NGKUR: Fitness and Activity Trackers

[longhornwino0907]

I use the FitBit Flex, and H uses the FitBit Charge. We both love them. It's become a competition between us to see who can get the most steps, burn the most calories, etc.

Good luck getting back into the swing of things!

ETA: H had the FitBit Charge HR. He loves that it tracks his heart rate. And I'm jealous that I can't track mine. BUT mine does have more options for bands (I have three colors, plus I just got the Tory Burch rose gold bracelet for it).

[pinkcat]

Good Morning!

I have a Fitbit Charge. I really like it, but after wearing it for a few months you have a pretty good sense of how many steps you've done and don't need to wear it all the time anymore. I know how many steps a typical day at work is, how many steps my average run is, etc. However, in the beginning I found it really motivating- I didn't realize how much time I sat just sitting at my desk. It did encourage me to get up more, make special trips to other offices, upstairs, etc. just to keep moving.

Overall, I recommend it and think it is very simple to use and works well!

[piccyami]

I have the fitbit charge hr. I like that it gives me an idea of how my heart rate responds to activity. My mom is using my old fitbit one. I liked it, but I was in the market for a watch and wanted to keep an eye on my heart rate.

[mustloveerica]

For everyday use I have a Fitbit Flex. I wear it almost every day. It really encourages me to go that extra little bit. When it's noon and I realize I've been sitting at my desk and only gotten 1000 steps then I'm more motivated to go for a lunchtime walk.

For workouts I have a jarv heart rate monitor. The one that straps to your chest. This is great because I get a completely accurate idea of how many calories I'm burning and then I know if I need to work harder.

H has an apple watch and he doesn't think the heart rate monitor is accurate at all. Last night we went for a 3 mile run and my heart rate was around 160 the entire time. His watch said he never got above 90bpm. So lesson learned, fancy is not always more accurate.

[doodler]

I used the fitbit flex for a year and then upgraded to the Surge a few months ago. For me, it is super motivating and I love it. If you are getting a fitbit I would recommend getting one of the new ones with a heart rate monitor.

[ceejay]

I highly recommend FitBit! Their iPhone app is really simple to use and quickly shows you how many steps and active minutes you have each day. Having a record of my steps has been a lot of fun and motivates me to be active. I run regularly, so it's also fun to see how many steps I can get on the days that I run a long distance.

I have the FitBit One, which is okay, but the clip it came with broke after ~8 months so I had to get a replacement clip (FitBit gave me one for free because I called and complained that it had broken from general use). Then the new clip broke after another 6 months, so now I just keep the One in my pocket or sports bra. If/when the One dies, I'll probably get a different model of FitBit that is more durable.

[mrss44]

I just got the fitbit charge hr. I absolutely love it! Even the short time I've had it, I see it challenging me to go walk more steps. I'm excited to be able to challenge my sister too!

[piccyami]

One thing that kept me from getting one of the fitbit watches was that I had heard from other people that the watches didn't count steps if you were pushing something. Now that I have mine, I see that they have definitely fixed that at least in the newer models.

[mustloveerica]

Jun 8, 2015 10:10:51 GMT -5 piccyami said:

One thing that kept me from getting one of the fitbit watches was that I had heard from other people that the watches didn't count steps if you were pushing something. Now that I have mine, I see that they have definitely fixed that at least in the newer models.

I do a lot of field work for my job. It involves me walking around construction sites. I get so mad that my Fitbit has trouble counting my steps if I'm carrying something, like a clip board. It seems to struggle if my arms aren't freely swinging. I often wish I had the Fitbit that you just clip to your clothes in those instances. If I'm going to be walking for work then damnit I want my steps to count for something!!

[MrsRC88]

I've got the FitBit One. I keep it attached to my bra. I love it... It works great for me, and it is motivating. I don't care for bracelets- my wrists are small- so I decided to go with the clip. I also like that I can look on it and see my step count, vs just seeing a flashing light on the flex. If the charge hr was available when I got mine, I probably would have went with that, as I'm interested in my heart rate, but I probably would have only worn it at the gym.

