Fitness trackers
imamomwifedaughter
Posts: 26 Member
Hi! I'm looking for a fitness tracker that's not going to break the bank! What do you all recommend? I would like a watch one, I have a windows phone and a Samsung Galaxy tablet if that makes any difference? Do I need a GPS one if I'm not going to use it with my phone?
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I have a fit bit zip, primarilly just for step counting as thats all i really wanted it for, for a bit of motivation to get moving during the day really. I have a garmin fore runner for running so it monitors speed and distance which i don't wear at the same time as my fit bit as i don't want extra exercise to change my steps0
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I have the Fitbit Charge HR and really like it. It tracks steps, calories, stairs, sleep and links it to MFP, has alarms, and is a watch. If I chose to do so, I can eat my calories burned, but i don't normally unless I'm dying for a snack! Last year, it cost me about $120, so it must be cheaper now. I wear it every day!
the only thing i don't like about it is that its not super cute...
There is a more attractive version out now, but the clasp is magnetic and I hear of people losing it easily. 0 -
Thanks for your help, I have heard that the fit bit is one of the best out there. Does it track by GPS? Do I need to have it connected to my phone or can I use it with just my tablet?0
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imamomwifedaughter wrote: »Thanks for your help, I have heard that the fit bit is one of the best out there. Does it track by GPS? Do I need to have it connected to my phone or can I use it with just my tablet?
Depends on the phone and tablet, but it can be synced to a computer as well.
The only one with built in GPS is the Surge. The blaze will use your phone for GPS if it's compatible (Connected GPS). None of the other models have GPS or Connected GPS.
GPS is not a needed feature. It just provides you with a map and elevation information for your walk/run/hike.
I originally got the Surge thinking the GPS would fix the issue of missing steps when I was pushing a stroller. Ya, nope. It tracked my route on a nice map, but the distance was based on the steps it counted and not what the GPS tracked. I have the Blaze now and the connected GPS doesn't have that problem (the band on the Surge started breaking around the year mark and it can't be replaced).0 -
I have a vivo fit. Was under 80 bucks. I like it because you never have to charge it and you can wear it in the shower with no damage. I can sync to my phone or computer.0
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I just bought the Fitbit Alta. It's amazing. (costs: $129). I love that it is cute (even in basic black), tracks steps, sleep rhythms, water intake (if you want), and prompts with txts/calls (because = convenience [not dragging the phone out of a pocket]). Oh, and it is kind of naggy every hour that you haven't taken 250 steps (which I need
). AND, it gives you a mini-celebration when you hit the 10,000 step goal for a day. It's simply a tool, albeit a fun one , in the quest to get healthier. It also syncs with the phone/computer. Lots of fun features to keep it interesting. 0 -
Garmin gets my vote here. Forerunner 230 would be my pick for a watch type option that isn't too expensive. You can sync it via bluetooth to your tablet using the Garmin app.
The 630 and Fenix 3 has built in wifi so you can sync that route with those along with bluetooth.0 -
shadow2soul wrote: »imamomwifedaughter wrote: »Thanks for your help, I have heard that the fit bit is one of the best out there. Does it track by GPS? Do I need to have it connected to my phone or can I use it with just my tablet?
Depends on the phone and tablet, but it can be synced to a computer as well.
The only one with built in GPS is the Surge. The blaze will use your phone for GPS if it's compatible (Connected GPS). None of the other models have GPS or Connected GPS.
GPS is not a needed feature. It just provides you with a map and elevation information for your walk/run/hike.
I originally got the Surge thinking the GPS would fix the issue of missing steps when I was pushing a stroller. Ya, nope. It tracked my route on a nice map, but the distance was based on the steps it counted and not what the GPS tracked. I have the Blaze now and the connected GPS doesn't have that problem (the band on the Surge started breaking around the year mark and it can't be replaced).
I hike the trail along the Niagara escarpment with lots of elevation and hills so would the GPS be best for my use? I can burn twice the calories going up the hill by my house than the flat road. Do Fitness trackers without GPS only track steps and distance but not elevation ?
