Fitbit to buy or not to buy?

Is it really worth it to get a fitbit? I already track most workouts and meals on here, but I know that it isn't always accurate. SO anyone pro fitbit or against it? Or is there something out there that works better or is the same and cheaper????

Replies

kuranda10

I love my FitBit. i had the One for two years and after it went through the wash I got the Charge HR.
I think it depends on "you" as to whether or not it's worth it. I'm a data person and I don't like to "lose". If I have 500 steps left at 11:45 PM, I am walking around the house to get them.

I also find myself parking further away, and just in general moving more so I can get my steps. I love being able to track my sleep too.
When I first got my One I was gobsmacked at how little I moved each day. There are others out now, but three years ago FitBit was the only one the integrated with all of my other stuff, phone MFP etc. so I just stay with them.

All that being said. My main exercise is walking the dogs, pilates and Barre. It doesn't work for crossfit, HIIT or weight lifting.

martinmommy

Thanks! That was super helpful÷

kuranda10

One thing, if you do get one, down load the DriveBit app. I turn that on whenever I am in a car/bus/plane as a driver or passenger (you can change it). It automatically changes any steps during that time into a "driving activity" and logs it as such. Otherwise I'd have 25,000 steps a day since i drive a manual up and down a mountain ;-)

mmsilvia

I have a fit bit and I love it!! I love to track, compare and see progress. Or ways to improve. I have a desk job and wearing the fitbit gets me to love more during the day. It's also helped me stay more active on MFP with logging food. Before investing in mine I used an app to track my steps...which was great except for the fact I almost never have my phone with me...lol. I started a fitbit fund to make me earn it.

P.S. I'm gonna download the drive bit app. Thanks!!

mmteixeira

I have a Charge HR - I use it for "timed sessions" - when doing P90x3, 21 Day Fix or just running on the treadmill I start a timed session. This tracks my heart rate among other things during the session. Once done, I stop the session. When I sync it, I have an approximate count of calories based on my heart rate during the session. I can then add the session to MyFitnessPal with a reasonably approximate calorie count.

I plan to start running this Spring (once the weather breaks) and I might consider a Surge (for the GPS). I have only had Fitbits so I can't compare but the HR does exactly what I want from it...

kuranda10

mmteixeira wrote: »

I plan to start running this Spring (once the weather breaks) and I might consider a Surge (for the GPS). I have only had Fitbits so I can't compare but the HR does exactly what I want from it...

They're getting ready to come out with the Blaze. Does what the Surge does. maybe a bit more, but the bands can be changed, so it at least looks a little better

kuranda10

The last thing, promise ...
I enter food into MFP and activity into FitBit. and let the two programs sync and calculate as they will.

FitBits food database is not great and often tells youto eat less than 1200 calories and MFP is known to over state the calories burned while working out. I just let each program do what it's best at.

airangel59

I love mine. Currently wearing the Flex (had the Force till it died) also wear version one of Garmin's Vivofit.
I'm waiting for the release of the Fitbit Alta next month.

Check out http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/1290-fitbit-users

girlwithcurls2

I got one for Mother's Day 2.5 years ago. It made me realize how few steps I was getting in, so I'd get home from work and get myself moving. It really helped get me into the habit of moving more. Now, however, I don't need it. I move without it. If you're already fit, or you've already got a routine, what will it add for you? I work out hard enough to sleep well, so I don't need it for that. Figure out what you want it for.

martinmommy

I think I am going to go ahead and get a fitbit! I want a more realistic idea of how many calories I burn in a day!

LCbaby0x

I absolutely love it

mmteixeira

kuranda10 wrote: »

mmteixeira wrote: »

I plan to start running this Spring (once the weather breaks) and I might consider a Surge (for the GPS). I have only had Fitbits so I can't compare but the HR does exactly what I want from it...

They're getting ready to come out with the Blaze. Does what the Surge does. maybe a bit more, but the bands can be changed, so it at least looks a little better

But the Blaze does not have built in GPS and the Surge does. In the end, I will probably end up getting a Blaze and pair it with my iPhone and use MapMyRun...

CassidyScaglione

There's lots of different trackers, it doesn't have to be a Fitbit. Shop around, read reviews, find the best fit for you.

isabcas

we love ours, really gives you an idea of how much activity vs calorie intake counts
if you like tech toys like me, its even more fun

there are others, i actually like the Fitbit One because it is hidden and won't clash with jewelry.
Only drawback doesn't' play nice with Apple Health

jeanniea25

I run a 3 mile stretch and it was telling me I went 4 miles it was always off. I bought a polar m400 and love it. It does biking running hiking and walking

ponycyndi

I use this one, paid less than $20 for it.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MG3T2JO?keywords=Mifit&qid=1454944706&ref_=sr_1_7&sr=8-7

I have a fit bit that was a gift, and I don't like it nearly as much as the mifit.