I've not had a problem with mine, but I have heard customer service is awesome if you need to replace it within a year of purchase.

[icaughtfire]

I have a FitBit Charge. I like it. It does what it's supposed to do, and the iPhone app is simple. I've very easy to please.

ETA it's not the most attractive thing in the world. Minus one point for appearance.

[shemarie82]

Jun 8, 2015 10:38:56 GMT -5 MrsRC88 said:

I've not had a problem with mine, but I have heard customer service is awesome if you need to replace it within a year of purchase.

I bought mine from someone else, and it didn't work properly and it was replaced. I will certainly recommend their products because of the service!

[piccyami]

Jun 8, 2015 10:27:47 GMT -5 ****** said:

For those with the FitBit HR, is it waterproof? I could google but I prefer y'all. It's not that important but I was hoping I could swim and do water workouts also. I know Garmin has one that's waterproof but I can't remember about FitBit

They say it is water resistant, not waterproof.  They want you to take it off in the shower and whatever.  They're also kind of gun-shy about anything that could cause that rash they had an issue with with one one they recalled.

[piccyami]

Jun 8, 2015 10:18:55 GMT -5 mustloveerica said:

Jun 8, 2015 10:10:51 GMT -5 piccyami said:

One thing that kept me from getting one of the fitbit watches was that I had heard from other people that the watches didn't count steps if you were pushing something. Now that I have mine, I see that they have definitely fixed that at least in the newer models.

I do a lot of field work for my job. It involves me walking around construction sites. I get so mad that my Fitbit has trouble counting my steps if I'm carrying something, like a clip board. It seems to struggle if my arms aren't freely swinging. I often wish I had the Fitbit that you just clip to your clothes in those instances. If I'm going to be walking for work then damnit I want my steps to count for something!!

So maybe they've only fixed it in the new models?  That would really irritate me.

[nuggetrn]

I have a fitbit one that I wear everyday. I really didn't want to have something on my wrist all of the time, plus I didn't want to have to worry about steps being miscounted/not counted based on how I moved my arms.

I also have a garmin forerunner watch that I wear during workouts. It comes with a chest strap for HR monitoring and also has GPS. I mostly bought it for bike rides because I wanted an idea of calorie burn/how far we had gone. I really like the GPS. You can also turn the GPS off for indoor workouts when you are just looking to monitor HR. I bought a cheaper model that is not bluetooth enabled so in order to log it onto their program you have to plug it into the computer. A more expensive watch has bluetooth though. It also counts steps but I don't wear it all day. You can link it to MFP if you want.

[longhornwino0907]

Jun 8, 2015 10:27:47 GMT -5 ****** said:

For those with the FitBit HR, is it waterproof? I could google but I prefer y'all. It's not that important but I was hoping I could swim and do water workouts also. I know Garmin has one that's waterproof but I can't remember about FitBit

We went to the beach this past weekend, so naturally I Googled all the things about taking my FitBit into the water with me. And it's a big no-no. Basically everything I read said their FitBit was dead almost immediately upon exiting the water (or that's when they noticed it). H and I both took ours off while we were at the beach. Sad, too, since I know we got so many steps while we were out jumping waves and trying to stay in line with our spot on the beach.

[longhornwino0907]

Jun 8, 2015 11:10:27 GMT -5 nuggetrn said:

[snip] You can link it to MFP if you want.

I love that I can link MFP up with my FitBit app. I log exercise and calories into MFP, and let it tell my FitBit how to adjust accordingly. I double-logged for a while, until I realized I could link them. So nice for keeping track of calories in versus an accurate count of calories out, since FitBit tracks all of your expended calories, not just your exercise calories.

[nuggetrn]

Jun 8, 2015 11:15:19 GMT -5 longhornwino0907 said:

Jun 8, 2015 11:10:27 GMT -5 nuggetrn said:

[snip] You can link it to MFP if you want.

I love that I can link MFP up with my FitBit app. I log exercise and calories into MFP, and let it tell my FitBit how to adjust accordingly. I double-logged for a while, until I realized I could link them. So nice for keeping track of calories in versus an accurate count of calories out, since FitBit tracks all of your expended calories, not just your exercise calories.