Thanks☺0 -
Garmin gets my vote here. Forerunner 230 would be my pick for a watch type option that isn't too expensive. You can sync it via bluetooth to your tablet using the Garmin app.
The 630 and Fenix 3 has built in wifi so you can sync that route with those along with bluetooth.
Hi, I was looking at Garmin forerunner 25 and vivofit 2(more within my budget). Do you know anything about them? The vivofit looks pretty basic...thx.0 -
Hi, does it track steps while driving? My Fitbit Charge has a big problem with that!Garmin gets my vote here. Forerunner 230 would be my pick for a watch type option that isn't too expensive. You can sync it via bluetooth to your tablet using the Garmin app.
The 630 and Fenix 3 has built in wifi so you can sync that route with those along with bluetooth.
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KennyLaguna2016 wrote: »
Hi, does it track steps while driving? My Fitbit Charge has a big problem with that!Garmin gets my vote here. Forerunner 230 would be my pick for a watch type option that isn't too expensive. You can sync it via bluetooth to your tablet using the Garmin app.
The 630 and Fenix 3 has built in wifi so you can sync that route with those along with bluetooth.
I don't notice anything significant with regards to steps added while driving with the Fenix30 -
imamomwifedaughter wrote: »shadow2soul wrote: »imamomwifedaughter wrote: »Thanks for your help, I have heard that the fit bit is one of the best out there. Does it track by GPS? Do I need to have it connected to my phone or can I use it with just my tablet?
Depends on the phone and tablet, but it can be synced to a computer as well.
The only one with built in GPS is the Surge. The blaze will use your phone for GPS if it's compatible (Connected GPS). None of the other models have GPS or Connected GPS.
GPS is not a needed feature. It just provides you with a map and elevation information for your walk/run/hike.
I originally got the Surge thinking the GPS would fix the issue of missing steps when I was pushing a stroller. Ya, nope. It tracked my route on a nice map, but the distance was based on the steps it counted and not what the GPS tracked. I have the Blaze now and the connected GPS doesn't have that problem (the band on the Surge started breaking around the year mark and it can't be replaced).
I hike the trail along the Niagara escarpment with lots of elevation and hills so would the GPS be best for my use? I can burn twice the calories going up the hill by my house than the flat road. Do Fitness trackers without GPS only track steps and distance but not elevation ?
Thanks☺
The elevation isn't used in calculating your calorie burn. It's just a stat if you want it. The Charge HR, Blaze, and Surge all have HRM's, the HRM will pick up your increased HR when you go up hill and give you a higher calorie burn from that.
Only the GPS models can tell you elevation. Here's a comparison of the Fitbit models:
(note that the GPS section at the bottom is built in GPS which only the Surge has)0 -
KennyLaguna2016 wrote: »
Hi, does it track steps while driving? My Fitbit Charge has a big problem with that!Garmin gets my vote here. Forerunner 230 would be my pick for a watch type option that isn't too expensive. You can sync it via bluetooth to your tablet using the Garmin app.
The 630 and Fenix 3 has built in wifi so you can sync that route with those along with bluetooth.KennyLaguna2016 wrote: »
Hi, does it track steps while driving? My Fitbit Charge has a big problem with that!Garmin gets my vote here. Forerunner 230 would be my pick for a watch type option that isn't too expensive. You can sync it via bluetooth to your tablet using the Garmin app.
The 630 and Fenix 3 has built in wifi so you can sync that route with those along with bluetooth.
Yes I can see how that would be a problem...0 -
shadow2soul wrote: »imamomwifedaughter wrote: »shadow2soul wrote: »imamomwifedaughter wrote: »Thanks for your help, I have heard that the fit bit is one of the best out there. Does it track by GPS? Do I need to have it connected to my phone or can I use it with just my tablet?
Depends on the phone and tablet, but it can be synced to a computer as well.
