What fitness tracker/band do you use and why?
Burrr3Three
Posts: 25 Member
My friends/family are divided on fitness trackers/bands. Half of them use polar ft4's and polar ft7's and the other half use fitbit's. They all absolutely love what they use. I want to get a fitness tracker/band mostly to see the actual calories burned during a workout. So what do you use and why? Is there something it doesn't do and you wish it did?
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I use a fitbit every day to track daily activity and walks and put on my polar ft4 HRM when I workout
My fitbit connects to MFP
My polar HRM readings I enter in MFP
Works for me0 -
I also use the fitbit.
I have the Charge. I use a Polar FT4 for cardio days at the gym. I don't have mine connected to MFP. I keep them separate but I do use the calories the fitbit gives me for MFP.0 -
I also use the fitbit.
I have the Charge. I use a Polar FT4 for cardio days at the gym. I don't have mine connected to MFP. I keep them separate but I do use the calories the fitbit gives me for MFP.
Why do you use the polar at the gym? Is that because on the charge you can't set it for a specific time when your working out?0 -
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I wear a fitbit all day for the pedometer. It was a Christmas present from the hubby and I didn't really ask for it.
I wear my Polar FT7 at the gym.
I did a lot of research and what I found was if you didn't have a heart rate monitor strap for your fitness tracker, it wasn't really an accurate burn for your calories. So, I was thinking about getting the Garmin VivoFit simply because it does both. It's a pedometer like the fitbit and you can buy a HRM strap like the Polar. ....... But then hubby got the fitbit and I couldn't bring myself to hurt his feelings so I just wear the fitbit throughout the day.
The fitbit app is very user friendly, tracks your sleep and will connect with MFP and other apps. I like it. I have the Charge so it also tells time and you can see how many steps you've taken at any time without syncing to the app. I really like that feature over the Flex. I didn't pick it out but it's an added bonus
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I use a fitbit every day to track daily activity and walks and put on my polar ft4 HRM when I workout
My fitbit connects to MFP
My polar HRM readings I enter in MFP
Works for me
Now - I have a question for you. Do you keep the fitbit on during your workout? I ask because I always look around and wonder if anyone thinks I look stupid wearing a fitbit AND my polar watch at the same time. I'm probably just self conscious but it crosses my mind lol. I hate to take off the fitbit because I feel like I'm losing the steps if I do. I worry too much about this stuff!
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louie61403 wrote: »I use a fitbit every day to track daily activity and walks and put on my polar ft4 HRM when I workout
My fitbit connects to MFP
My polar HRM readings I enter in MFP
Works for me
Now - I have a question for you. Do you keep the fitbit on during your workout? I ask because I always look around and wonder if anyone thinks I look stupid wearing a fitbit AND my polar watch at the same time. I'm probably just self conscious but it crosses my mind lol. I hate to take off the fitbit because I feel like I'm losing the steps if I do. I worry too much about this stuff!
Yes I do
I used to use a flex but downgraded to a zip which is less obtrusive and I don't need to track sleep.
Initially I'd be wearing a flex, polar watch and locker key round my wrist LOL...now I just use my zip on my waistband and my watch on my wrist (padlock for the locker)
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louie61403 wrote: »I wear a fitbit all day for the pedometer. It was a Christmas present from the hubby and I didn't really ask for it.
I wear my Polar FT7 at the gym.
I did a lot of research and what I found was if you didn't have a heart rate monitor strap for your fitness tracker, it wasn't really an accurate burn for your calories. So, I was thinking about getting the Garmin VivoFit simply because it does both. It's a pedometer like the fitbit and you can buy a HRM strap like the Polar. ....... But then hubby got the fitbit and I couldn't bring myself to hurt his feelings so I just wear the fitbit throughout the day.
The fitbit app is very user friendly, tracks your sleep and will connect with MFP and other apps. I like it. I have the Charge so it also tells time and you can see how many steps you've taken at any time without syncing to the app. I really like that feature over the Flex. I didn't pick it out but it's an added bonus
Thank you!
That's what I was thinking that a chest strap is more accurate, but I kept seeing all this trackers without them. I'm leaning towards a polar with chest strap.
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I just got a jawbone up24 about a week ago, and I really like it so far. It's not so much for the calories burned since I Know that's likely inaccurate, but I like that it imports my food from MFP and that it tracks my steps and sleep. My sleep schedule is really wacked so it's nice to see how much deep/light sleep I get etc. It's just more of a good reminder to keep active. I plan to get a HRM as a reward once I hit like 20 or 30 lbs lost.0
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I use a One (Fitbit) and I'm very happy with it. I don't wear a watch, and like that I can clip it on my waistband/pocket/etc. It has been a good motivator for me. Has the features I want (step count, calorie estimation, etc.) My husband uses a Polar Loop which pairs with a Polar HRM during workouts. It is water proof, wrist warn and designed for tracking more types of activity than just running/walking.
Do your research. Not all products are the same, and like a good pair of running shoes: what is great for me might be a terrible fit for you.
No activity tracker will be 100% on calories burned. Even the ones that work with a HRM can only attest to more accuracy during cardio. I'd assume a 5-10% error rate, and then judge by your results. Now that I'm in maintenance I've found I need to eat at/above my Fitbit burn. For the last few months of mostly eating at or just below, I've dropped 2 pounds below my intended bottom #.0 -
I have the polar ft4 and I love it.0
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I've been using the Fitbit Flex for about 3 weeks and really like it! I didn't want to overspend right now on a device with too many features. I have had others in the past with HRMs, but I like the Flex for now. 0
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I have the Vivofit. It was a gift from my personal trainer -- and I LOVE it!!!!0
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Thank you everyone!