Same! I love that my fitbit links up with MFP. I hardly ever open the actual fitbit app because everything I really need is in MFP.

[longhornwino0907]

Jun 8, 2015 11:21:36 GMT -5 ****** said:

Jun 8, 2015 10:51:46 GMT -5 jennykat said:

I have the FitBit Flex. I thought about getting the one with HR, but the Flex gave me chances to change the band color. The app is easy to use, the alarm is a great way to wake me up and not MH, and I really like that it tracks how I slept as well.

What all does the sleep tracker monitor? I read online it did that but the description left a lot to the imagination.

It measures time you're awake, restless, and asleep. And then it'll give you an amount of time that you were asleep. Not sure exactly how accurate it is. And honestly, I've stopped using the function. I just wear it all the time because I get up during the night and I want those steps to count, dammit!

I also like that I can set the silent alarm on weekends to remember to wake up and temp, and it doesn't wake up my H.

[shemarie82]

Jun 8, 2015 11:21:36 GMT -5 ****** said:

Jun 8, 2015 10:51:46 GMT -5 jennykat said:

I have the FitBit Flex. I thought about getting the one with HR, but the Flex gave me chances to change the band color. The app is easy to use, the alarm is a great way to wake me up and not MH, and I really like that it tracks how I slept as well.

What all does the sleep tracker monitor? I read online it did that but the description left a lot to the imagination.

It tracks if you are restless or sleep through the night soundly. It also knows how many times you wake up at night as well as how long you sleep. It was one of my favorite parts. I liked comparing what it said to how I felt in the morning.

[piccyami]

Jun 8, 2015 11:30:49 GMT -5 shemarie82 said:

Jun 8, 2015 11:21:36 GMT -5 ****** said:

What all does the sleep tracker monitor? I read online it did that but the description left a lot to the imagination.

It tracks if you are restless or sleep through the night soundly. It also knows how many times you wake up at night as well as how long you sleep. It was one of my favorite parts. I liked comparing what it said to how I felt in the morning.

That's definitely one of the best parts.  I can definitely tell a difference between days when I actually sleep for big segments versus the days when I'm restless the entire time.

[akraus2015]

I use RunKeeper to track my runs, I really like that app.

[pismoduo]

Jun 8, 2015 10:18:55 GMT -5 mustloveerica said:

Jun 8, 2015 10:10:51 GMT -5 piccyami said:

One thing that kept me from getting one of the fitbit watches was that I had heard from other people that the watches didn't count steps if you were pushing something. Now that I have mine, I see that they have definitely fixed that at least in the newer models.

I do a lot of field work for my job. It involves me walking around construction sites. I get so mad that my Fitbit has trouble counting my steps if I'm carrying something, like a clip board. It seems to struggle if my arms aren't freely swinging. I often wish I had the Fitbit that you just clip to your clothes in those instances. If I'm going to be walking for work then damnit I want my steps to count for something!!

I know a few people who got a FitBit Flex (our office gave them to each employee free of charge) that got a bigger band and just wrap it around their ankle, or loop it through their belt loop so that swings when they're moving. We've got a lot of bike riders here that had to do a few wonky things to get their steps counted for mountain biking and such.

I have the Flex - I absolutely love it. In fact, I'm currently grumpy because my charger seems to be broken, and the only place to get a factory replacement and not some knock off from China is to go through FitBit's site.

I love that FitBit has an excellent mobile app that syncs up with your device easily to let you see your stats, put in your calories, etc.

I also use MapMyFitness to map runs and walks, because it tracks elevation and stuff and gives me a bit more of an idea of my workout level based on that.

For interval workouts - I really like the C25K Free app for interval running. It starts you off week one at 8 intervals of 1 min run, 1.5 min walk and then ramps up from there. But you can repeat weeks, so if (like me) you're just getting started and struggling to keep pace without dying, you can repeat whichever week was giving you trouble.