The only one with built in GPS is the Surge. The blaze will use your phone for GPS if it's compatible (Connected GPS). None of the other models have GPS or Connected GPS.
GPS is not a needed feature. It just provides you with a map and elevation information for your walk/run/hike.
I originally got the Surge thinking the GPS would fix the issue of missing steps when I was pushing a stroller. Ya, nope. It tracked my route on a nice map, but the distance was based on the steps it counted and not what the GPS tracked. I have the Blaze now and the connected GPS doesn't have that problem (the band on the Surge started breaking around the year mark and it can't be replaced).
I hike the trail along the Niagara escarpment with lots of elevation and hills so would the GPS be best for my use? I can burn twice the calories going up the hill by my house than the flat road. Do Fitness trackers without GPS only track steps and distance but not elevation ?
Thanks☺
The elevation is used in calculating your calorie burn. It's just a stat if you want it. The Charge HR, Blaze, and Surge all have HRM's, the HRM will pick up your increased HR when you go up hill and give you a higher calorie burn from that.
Only the GPS models can tell you elevation. Here's a comparison of the Fitbit models:
(note that the GPS section at the bottom is built in GPS which only the Surge has)
OK, that makes sense thanks for your help!0 -
I was a former Fitbit fan but have the Garmin Vivosmart HR now and love it. Originally I wanted GPS but realized my phone is fine for that. I definitely wanted heart rate and also something that tells me to get off my butt and move, and the Vivosmart HR does that, plus tracks sleep, gives me text and call notifications, counts flights of stairs, is waterproof, and has some other cool bells and whistles. Good balance between price and functionality.2
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I found for not tracking driving you need a non wrist tracker.
I have had 4 fitbits (3 zips and 1 Ultra) and a Mysfit Shine. I loved the waterproof of my shine but the magnetic part kept sticking to shopping carts, my car door. I "lost" it about 10 times for days on end. Drove me nuts.
Biggest issue with fitbit is not waterproof. I was cleaning a bathroom and the steam killed my ultra. The zips I always just had the clips get old and they would fall off my jeans, but when bought on ebay for $25 I don't care as much.1 -
Thanks for all the help everyone!0
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I got a Garmin Vivosmart HR too and I love it! I think it is more accurate than the Fitbit Charge HR, according to the reviews I read...and the big difference is that it is waterproof, so you don't have to take it off for showering or swimming. Having never had a fitness tracker, I find it very motivating! I use it with My Fitness Pal, and I love having an accurate idea of how much I'm putting into my body (food) versus how many calories I'm burning. And I love not having to enter the physical activity.....the Garmin syncs my activity with My Fitness Pal....Now if only there could be an automatic food tracker! hahha!
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I got a Garmin Vivosmart HR too and I love it! I think it is more accurate than the Fitbit Charge HR, according to the reviews I read...and the big difference is that it is waterproof, so you don't have to take it off for showering or swimming. Having never had a fitness tracker, I find it very motivating! I use it with My Fitness Pal, and I love having an accurate idea of how much I'm putting into my body (food) versus how many calories I'm burning. And I love not having to enter the physical activity.....the Garmin syncs my activity with My Fitness Pal....Now if only there could be an automatic food tracker! hahha!
Thanks, I was leaning towards the fit bit charge or blaze with HRM but also read some reviews about the HRM not working too well with vigorous activity....then I looked at the windows wellograph and found there was only one app that worked with it and it's not compatible with MFP. So now I'm looking at Garmin again. OR If I have to wear a chest strap I was thinking about buying just the strap from runtastic and just using it with my runtastic phone app. The more I read and learn the more confusing it becomes! I like Garmin but the ones with built in HRM are $$$0 -
Used to have a Fitbit One, I think I had 3 of them before I finally gave up. Work paid for the first one for all employees as part of a fitness challenge (it brought our health insurance rates down), fitbit gave me the other two as warranty replacements. I liked my Fitbit ok enough.
I'm using a Garmin Fenix 3 now. It's massively overkill for most people and pretty expensive, but it does the specific things I want it to do. I love it.
