swasat
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Post by swasat on Dec 3, 2014 10:31:09 GMT -5
Do you own one?
Do you like it?
Is it a pain to wear it constantly?
Is it helpful?
I am a regular gym goer and very active. DH wants to buy me a fitbit this holiday. I am not sure how it works? I am also concerned about wearing it all the freaking time for it be of any use.
So what has been your experience? Worth it?
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Angel!
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Post by Angel! on Dec 3, 2014 11:00:13 GMT -5
I got one for a work competition. I wore it constantly for 6 weeks. I liked it. But after the 6 weeks were over I took it off & never put it on since. I was kind of sick of wearing it basically 24 hours a day. But, also I don't regularly work out or walk that much, so there isn't much of interest to record. If I was going for a hike or run, then I would wear it. I may start wearing it again, but I just needed a break for a while (the competition ended like a month ago).
My favorite part was honestly the alarm. It truly is much less disturbing to be woken up with the vibrations. All the charts & data was interesting. But, when you spend 8 hours a day in front of a computer, there isn't much to look at. If I was on my feet all day, then it would be pretty cool to see.
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swasat
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Post by swasat on Dec 3, 2014 11:05:28 GMT -5
I got one for a work competition. I wore it constantly for 6 weeks. I liked it. But after the 6 weeks were over I took it off & never put it on since. I was kind of sick of wearing it basically 24 hours a day. But, also I don't regularly work out or walk that much, so there isn't much of interest to record. If I was going for a hike or run, then I would wear it. I may start wearing it again, but I just needed a break for a while (the competition ended like a month ago).
My favorite part was honestly the alarm. It truly is much less disturbing to be woken up with the vibrations. All the charts & data was interesting. But, when you spend 8 hours a day in front of a computer, there isn't much to look at. If I was on my feet all day, then it would be pretty cool to see. Hmm. That would be me too. The working in front of the computer the entire day part I go to the gym or run outside at least 4/week. Weekends are obviously more active. Do you wear it while execising too? Say, on the treadmill or during Zumba/aerobics etc.
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Angel!
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Post by Angel! on Dec 3, 2014 11:15:12 GMT -5
Yes, I wore it when exercising. On the treadmill you are taking steps it would record. Same with aerobic type stuff, although it might get confused on steps since you are doing a lot with your arms, but I would leave it on. Even if it doesn't record the steps 100% accurate, you still would get a sense that you were doing a lot at that time when looking at the graphs.
If you run 4 times per week, then it would be a lot more useful for you. It would record the number of steps that you run & the time that you were running.
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steph08
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Post by steph08 on Dec 3, 2014 11:17:17 GMT -5
I was actually thinking about getting one because I do sit in front of a computer all day. It would show just how lazy I am and how I need to be more active when I get home from work.
For running, I prefer my GPS watch because it tells me miles, calories, and heartrate.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2014 11:17:57 GMT -5
My Mom and my Aunt have had theirs on non-stop for the last couple years. They think they're the greatest things ever and have them linked somehow so they both know what the other person has for steps and are always trying to outdo each other.
I would have liked to have worn one when I was a machine operator on the production floor. I ran the length of that line for 12 hours straight all day. It would have been interesting to see how many steps it actually was. But now, working the desk...eh...depressing.
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swamp
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Post by swamp on Dec 3, 2014 11:18:47 GMT -5
I had one. I loved it. Mine broke.
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Cookies Galore
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Post by Cookies Galore on Dec 3, 2014 11:26:35 GMT -5
If you run, I would get a GPS/heart rate monitor watch. I want one of those.
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violagirl
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Post by violagirl on Dec 3, 2014 11:29:10 GMT -5
I just got a FitFlex. It is just a basic fitbit but comes with a bracelet. I pretty much have it on all the time, I dont' even notice it anymore, except when I look at my wrist thinking it is a watch.
You can set different goals - basic one is 10,000 steps per day. If you tap the bracelet during the day you can see by the little lights how far along in your daily goal you are. If you are very active you can set for 50k steps or for 10 miles per day whatever goals you have.