I definitely think an HRM with a cheat strap might be the right fit for me now. I'm primarily interested in calories burned during workouts only.0 -
I have a Jawbone UP24. I like it better than the Fitibit because it is slimmer and more stylish and the charge lasts longer. However, it does not have a display, so you need to sync it with a smartphone to see your stats. I love mine so far!0
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I have the vivofit & love it.0
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I use my Garmin forerunner 15, I needed a run watch and basically found out by accident that it also had all the fitness tracking goodness in it. It was a very cool found feature. If you are a runner I definitely recommend it, it's basically like a vivo fit and a GPS runwatch had a baby.0
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I wear both a Jawbone UP and a Fitbit Charge HR. I got the UP for NYE last year (mostly for steps/sleep), and this year I upgraded to the Fitbit and am currently doing a head-to-head (or wrist-to-wrist!) comparison. So far I prefer the Charge HR; it's more watch-like and comfortable (the UP gets caught in purse straps, grocery bags, etc...) I also like that it gives me a specific user interface to get the information, instead of making me reach for my phone. Plus the Charge HR has bluetooth/caller ID, so you can mute your phone, walk into meetings, and surreptitiously see who is calling without disturbing the other attendees. 0
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Love my fitbit. I've had the Fitbit Ultra for the last couple of years, and it really helped me out when I was climbing a lot of stairs at work. I was really struggling to stay under my calorie goals with a regular step counter, because I was starving all the time. I realized the stepper wasn't accounting for all the calories I was burning climbing stairs. Got the fitbit, and finally started eating the right amount of calories and losing weight. But I also started using a Polar HRM during workouts.
Now, I had put the Fitbit away quite a while back and just started using it again a few weeks ago. Then, I lost it! So, I just bought a Fitbit One. No, I mean I literally just bought it. I've just set it up, and can't wait to see tomorrow how it compares to my old Ultra!0 -
StaciMarie1974 wrote: »I use a One (Fitbit) and I'm very happy with it. I don't wear a watch, and like that I can clip it on my waistband/pocket/etc. It has been a good motivator for me. Has the features I want (step count, calorie estimation, etc.) My husband uses a Polar Loop which pairs with a Polar HRM during workouts. It is water proof, wrist warn and designed for tracking more types of activity than just running/walking.
Do your research. Not all products are the same, and like a good pair of running shoes: what is great for me might be a terrible fit for you.
No activity tracker will be 100% on calories burned. Even the ones that work with a HRM can only attest to more accuracy during cardio. I'd assume a 5-10% error rate, and then judge by your results. Now that I'm in maintenance I've found I need to eat at/above my Fitbit burn. For the last few months of mostly eating at or just below, I've dropped 2 pounds below my intended bottom #.
Yes, so true. As much as I love my Fitbit, the features I love may mean nothing to you.0 -
oh, word to the wise. I had a friend who was having issues with her Withings tracker, and called them up to get it repaired. Turns out that sweating on it voided the warranty because it wasn't technically a "waterproof" model. She wore the thing on the elliptical at the gym, not in the Death Valley Ironman. We looked into it when she was deciding on a new one, and you'd be surprised how many of them have the same fine print. Whatever one you get, it might be smart to make sure it's explicitly waterproof, if you plan on sweating during your workouts.0
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Well I'll be alone here, but I don't use one. I definitely don't think they are necessary, although I'm sure they are useful. I don't use one because I'm cheap, I'm lazy, and I'm low maintenance. Easier for me to just use a TDEE calculator to estimate my needs and adjust up/down as necessary lol. Plus HRM/etc aren't really beneficial for lifting, which is my primary form of exercise.0
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I have been questioning the same thing. I keep coming back to the garmin because of the HRM w it.0
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wahoo HB monitor + endomondo = win win0
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heathbilly wrote: »wahoo HB monitor + endomondo = win win
What's endomondo?0 -
Bodymedia Link and a Polar RC3GPS for running/gym. Also use Virgin Pulse Max 3.0 for work related health program where we can earn up to $125/quarter by wearing it or a compatible device. Of course my Bodymedia band is not a compatible device. Saving up for a Fitbit Charge HR with money I earn via the work program.0
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Anyone else use a Nike fuel band SE?0
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I went to Best Buy with the intent of buying a polar ft4 but left empty handed. While waiting on my husband i began to read the packaging and found this quote on the bottom " this product had been made with materials known to cause cancer in the state of California". I'm good with out wearing a device on my hot sweaty skin while it absorbs cancer causing compounds. To each his own.0
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I went to Best Buy with the intent of buying a polar ft4 but left empty handed. While waiting on my husband i began to read the packaging and found this quote on the bottom " this product had been made with materials known to cause cancer in the state of California". I'm good with out wearing a device on my hot sweaty skin while it absorbs cancer causing compounds. To each his own.
Good to know the ingredients only cause cancer in California.
The warning is there because California has different regulations than other states, afaik.0 -
chsbulldogs92 wrote: »Bodymedia Link and a Polar RC3GPS for running/gym. Also use Virgin Pulse Max 3.0 for work related health program where we can earn up to $125/quarter by wearing it or a compatible device. Of course my Bodymedia band is not a compatible device. Saving up for a Fitbit Charge HR with money I earn via the work program.
Getting extra money for getting healthy and fit, that's a good incentive! I wish my employers offered that.0
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