[paloslee]

DH uses a fit bit. He loves it. The only bad thing is that its the clip on one and its so small it can get lost easily. And he has lost it a few times. So I recommend the wrist band. I have a few apps. I have an app called lose it. It a food/calorie tracker. It is helpful to log-in all your food intake. You can also log workouts.

I also have the map my walk and Nike training apps those are helpful. I like interval training too. I like pinterest and you tube videos. I have some kettle bells, they are fun to workout with. I do love zumba class but I only make it to a few because of my schedule.

Good luck!

[pismoduo]

Also, if you have a Wii Fit (I know, old school now) the Jillian Michael's workout "games" for that are pretty good interval too. I need to get mine set back up, but I used it a few years ago to shed some weight (along with diet, of course) for our wedding.

[PepperPottsJ]

In terms of service I can't recommend fitbit enough. They have replaced at least 4 flex bracelets for me.. Their app is also fantastic, love the challenges.

I started with the jawbone up, however the lack of color flexibility bothered me and I got the Fitbit one. Loved it... However I left it in a spa robe and no one turned it in. At that point I switched to the flex and was very happy but quality issues plagued me and I had several replacements. I used the wahoo chest band for heart rate with the flex. I preordered the charge HR and was very disappointed that I couldn't swap the bracelets... I have to say I was VERY happy with the charge hr but bitter that it Fitbit wasn't integrating cleanly with the health app... I ordered the apple watch and wore one on each wrist for a week, and didn't run into any data quality issues. During the first week I thought I might return the watch, but super happy with it now

I also tested out the mio, but it was awful, too much flashing and it requires your phone to be connected in order to store the data.

Good luck!

[pismoduo]

Jun 8, 2015 14:47:27 GMT -5 jennykat said:

Jun 8, 2015 12:08:41 GMT -5 pismoduo said:

I know a few people who got a FitBit Flex (our office gave them to each employee free of charge) that got a bigger band and just wrap it around their ankle, or loop it through their belt loop so that swings when they're moving. We've got a lot of bike riders here that had to do a few wonky things to get their steps counted for mountain biking and such.

I have the Flex - I absolutely love it. In fact, I'm currently grumpy because my charger seems to be broken, and the only place to get a factory replacement and not some knock off from China is to go through FitBit's site.

I love that FitBit has an excellent mobile app that syncs up with your device easily to let you see your stats, put in your calories, etc.

I also use MapMyFitness to map runs and walks, because it tracks elevation and stuff and gives me a bit more of an idea of my workout level based on that.

For interval workouts - I really like the C25K Free app for interval running. It starts you off week one at 8 intervals of 1 min run, 1.5 min walk and then ramps up from there. But you can repeat weeks, so if (like me) you're just getting started and struggling to keep pace without dying, you can repeat whichever week was giving you trouble.

I'm curious if those with it on their ankles or belt loops found it consistent? I like that idea

From what I've heard, the ankle works really well, the belt loops can be a little inconsistent unless you're moving at a brisk pace.

[longhornwino0907]

Jun 8, 2015 14:47:27 GMT -5 jennykat said:

Jun 8, 2015 12:08:41 GMT -5 pismoduo said:

I know a few people who got a FitBit Flex (our office gave them to each employee free of charge) that got a bigger band and just wrap it around their ankle, or loop it through their belt loop so that swings when they're moving. We've got a lot of bike riders here that had to do a few wonky things to get their steps counted for mountain biking and such.

I have the Flex - I absolutely love it. In fact, I'm currently grumpy because my charger seems to be broken, and the only place to get a factory replacement and not some knock off from China is to go through FitBit's site.

I love that FitBit has an excellent mobile app that syncs up with your device easily to let you see your stats, put in your calories, etc.

I also use MapMyFitness to map runs and walks, because it tracks elevation and stuff and gives me a bit more of an idea of my workout level based on that.

For interval workouts - I really like the C25K Free app for interval running. It starts you off week one at 8 intervals of 1 min run, 1.5 min walk and then ramps up from there. But you can repeat weeks, so if (like me) you're just getting started and struggling to keep pace without dying, you can repeat whichever week was giving you trouble.