Fitbits are easy to use, they're not very robust for exercise and their wrist HRM doesn't work very well for intense exercise, but their strength is their social network.shadow2soul wrote: »GPS is not a needed feature. It just provides you with a map and elevation information for your walk/run/hike.
FYI, a couple things. First, the "stairs climbed" feature on a Fitbit is pretty reliable. They count 10 feet as a flight of stairs, so if you go hiking and your Fitbit says you did 50 flights, that means you gained 500 feet of vert on your hike. So Fitbits can give you elevation info, it's sparse, but that was something liked about mine.
Also, GPS is useful way beyond just having a map. People are doing all kinds of crazy cool stuff with GPS data. When you get home from a workout (run, bike ride, etc) your exercise data gets synced to "the cloud" automatically; the server matches the route you followed against its database and shows you a list of who did the same route, when, and how your performance compared to theirs. This is hugely motivating for a lot of people. There are other benefits like knowing your pace if you're a runner, having your exercise calendar automagically filled in, Strava's global heat map, etc. But I'll also agree that for a lot of people it isn't necessary, just fun and cool.1 -
I have the Garmin Forerunner 15, basically it's the 25 without Bluetooth. I had a Fitbit Flex before and my wife has a Charge. In my experience the Garmin quality is far above Fitbit, my Flex had battery issues once under warranty and got the Garmin when it died out of warranty, went through 2 bands, and my wife has had her Charge replaced for the band breaking. Battery life on the Garmin is much better also I've gone a couple weeks without charging though out does drain faster with GPS and HRM connected.
As for features it's whatever you find important, I'm ok with a chest strap HRM but don't want to have to carry my phone for GPS.1 -
I prefer a chest strap because it's more accurate and records more/better data (which isn't useful to everyone).
People say they're uncomfortable but I forget I have mine on.1 -
I have a Microsoft Band 2 for general wear because 1) my life is in my Windows Phone and the Band 2 interfaces beautifully with it, and 2) because the Band 2 has optical HR which is accurate enough at rest and also because you can program workouts into it and it guides you through each stage including warmup, warmdown, intervals, and even stretching. You can create your own workouts or download pre-programmed ones.
For training, I have a Polar M400 with chest strap. It allows you to add sports and control the display screens. The H7 strap is EKG-accurate. The watch and the strap are waterproof for swimming. The Polar stats are numerous and beautifully displayed. The watch is very large for a woman's wrist, though.
Prior to the Polar and I had a Garmin Vivoactive with a chest strap HR monitor. It is a nice watch, but being the data junkie I am, I wanted EKG accuracy for my training. The Garmin chest strap is pretty accurate, mind you, I just wanted to step it up a notch. The Garmin only provides support for Running, Walking and swimming and since I also paddle board and toy with Yoga, I wanted to be able to capture training/exercise data on those activities, as well, and the Garmin device did not provide the facility to do so. The Garmin stats and presentation are also nice, but I'd have to give the edge to Polar, which is saying something because I held onto the Garmin for as long as I did precisely because of its data presentation.
The Band, Polar and Garmins all have built-in GPS for distance and pace accuracy when it counts. All track sleep, as well.
Prior to the Garmin I had a FitBit HR. My mother taught me that if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. Enough said about the FitBit.
I believe that Garmin has just come out with an optical HR watch, that will also pair with a chest strap for greater accuracy when needed. Might be worth checking out.1 -
I've been wearing a jawbone up and the Fitbit charge hr. Jawbone is more accurate. Fitbit gave me steps for driving and added way too many calories to my day. The jawbone is comfortable. The jawbone battery lasted a week, the Fitbit only like 3 days. Jawbone Does my sleep very well. And it's on sale at Best Buy for $99. Target will match it and get an extra 5% off with red card, so $94.99. If you live near a Costco, they had them on clearance for $59.97, only in black but it is a bundle that also comes with the up move clip on tracker, which you can also,wear on a wrist strap. They also have the fitbit charge hr bundle which I believe comes with an extra charging cord and 3 months free of something.