UG77

I'm planning on getting the microsoft band 2 on payday.

callsitlikeiseeit

im ambivalent about it. I want to keep it until after my vacation in june, because all i do is walk everywhere there (small island), but once I get back I will likely sell it.

racheljonel

I love mine. I don't think it's 100% accurate by any means but it gives you a good idea of what you're doing in a day and it pushes you to be more active. I agree with whoever said they park farther away, take the stairs, etc....I find myself doing that too trying to hit my daily goals! The challenges are fun too!

beemerphile1

Fitness trackers (Fitbit) are great for people with OCD tendencies but not necessary.

It can be a helpful motivator having a nanny on your wrist if you are into the kind of thing.

MKEgal

I had a handmedown Jawbone Up (original) for some months, before it went psychotic. I see some are available on
Amazon for $20. The charge lasts about a week, charges by USB, synchs through the headphone jack on your smart.

They replaced it with a Jawbone Up Move, and I like it.
The Move can be a wrist band or clipped on your belt, the battery lasts up to 6 months, says it's "splash-resistant"
(shower, caught in the rain) but don't take it swimming.
I like it not only for the step counter, but the sleep tracker. I can show my doctor a graphic of how poorly I sleep,
when I wake up, the deep/light sleep cycles. And I found out that even if I don't tell it "I'm going to bed now", it
will track sleep anyway!
It does have a workout tracker, so it counts how many minutes you go, and can do an estimate of calories burned.
You do need a smart phone (or at least a smart) with bluetooth & fairly up to date Android.
Costs about $50.

coreyreichle

I'd say yes, it is worth it.

However, depending on the focus of your activity, there might be something better. I'm largely a runner, with a healthy dose of walking. The Garmin Vivoactive is great, as it's also a top-notch smart watch. It's a far better running watch than anything Fitbit has in it's lineup.

However, if you're largely a walker, or don't need the details a running watch would give you, a Fitbit Charge HR is a great buy.

mkleesp

I've had the Fitbit flex for about a year and absolutely love it. It syncs very well with MFP and I'm planning to upgrade to the Charge HR soon.

jeepinshawn

I agree with what the majority have said, the fitbit is great. I have the charge, and love it. Perhaps the best thing about it is that it gives you your TDEE for that day, and for me anyway it is surprising how much that can vary from day to day. It helps keep me motivated to keep moving through out the day.

darrinotoole

Got one last month and it's been a great motivator to my overall fitness.

bailey3199

mmteixeira wrote: »

I have a Charge HR - I use it for "timed sessions" - when doing P90x3, 21 Day Fix or just running on the treadmill I start a timed session. This tracks my heart rate among other things during the session. Once done, I stop the session. When I sync it, I have an approximate count of calories based on my heart rate during the session. I can then add the session to MyFitnessPal with a reasonably approximate calorie count.

I plan to start running this Spring (once the weather breaks) and I might consider a Surge (for the GPS). I have only had Fitbits so I can't compare but the HR does exactly what I want from it...

I considered getting a fit bit for a more accurate calorie burn tracker on elliptical... Right now I use MFP to determine.. If I only want a fit bit for that reason would you recommend?

DjRichP06

I had the Fitbit charge HR, but returned it for a Polar m400 with the included heart rate monitor. I couldn't be happier

kuranda10

^^ I can't figure out how to quote two at once, but the two above me ...

This is where it comes down to HOW you want to use the monitor and WHAT you want it for.

For ONLY the elliptical and you don't care about the rest of the day, I'd go a HR strap.
For me, I want my full TDEE and all my steps. Not just specific runs, lifting sessions etc. I can't wear a HR strap 24/7.

Kapoten

@bailey3199, I got a Fitbit Charge HR for exactly that purpose. I work out on the elliptical machine 5-6 days per week, and the heart rate monitor is great for gauging the intensity of my workouts. I also have a Fitbit Flex, but it just counts the number of "steps" in your elliptical workout, which I didn't find to be especially accurate or helpful. I love my Charge HR and have worn it nearly every day for a few months now.

Edited to add: With the Charge HR, you push a button on the device at the beginning and end of your workout, and it tallies up your calorie burn and average heart rate for you. If you engage in steady cardio for 15+ minutes (I believe the time threshold is adjustable), it will also automatically create a workout entry for you.

bailey3199

@kapoten thank you so much! Very helpful.