That is all you can see on the fitflex. The data part you use the app on your phone.
In the phone app - you can see amount of steps, distance, calories burned, active minutes, track exercise, calories eaten and calories left, amount of water drunk (dranked, drinked?). Also sleep.
I have not really gotten into tracking my calories eaten, but you can use the app to track that. It probably would be easier in the US. The app doesn't recognize Candian UPC codes which kind of sucks.
It does sync with GPS on your phone to track distance. I have an iphone 4s and this just drains the battery, and then there are errors so I use another app to track GPS. You can get it to tell you pace, distance etc as you are walking.
I find the active minutes function not to be that accurate. For example, if I am holding dog leashes wiht my left hand, it doesn't really track accurately because my arm is mostly still even if I am walking.
I think the sleep tracking is really interesting. It shows when you are restless or awake during the night. I discovered when the dog sleeps on the bed my sleep is a lot more disturbed.
So my overall take is: if you are a hardcore runner or something - it wouldbe better to get a real GPS/heartrate monitor type watch.
But if you just want to overall have a healthier lifestyle it is a neat little device. Plus if you have some friends who have one you can sort of compete with them. If you see you are at 8,000 steps, it encourages you to just walk a BIT longer.
I get migraines. I am planning to use this to see if there is any correlation between when I get migraines to how much sleep, what I ate, water consumption, how much exercise etc.
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swasat
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Post by swasat on Dec 3, 2014 11:30:01 GMT -5
I don't run every day. Its a mix of going to the gym and attending fitness classes AND running. My running gets hugely impacted in winter months becasue its so damn cold outside!
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Angel!
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Post by Angel! on Dec 3, 2014 11:38:53 GMT -5
I just got a FitFlex. It is just a basic fitbit but comes with a bracelet. I pretty much have it on all the time, I dont' even notice it anymore, except when I look at my wrist thinking it is a watch. It drove me nuts for the first 2 weeks because I felt like I was wearing a watch, so I kept "checking the time". You can take it off & stick it in your pocket during activities like this & it will record fairly accurately. I ran into this when pushing a cart in the store or a stroller on a walk.
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violagirl
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Post by violagirl on Dec 3, 2014 11:40:54 GMT -5
I also want to add that it is a lot cheaper than a running GPS/heartrate watch. This was one reason I got the Fitflex. It was the difference between spending $100 or $400.
I'm also not hardcore about my running. I mean, I'd like to go faster, but I'm not super concerned about all the details. I figure if I get out and run at all - it's a win!
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saveinla
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Post by saveinla on Dec 3, 2014 11:46:43 GMT -5
GNC.com has the black fitbit for 39.99, and if you have the GNC card, it's 31.99. It's completely back ordered, so you may not get it in time for Christmas.
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Cookies Galore
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Post by Cookies Galore on Dec 3, 2014 11:54:27 GMT -5
I don't run every day. Its a mix of going to the gym and attending fitness classes AND running. My running gets hugely impacted in winter months becasue its so damn cold outside! That's an excuse to buy cold weather gear! :-)
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swasat
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Post by swasat on Dec 3, 2014 12:00:42 GMT -5
I don't run every day. Its a mix of going to the gym and attending fitness classes AND running. My running gets hugely impacted in winter months becasue its so damn cold outside! That's an excuse to buy cold weather gear! :-) Nah! I'd rather go and attend Zumba or Aerobics or Hip Hop class. The snowy white outdoors depresses me
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steph08
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Post by steph08 on Dec 3, 2014 12:21:35 GMT -5
I also want to add that it is a lot cheaper than a running GPS/heartrate watch. This was one reason I got the Fitflex. It was the difference between spending $100 or $400. I'm also not hardcore about my running. I mean, I'd like to go faster, but I'm not super concerned about all the details. I figure if I get out and run at all - it's a win! My Garmin Forerunner 110 was only $150.