BJs has a lot of the garmin on deals. $30-$50 off until May 4th.1 -
NorthCascades wrote: »I prefer a chest strap because it's more accurate and records more/better data (which isn't useful to everyone).
People say they're uncomfortable but I forget I have mine on.
Do you use the chest strap on its own with a phone app? Mostly what I'm looking for is accuracy! Something that gives me an accurate reading of my exercise calories burned. I hiked the other day with my runtastic app on my phone, I hiked up and down the escarpment for 60 min. 5 km. My HR was prob. 160 or more going up the hills yet when I got home the stupid app said I burned 200 Cal and I know it's way more than that. I don't care about sleep function, text, email etc. So basically I want a good HRM that syncs with an app on my phone or tablet. I think I've given up on a watch style with HRM the good ones are too $$ for me and like you mentioned overkill. I don't need all the bells and whistles....thanks for you help!0 -
I use the chest strap with my watch. Also have GPS in the watch, and some stuff on the bike that my watch listens to. So, when I go for a bike ride, I get a map and all kinds of fancy data. Here's an example if you want to see what it looks like. But that's just how I do it. I prefer having a watch, if it wasn't this kind I'd have an old one with hands, this is just more convenient for me.
You can get a chest strap HRM (like Polar's H7) and pair it with your phone, and do all the same things. I can't recommend any apps from personal experience but I know Strava is popular.1 -
NorthCascades wrote: »I use the chest strap with my watch. Also have GPS in the watch, and some stuff on the bike that my watch listens to. So, when I go for a bike ride, I get a map and all kinds of fancy data. Here's an example if you want to see what it looks like. But that's just how I do it. I prefer having a watch, if it wasn't this kind I'd have an old one with hands, this is just more convenient for me.
You can get a chest strap HRM (like Polar's H7) and pair it with your phone, and do all the same things. I can't recommend any apps from personal experience but I know Strava is popular.
Thanks, I'll have a look at that polar H7.
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I got a Garmin Vivosmart HR too and I love it! I think it is more accurate than the Fitbit Charge HR, according to the reviews I read...and the big difference is that it is waterproof, so you don't have to take it off for showering or swimming. Having never had a fitness tracker, I find it very motivating! I use it with My Fitness Pal, and I love having an accurate idea of how much I'm putting into my body (food) versus how many calories I'm burning. And I love not having to enter the physical activity.....the Garmin syncs my activity with My Fitness Pal....Now if only there could be an automatic food tracker! hahha!
If you dont mind me asking, Do you think the Garmin would fit around an ankle? I want a wrist band Tracker Primarily for a sleep tracker/Activity and been looking at Garmin, but I work part time Cashiering and I don't want the frequent hand moments to mess up the Step count and was planning on putting it around my ankle during work so it would still track steps and not arm movements. ( work pants don't have pockets otherwise I would just stick it in pocket during work)
Does it also track driving as steps? ( I would assume not by your review of it, But doesn't hurt to still ask )0 -
I have the Jawbone UP Move and I wear it on my pants or shirt (when sleeping). It's pretty accurate (not always, but probably about 98% of the time) and I think I got mine for $39. It does seem to under count steps, which is better to me than over counting. Sleep function works pretty well. However, I go to bed around 10, but probably don't go to sleep until 11 and it thinks that lack of movement is light sleep, when really it's lying really still while looking at my phone.
It does prompt you to fill the sleep and workouts when you forgot to "log" it. Since it's just a round button, there are different types of pushing on the button that indicate whether you want sleep or workout mode. It's annoying, so I manually enter it after the fact and/or wait for to pop up with, "Hey, were you sleeping between so and so hours?"
I like it because it's more discrete and I hate wearing anything on my wrist. The battery does need to be replaced every six months or so, but it's fairly cheap.0 -
Having a problem finding one that syncs with a Galaxy Core Prime phone. Any suggestions? I had originally wanted a FitBit with HR but it doesn't work with the phone.0
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