I'm curious if those with it on their ankles or belt loops found it consistent? I like that idea

I often put mine in my pocket during my daily walks. Or tuck it into my waistband when I'm on the elliptical. I don't move my arms much on the elliptical, so the steps are much more accurate when in my waistband. I've also noticed that some days (like today) it decides to only track every other step. That's when putting it in my pocket helps a lot.

Also, pismoduo, I got one of the knock-off chargers from Amazon and it charges really well. One of them (I've only opened one) I did have to rig, though. For some reason, my Flex won't stay in it securely, so I wrap a small piece of tape around it to keep the tracker in place. I'm not sure if this is just a thing, I don't remember reading about that in any of the reviews, so maybe I just got one that's a little messed up. But it was cheap and arrived fast. Plus I got two. And then my H found my lost original charger, so now I have one for home, one for office, and one for travel!

ETA: Apparently now a few reviews have popped up about it not fitting right, but there are just as many, maybe more, that say it works better than the original. So it's probably just inconsistency in the manufacturing that makes some fit the tracker perfectly and others not quite.

[pismoduo]

Jun 8, 2015 15:03:18 GMT -5 longhornwino0907 said:

Jun 8, 2015 14:47:27 GMT -5 jennykat said:

I'm curious if those with it on their ankles or belt loops found it consistent? I like that idea

I often put mine in my pocket during my daily walks. Or tuck it into my waistband when I'm on the elliptical. I don't move my arms much on the elliptical, so the steps are much more accurate when in my waistband. I've also noticed that some days (like today) it decides to only track every other step. That's when putting it in my pocket helps a lot.

Also, pismoduo, I got one of the knock-off chargers from Amazon and it charges really well. One of them (I've only opened one) I did have to rig, though. For some reason, my Flex won't stay in it securely, so I wrap a small piece of tape around it to keep the tracker in place. I'm not sure if this is just a thing, I don't remember reading about that in any of the reviews, so maybe I just got one that's a little messed up. But it was cheap and arrived fast. Plus I got two. And then my H found my lost original charger, so now I have one for home, one for office, and one for travel!

ETA: Apparently now a few reviews have popped up about it not fitting right, but there are just as many, maybe more, that say it works better than the original. So it's probably just inconsistency in the manufacturing that makes some fit the tracker perfectly and others not quite.

Thanks! My main frustration was how many of them were from China or would take a month or more to arrive. I meant to check Best Buy today but forgot.

[longhornwino0907]

Jun 8, 2015 16:20:25 GMT -5 pismoduo said:

Jun 8, 2015 15:03:18 GMT -5 longhornwino0907 said:

I often put mine in my pocket during my daily walks. Or tuck it into my waistband when I'm on the elliptical. I don't move my arms much on the elliptical, so the steps are much more accurate when in my waistband. I've also noticed that some days (like today) it decides to only track every other step. That's when putting it in my pocket helps a lot.

Also, pismoduo, I got one of the knock-off chargers from Amazon and it charges really well. One of them (I've only opened one) I did have to rig, though. For some reason, my Flex won't stay in it securely, so I wrap a small piece of tape around it to keep the tracker in place. I'm not sure if this is just a thing, I don't remember reading about that in any of the reviews, so maybe I just got one that's a little messed up. But it was cheap and arrived fast. Plus I got two. And then my H found my lost original charger, so now I have one for home, one for office, and one for travel!

ETA: Apparently now a few reviews have popped up about it not fitting right, but there are just as many, maybe more, that say it works better than the original. So it's probably just inconsistency in the manufacturing that makes some fit the tracker perfectly and others not quite.

Thanks! My main frustration was how many of them were from China or would take a month or more to arrive. I meant to check Best Buy today but forgot.

BB doesn't have them, unfortunately. The guy I talked to at BB said that the only place to get a replacement charger is through FitBit. Or to buy knock-offs on Amazon. No one sells them in stores, though. It's such a pain!

I got mine the next day, but we have Amazon Prime, so that helped.