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wvugurl26
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Post by wvugurl26 on Dec 3, 2014 12:28:03 GMT -5
I almost bought the Flex one on Thanksgiving. Maybe I'll ask for it for Christmas.
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sarcasticgirl
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Post by sarcasticgirl on Dec 3, 2014 13:30:01 GMT -5
I have had some sort of fitbit for a couple of years now. I am in a routine so i almost never forget it. I have the fitbit One, which clips on. I had the flex for a while, but didn't love it. I am anxiously awaiting the ChargeHR which comes out next year. They have challenges you can set up with other fitbit friends... daily, weekly, weekend, etc. I find it to be motivating... and it keeps me moving, especially in the winter.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2014 13:58:28 GMT -5
DH and I had FitBit Zips as part of a wellness program mu company provided; we got brownie points for walking enough steps per day and those points entitled us to a 50% discount off the health insurance (if you got enough of them) plus Amazon gift cards, which got me my new Asus Transformer computer when I cashed them all in.
I preferred a heart rate monitor. The Zip didn't measure mileage correctly when I bicycled and couldn't be used in water at all. OTOH, the heart rate monitor (I used a Polar FT7) required a chest strap that was $40 and over less than 2 years I had to buy 3 replacements. (You know it's not working when you're huffing and puffing and it says your heart rate is zero. )
I sold both Zips for $57 on e-Bay and there were a lot of bids. The FT7 (minus the chest strap) is up for sale now, with one bid and 9 watchers so there may be more money coming in the door.
I really do want to get a reliable heart rate monitor but I look at the reviews and they all seem to have their flaws.
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sarcasticgirl
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Post by sarcasticgirl on Dec 3, 2014 15:09:22 GMT -5
I like that i can sync my fitbit with my walgreens rewards card and I earn rewards points for every mile. I rack up free money like crazy- my fitbit has already paid for itself, just through walgreens rewards.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2014 15:12:12 GMT -5
I like that i can sync my fitbit with my walgreens rewards card and I earn rewards points for every mile. I rack up free money like crazy- my fitbit has already paid for itself, just through walgreens rewards. Whoa. Hold on here. I may have just found my incentive to work out.
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greeniis10
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Post by greeniis10 on Dec 3, 2014 15:41:01 GMT -5
I like that i can sync my fitbit with my walgreens rewards card and I earn rewards points for every mile. I rack up free money like crazy- my fitbit has already paid for itself, just through walgreens rewards. Whoa. Hold on here. I may have just found my incentive to work out. Really wish I had known about this back when I was overdoing cardio and speed walking 7 miles a day! I've since transitioned to heavy lifting so I missed out on this, but MPL I hope this works for you! What a deal.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2014 16:02:50 GMT -5
Whoa. Hold on here. I may have just found my incentive to work out. Really wish I had known about this back when I was overdoing cardio and speed walking 7 miles a day! I've since transitioned to heavy lifting so I missed out on this, but MPL I hope this works for you! What a deal. I emailed my Mom about it. She's one that is always trying to pile as many miles on as she can every day. I also told her if she's looking to upgrade to the new latest and greatest Fitbit I'd take her old one, (she always has to have the newest tech the day it comes out).
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sarcasticgirl
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Post by sarcasticgirl on Dec 3, 2014 16:22:21 GMT -5
I like that i can sync my fitbit with my walgreens rewards card and I earn rewards points for every mile. I rack up free money like crazy- my fitbit has already paid for itself, just through walgreens rewards. Whoa. Hold on here. I may have just found my incentive to work out. www.fitbit.com/apps/walgreensBalance® Rewards thresholds Fitness. Total combined limit of 1,000 points per month for walking, running or cycling Fitness activities (20 points/mile). Daily limit of 20 points for other Fitness activities (one award per day). Weight. Daily limit of 20 points for weigh-ins. (one award per day). Blood Pressure. Daily limit of 20 points for blood pressure readings (one per day). Blood Glucose. Daily limit of 40 points for blood glucose readings (two per day). Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Use. Daily limit of 20 points for logging NRT use (one per day). Connecting devices/apps. Total combined limit of 500 points per month.
