Fitbit....help me decide

[EJ4Disney]

I have been looking into getting one. I am looking at the Zip. I think that will do what I want. I don't know if knowing how I sleep will be helpful to me.

Do you have one? Which one do you have and do you like it? Do you have it synced to your computer and/or phone?

Thanks so much for your help!!

 

[Neesy228]

I have been looking into getting one. I am looking at the Zip. I think that will do what I want. I don't know if knowing how I sleep will be helpful to me. Do you have one? Which one do you have and do you like it? Do you have it synced to your computer and/or phone? Thanks so much for your help!!

I have the zip and it syncs with the app on my phone and iPad. I've only had it for about two months and live in fear of throwing it in the washing machine attached to my clothes for that day! I do like it. I wanted something simple to count my steps (not my sleep!) and it does that. It's not always super accurate, but I don't need it to be either, so it serves it's purpose. I like that I can review my activity in the app. The app also has a very basic weight loss plan, but I haven't set it up. Overall, I'm pleased with my Zip. It's not fancy, but I didn't want fancy.

 

[scdak]

I have the Flex and love it, I had many different pedometers in the past that clipped on my waistband and now that I have been using my Flex for 9 months, I don't think I could go back to another kind! I think of it as a motivational device, I am sure that its not totally accurate at times but it keeps me moving, something that I wasn't doing before. I love "competing" in a fun way with some friends, its nice to give and receive compliments when someone is doing well.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

I was contemplating between the Zip, One, and the Flex. I am able to get any of those for free through my work's health program.

I ended up picking the One because I wanted to monitor my sleep. I've read some people complain that the Flex's step count can be significantly off. The One also has an altimeter so it can measure flights of stairs climbed.

Haven't actually gotten it yet, just ordered yesterday.

 

[TigersLions]

I have the Force (the one that supposedly causes the skin reactions but none here). I LOVE it and have been wearing it religiously since December 25 of last year.

I have the app on my iphone and the dashboard on my computer. It syncs with MyFitnessPal so I can track my calories and water too (MFP is more comprehensive than what FB offers).

I use the alarm to remind me to get up 3x per day at work and walk around the block and do all of the stairs from top to bottom in our building (takes about 15 minutes).

The stairs have really helped my thigh strength so that when I run, it isn't as hard as it used to be (but I still get a good workout).

The sleep monitoring is important for me. It keeps me on track. Not only is exercise and eating right important, but rest is important too. I try to get a weekly average of 7 hours. I would love to get to 8 someday. If you don't get enough sleep, your body goes into shock and wants to hold onto everything (including fat) so that is my primary reason for watching my sleep (and obviously because then I'm not as tired).

The monitoring of steps has helped me in the following ways:
-Sitting a long time at work is not good for your back, so getting up every so often is a preventative measure. Back problems are NO FUN!
- I stay warmer throughout the workday
- Taking a 15 minute exercise break clears my mind and keeps me sharp
- I usually get at least 30 minutes of active time at work and by being able to see that, at least I have that at minimum and don't feel quite as guilty if I didn't purposely go and exercise.

I am really curious to see what it will do when I go to Disney. My biggest milestone is 25,000 steps in a day so 30,000 is the next one. I have noticed that it doesn't count your steps if you are meandering rather than walking purposely somewhere so that is why I am curious.

They don't sell the Force anymore but I heard a rumor the new one (that doesn't cause skin problems) will be out by the end of the year. They will be adding a function that makes your wrist ring if your cell phone notifications go off.

 

[scdak]

Flex monitors sleep too, and boy do I know how little I sleep now, I just thought I didn't sleep before, now I have proof

I don't find my steps to be off a great deal, I have done measured walks with a regular pedometer and my Flex on and I found it to be within 25 steps or so of each other.

I don't know about the other fitbit's but the Flex is waterproof although I found that taking it off before showering works best for me, I found that I had to dry it anyway so its easier to take it off for a few minutes. Periodically I wash all of my bracelets just to keep them clean from normal dirt, sweat etc and I also clean off the actual Fitbit part itself too.

 

[TigersLions]

I have the Flex and love it, I had many different pedometers in the past that clipped on my waistband and now that I have been using my Flex for 9 months, I don't think I could go back to another kind! I think of it as a motivational device, I am sure that its not totally accurate at times but it keeps me moving, something that I wasn't doing before. I love "competing" in a fun way with some friends, its nice to give and receive compliments when someone is doing well.

and this

 

[EJ4Disney]

Thank you all very much! I ordered it today, so I hope I like it.

Again thanks!!

 

[AnAmericanInDisney]

Flex monitors sleep too, and boy do I know how little I sleep now, I just thought I didn't sleep before, now I have proof

I don't find my steps to be off a great deal, I have done measured walks with a regular pedometer and my Flex on and I found it to be within 25 steps or so of each other.

