FitBit--to connect or not to connect?

RickN9GSU
RickN9GSU Posts: 47 Member
edited November 17 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi, folks, I got myself a little present tonight, a FitBit HR2. I know it won't magically solve all my problems, but if it encourages me to move more on a regular basis, then it's a plus for me.

For FB users, do you connect it to MFP? Any particular advantages or disadvantages to doing that?

Replies

  • TheCupcakeCounter
    TheCupcakeCounter Posts: 606 Member
    I connect it and have negative adjustments enabled. It makes some logging easier but I did notice the first week or so that my burn seemed really high and then leveled out and now comes in pretty close to what MFP calculates. So I let Fitbit log all walking or running and then I manually enter anything like strength training, swimming, or bicycling since my charge 2 doesn't calculate those all that well.
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    edited March 2017
    I have connected it and unconnected it and connected it and unconnected it. For me, the output I get doesn't match reality. Fitbit consistently shows me burning 200 or more calories less than I know I do based on logging for quite awhile. But then I have friends for whom the numbers are very close to reality. I'd say connect it and then evaluate the results after four weeks.

    Despite the calories not adding up for me, I do like my Fitbit because I can use it to gauge my activity level.
  • RickN9GSU
    RickN9GSU Posts: 47 Member
    I appreciate the input!
  • StaciMarie1974
    StaciMarie1974 Posts: 4,138 Member
    edited March 2017
    RickN9GSU wrote: »
    Hi, folks, I got myself a little present tonight, a FitBit HR2. I know it won't magically solve all my problems, but if it encourages me to move more on a regular basis, then it's a plus for me.

    For FB users, do you connect it to MFP? Any particular advantages or disadvantages to doing that?

    I connect to MFP. My calorie intake goal is manually set based on what I know of my typical TDEE, largely derived from using my Fitbit.

    I recently switched from a One to Charge HR2. The HR2 is a little more generous with cardio calorie burns, but I'm also doing more running now than I was before. I have no reason to believe the calorie burns are TOO high but I am being cautious for now. I aim for about a 300 calorie deficit, according to Fitbit. I'm back at the top end of my maintenance range (gained 10-12 pounds in 2016, took it off first quarter 2017) and so I'll soon officially switch back to maintenance. Then, until I have more data to judge from, I'll aim to leave about 150 'deficit' according to Fitbit. Just in case the burn #s are too high.

    I've been a Fitbit user since Christmas of 2013. VEry good for being accountable to myself regarding my activity level. Love the challenges.
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