I have a Fitbit and an HRM.

For me, the HRM is valuable when I'm doing my runs -- it keeps track of my heart rate (obviously), my mileage, and my pace, which I find really valuable for my running training. I haven't calibrated the Fitbit to measure my running stride, so it always overestimates my running distance, while still coming up with a calorie total close to my HRM. (I always go with my HRM numbers in MFP, though.)

The Fitbit is great all day long. I'm definitely the sort of person that loves watching the numbers and is inspired to "get a few more steps in." The sleep function (it monitors your sleep activity, shows you how restless you were, etc.) has been invaluable for me, because in general my sleep is very uneven, and it's good to see what circumstances lead to a more restless night.

What I've discovered with the Fitbit is that the number it calculates as my TDEE is almost exactly the same number as these online calculators have calculated as my probable current TDEE (within about 50 calories). So it's doing a pretty good job of keeping track of my overall fitness. Because of this, even though I'm a total nerd who loves gadgets that give me numbers I can use for comparison, I've decided not to get a BMF: I have all the info I need between my Fitbit and my HRM.

There are lots and lots of threads talking about Fitbits vs BMF (I've read through a lot of them). If you do get a BMF, get it through Costco, because it comes with a year's subscription in the price.

It is really a tough decision. I've just made the decision to go with the BMF. Here are a few things I like/dislike about each:

Fitbit

Likes - small and easy to wear. no subscription. integrates easily with MFP. automatically updates to MFP.
Dislikes - seems easy to lose. its really just a beefed up pedometer. only a moderate improvement from apps on my phone.

BMF (Link)

Likes - uses more measurements, so I assume it is more accurate. appears to have a lot of calorie tracking data. will give me a solid idea of my actual BMR/TDEE. synchs to my phone. I assume it is the most accurate for strength training.
Dislikes - larger and more noticeable when wearing. subscription services.

HRM

Likes - being able to tell my current heart rate zone. can sync with some exercise equipment ie treadmills. feel like I can maximize my cardio workouts.
Dislikes - is really only for cardio. Cannot really wear all day. chest strap is annoying.


So yeah, I personally opted for the BMF just because of how much it can do. It is the most expensive of the 3 choices, but I really want a solid idea of what my BMR and TDEE are. I also like that it is clinically tested to be over 90% accurate. I went with the BMF Link in case I decided I wanted to stop paying for the subscription. At least I would get some information, though not as in depth, using the app.

I would really only recommend the BMF if you wanted to continue paying for the subscription service. If not, I would probably go with the HRM. It would help you maximize your cardio workouts. I personally do think the FitBit would give me much more information than some of the apps I have on my phone. I can already track my steps and distance traveled. I'm really not interested much in my sleep stats. I also don't trust the accuracy of FitBit compared to the other 2 choices.

ive had my bmf link now for over a month and i love it. It took me a few days to get used to the strap on my arm. but after a while I got used to it and it does not bother my arm anymore. i love the link so i can bring up live data on my phone anytime i use it. i also like the workout app so i can see my workouts on my phone while i'm doing them.

i really have no complaints. if you can afford the cost go with a bmf imo.

What's a bmf ? ( I've heart of the other two!)

This is what I was going to ask

Ahh cool I think I might have to save up for one of these gizmos :-)

Hi everyone,

I'm curious to know if anyone ever measured their daily calorie burn with their hrm and compared it to the other two products. I know people say that a hrm can't give you a correct daily cal burn due to oxygen etc blah blah. My question is because I've worn my hrm for a full day 6 months apart. Both times it gave me. Burn of 2350 2380( no exercise those days). Most of the calcs have me at 2150. I know nothing is perfect but I was just curious.

Cheers:drinker:

HRM's are not designed for all day measurement. They are designed for aerobic steady state exercise like walking, running, or cycling. The calculations from online calculators are probably more in line at 2150 than the 2350 of the HRM.