I don't know about the other fitbit's but the Flex is waterproof although I found that taking it off before showering works best for me, I found that I had to dry it anyway so its easier to take it off for a few minutes. Periodically I wash all of my bracelets just to keep them clean from normal dirt, sweat etc and I also clean off the actual Fitbit part itself too.

When are they coming out with the new Flex? Or did they update it and call it something different? I bought DH the Flex for Valentine's Day, but his didn't work, so he returned it. They were discontinued the day before he returned it, so he's been waiting to replace it. I would like to get him the new one- maybe for his birthday. Two presents for the price of one. Kidding, of course.

 

[Dizneefamily+4]

I've got the flex. Love it! It's synced to my phone. Didn't think I'd use it for sleep, but I'm kind of addicted to it. I like seeing the proof of how little I'm actually sleeping - makes me feel vindicated!

It's become my own personal game/obsession to outdo my steps from the previous day. I average around 15,000 steps/day. Who'da thought??!!

eta: I've noticed (and had other people that have them say the same thing) that sometimes the steps aren't accurately counted. I wear it on my wrist and if I'm not swinging my arms (if I'm on the treadmill on a steep incline and holding onto the sides, or if I'm walking the dog and holding his leash in that hand,) it doesn't always seem to count the steps. I've started putting the chip in the larger band and wearing it on my ankle in those cases. Seems to help!

 

[MichelleVW]

I had the Force but lost it. So mad because I LOVED IT! Can't get another one since they were recalled. I emailed the company and told them I lost it and they replaced it with a Flex for FREE!! I like the Flex...but not as much as the Force. Only thing I like is the Flex has different colors and not just black like my Force.

It keeps me motivated to keep moving....and also I now know that I sleep way better on the nights that my DH is working nights than when he's home lol.

 

[Angelrose]

I have the Flex bracelet. My daughter in law bought it for me for Mothers Day and my birthday which is today. I absolutely love it. It's addictive! I can't rest until I hear that buzz that I've done 10,000 steps. If I don't, it looks at with a disapproving stare. I was thrilled to get my first 5,000 step badge and then my first 10,000 step badge and my 50 mile badge. Today I got my 15,000 step badge and when I synced it to my computer I found I had done 19,613 steps! I almost made it to 20,000. I know I can't do that every day, but what a thrill when I can.

I can't wait for my pink bracelet to come in. It's been backordered since before Mother's Day. It should be here in the next couple of weeks.

 

[Octoberbride03]

I'm thinking about 1 of these myself. How good are they for determining calories burned? I'm interested in steps and calories with working out. Its hard finding my workouts to log into MyFitnessPal manually with the correct calorie count.

 

[Buckalew11]

I have the clip on one. It is very accurate when I run. I have a watch/GPS for running and my FitBit and it jive every time. It does not record my small steps though. Bummer...I stand on my feet all day doing hair and it does not really get anything around the chair.

If I was buying myself one, I'd get the bracelet kind. I, too, am afraid of washing the clip on one AND I have forgotten to put it on for the last week and a half. By the time I remember I figure why bother, lol.

I do love it though!

 

[Shmily1]

I got the New Balance LifeTRNR for DH. He loves it. I was going to get him a Fitbit but they don't do heart rate and that was the major thing he wanted it for. He loves this one!

 

[Angelrose]

octoberbride03, the Fitbit does a good job of telling you how many calories you have burned for the amount of steps walked.

I just did my personal best of 19,613 steps yesterday. I'm really proud of myself. With that, I burned 2,016 calories. Now on to 20,000 steps. Like I said before, it is addictive!

 

[nuke]

It's completely addictive. I'm obsessed with reaching my goals everyday. I've been known to walk in place while watching TV to get my steps in.

 

[Octoberbride03]

octoberbride03, the Fitbit does a good job of telling you how many calories you have burned for the amount of steps walked.

I just did my personal best of 19,613 steps yesterday. I'm really proud of myself. With that, I burned 2,016 calories. Now on to 20,000 steps. Like I said before, it is addictive!

How about for other exercises? I'm currently getting back into Pilates and that's mostly floor exercises on a mat.

 

[pumba]

I have a fitbit...it is one that measures..steps, miles, calories burned and time on it...
I didnt like the idea of it telling me about my sleeping..

I love it...I walk with my neighbor and wanted to be correct in miles walked and also took it to Disney a few weeks ago and we did almost ten miles one day..

It is a fitbit Zip...and I have it intune with my computer..cause my phone isnt that brilliant..hahaha

I was afraid of losing it if I put it on my bra...so I put it in my crossbody Vera and it kept up with us...I was impressed...we did 22000 steps one day

 

[MichelleVW]

It's completely addictive. I'm obsessed with reaching my goals everyday. I've been known to walk in place while watching TV to get my steps in.

Yep...I'm addicted.....some days I don't feel like taking the dog on her walk (usually about 2 miles)...but then I think about my steps and I put on my shoes and I'm out the door!! Also if I'm doing something like filling the horses water trough....I will walk around the yard while the water if filling rather than just stand there.