Fitbit. Worth it or not?

I'm enjoying my fitbit flex 2 (which I got free through my husband's work), but I'm thinking about upgrading to a Garmin vivo smart hr. I'm wondering if it's worth it to get heart rate monitoring and gps. I'm really not sure. Currently I'm carrying my phone to track my runs.

I find the fitbit really does motivate me to keep active.

I had a Flex for years, and just got an Alta for my birthday a few weeks ago, which does heart rate as well (and alerts me when my mobile phone is ringing when it's on silent in the office!).
I like the step data as it helps remind me to be at least a bit active on the weekends, instead of totally vegging out.
The sleep data is also nice, and the badges are fun too.

I'm a bit of a data nerd, but I like mine a lot!

Totally worth it, as long as you act on the data it collects. It's not really good enough to track your activity, but you have to do something with that data. I just use a little Fitbit Zip to track my steps and MapMyFitness for logging other workouts. I lost about 70 pounds using the data and acting on it. I also have a Garmin now to track my runs, but that's a fairly new addition. The Fitbit Zip and MMF were enough for me until I actually started training for races.

I had a couple of clip Fitbits over the years and really enjoyed them. I ended up with an AW but I probably would have got the wrist one otherwise. I love tracking the data and having a history of info and goals to meet.

I started with the Fitbit Flex a few years ago and now have the Alta. It definitely made me more conscious about my activity level and everyday I strive to take the stairs rather than the elevator, or walk to the furthest restroom at work to get in those few extra steps.

I got Fitbits for both my parents and honestly they never wear them unless I tell them I'm setting up a challenge ahead of time and then they'll only wear it for those days. My husband stopped wearing his when he got a Leatherman bracelet for his birthday.

However, I have been wearing mine 24/7 for years. I charge it when I'm in the car or when I know I'm going to be sitting for atleast 15 minutes (because that's how long it takes to charge and it stays charged for 7 days). I love that it tracks my activity, sleep, calories burned, and distance. I can log my food intake, log my weight daily and see graphs and charts of my progress (or un-progress).

Oh, and it can tell time too.

I borrowe a clip on one about 18 month ago. I decided a step tracker wasn't for me.
I spend a lot of time around the house, studio, and garden, and found that trying to get a certain number of steps in (1000) cut down on my everyday full body movements.
I would rather use my whole body doing useful movements, or things I like, than worry about steps.

That being said, if you spend most of your day sitting, you may find it encourages you to move more.

Cheers, h.

I got a Charge 2 for a few days. I'm really much more excited with it that I thought I would be .. It made me want to do stuff all day to get better stats and more active time. I keep trying to sneak in exercises that I wouldn't before.
HR data seem pretty accurate.. comparing with polar strap HR and elliptical machine HR.
I want to use it for weight loss and I'm still trying to figure out how the calories burnt are accurate. Workout calories burnt seem ok to me maybe even a bit underestimated. What worries me is it is giving me too many calories for walking ? But maybe it isn't wrong I mean it estimates it from HR. I'm gonna follow an eating plan according to fitbit estimations about my burnt calories and see how that works. If I gain lose or maintain.

I just got my charge 2 a few days ago. I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I do. I absolutely love seeing my progress and being reminded to move every so often. It really keeps my health in mind.

alwaysbloated wrote: »

Do you wear a watch or anything similar? I don't like having things on my wrist, I take my fitbit off several times a day, and often forget to put it back on. I also feel negative pressure to hit a certain number of steps a day if I wear a fitbit, so I often don't bother putting it on.

I think it depends what kind of person you are. If you are the kind that just likes collecting data and doesn't play head games with yourself, than go for it.

Agreed! For anyone who obsesses and plays negative head games with themselves they’re not a good idea. I would obsess and then beat myself up for not meeting goals, and would be more likely to give up altogether. I don’t wear one anymore.

Best thing i ever did, i have a surge and blaze.

I find the blaze better as it has a better battery life than my surge. My blaze doesnt track my walks for some reason even though the gps option is on but it does track runs which makes no sense to me, also tracks heart rate and steps

My surge has a rubbish battery life, it nearly dies after walking for 2 hours so i don't use it that often, it does track walks though but whether i actually track or not it still drains the battery but it also tracks heart rate and steps but either way it depends on your goals

I don't understand why tracking sleep is important. To me it's pretty obvious if I have had a good or bad sleep.
People keep telling me I would love a Fitbit but nothing here that I have read seems like one is a fit for me personally.

But everyone is different with different goals and needs. To the OP let us know what you decide.

Same - I *think* I'm being good with my sleep, but sometimes that just means I go upstairs at a sensible time, not that I actually go to sleep. I can faff around for ages but kid myself that I got an early night because I switched the TV off/put my pyjamas on/whatever at a sensible time.
It makes me more accountable to myself.

If anything, a fitness tracker keeps you honest. They're fun to play with and work with the software to set goals, see progress, etc. I have a Garmin Vivoactive HR.

Had a charge, it kept falling apart after a couple of months every time. Fitbit was generally good about replacing it, but it just wasn't worth the hassle. Switched to a Samsung Gearfit 2 and am much happier.