budget ($100) I would suggest the Withings Pulse. (http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2013/11/withings-depth-review.html)

    If you just want something basic for less ($60) then the Fitbit Zip is your best choice. (http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2013/10/fitbit-depth-review.html)

    Read through the reviews, and make your own decision. If you want to check out the other fitness traackers, they're all on that site. Every single one.

    Just a side note: As far as i'm aware, you can sync every single on of those fitness trackers with MFP except for the Polar Loop.

    ETA: All fitness trackers are very consistent with each other in tracking the number of steps you have take. Also, I read various other articles on the devices and they are all relatively accurate for tracking calories in steady-state, low intensity activity. they were all within 10% of what the subject actually burned.

    They only way to get more accurate with higher levels of activity are with an HRM.
  • editorgrrl
    editorgrrl Posts: 7,060 Member
    I have found that the pedometer apps aren't as accurate as fitness trackers such as fitbit. However, its free-a few dollars vs $100+. You get what you pay for. I love my fitbit but I'm a data junkie and need accurate information, charts, reports, etc. Overall though, they are all just estimates. It depends on how serious you are about getting the most accurate estimate you can get.
    ^^^This.

    MFP has a Fitbit Users group: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/1307-fitbit-users
  • Chevy_Quest
    Chevy_Quest Posts: 2,012 Member
    Hi... I used to use nothing, but then I got sucked into all the gear and it makes working out more fun and I am learning a lot more.

    1. I have a fitbit one which has been fantastic. I sync it up with MFP and it keeps me moving. I know that if I do 12000 to 14000 steps a day I have a good balance and can eat and still lose weight.

    2 I have been using the RunKeeper app on my android and also on my laptop. It is a great GPS run / walk tracker and it really helps me to keep pace and test myself constantly. Plus I can look at all my past runs and walks and see if i really am improving. I don't trust it for calories burned.. but that doesn't matter.

    3. For Steady state cardio exercise i use a Polar FT7. This is great for
    - Running
    - Walking on a treadmill with a good incline
    - Stationary biking

    I only use the average HR function and then plug it into other calculators to estimate what I burn.

    I don't see this all as complicated... just more choices and fun! :smile:Good luck on your journey!
  • khelm31
    khelm31 Posts: 51 Member
    Thanks for the responses. I have been looking at the fitbit products for a while. I think I may wait for the fitbit force to come back out. I liked the features it had. Until then, I'll just keep using my pedometer app. I do have a Polar FT7 that I use when doing other cardio exercises.

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