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Angel!
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Post by Angel! on Dec 3, 2014 17:31:36 GMT -5
I like that i can sync my fitbit with my walgreens rewards card and I earn rewards points for every mile. I rack up free money like crazy- my fitbit has already paid for itself, just through walgreens rewards. Whoa. Hold on here. I may have just found my incentive to work out. I just found my incentive to start wearing my fitbit again. I wish I had known about this before
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Artemis Windsong
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Post by Artemis Windsong on Dec 3, 2014 17:40:34 GMT -5
I don't have one. Our tennis pro is promoting our using one. I am not that hard core that I need to know all of my numbers.
EDIT: I looked at GNC's web page and did not find the fitbit.
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Malarky
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Post by Malarky on Dec 3, 2014 17:45:37 GMT -5
Love my fitbit. I've logged over 3,000 miles in the past 2 1/2 years. I'm a fan of stairs and I've climbed over 19,000 flights.
It definitely keeps me motivated. I generally meet my personal goals as well as participating in challenges with RL friends as well as fitbit friends.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2014 18:10:00 GMT -5
Balance® Rewards thresholds Fitness. Total combined limit of 1,000 points per month for walking, running or cycling Fitness activities (20 points/mile). Daily limit of 20 points for other Fitness activities (one award per day). Weight. Daily limit of 20 points for weigh-ins. (one award per day). Blood Pressure. Daily limit of 20 points for blood pressure readings (one per day). Blood Glucose. Daily limit of 40 points for blood glucose readings (two per day). Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Use. Daily limit of 20 points for logging NRT use (one per day). Connecting devices/apps. Total combined limit of 500 points per month. So, how much of this do they require you to document electronically? FitBit is an easy upload, but do you need an electronic scale and BP meter that talk to your computer or are you on your honor? I know my FT7 needed a FlowLink device (I think that was another $40) to upload data from the watch thingy to my employer's wellness web site (run by a third party). The reason I ended up getting the FitBit, too, was that if the chest strap from the heart monitor malfunctioned, which it did often, the workout didn't count. The FitBit, at least, was extremely reliable.
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sarcasticgirl
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Post by sarcasticgirl on Dec 3, 2014 19:44:14 GMT -5
Balance® Rewards thresholds Fitness. Total combined limit of 1,000 points per month for walking, running or cycling Fitness activities (20 points/mile). Daily limit of 20 points for other Fitness activities (one award per day). Weight. Daily limit of 20 points for weigh-ins. (one award per day). Blood Pressure. Daily limit of 20 points for blood pressure readings (one per day). Blood Glucose. Daily limit of 40 points for blood glucose readings (two per day). Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Use. Daily limit of 20 points for logging NRT use (one per day). Connecting devices/apps. Total combined limit of 500 points per month. So, how much of this do they require you to document electronically? FitBit is an easy upload, but do you need an electronic scale and BP meter that talk to your computer or are you on your honor? I know my FT7 needed a FlowLink device (I think that was another $40) to upload data from the watch thingy to my employer's wellness web site (run by a third party). The reason I ended up getting the FitBit, too, was that if the chest strap from the heart monitor malfunctioned, which it did often, the workout didn't count. The FitBit, at least, was extremely reliable. You can manually enter the information,such as weight, blood sugar , and BP, it doesn't have to be electronic. In fact, you may even be able to manually enter mileage, but I am not sure. Sent from my HTC One_M8 using proboards
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bobosensei
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Post by bobosensei on Dec 4, 2014 2:52:42 GMT -5
I have a fitbit flex. I go through spurts of wearing it all the time and then not at all. Usually when I know I am exercising regularly and getting 10k steps in a day I don't bother wearing it.
If I had to do it again I would get the fitbit model that you wear on your waistband and not your wrist. The reason is for work/dressing up. The flex band looks like a cheap piece of rubber and then you are announcing to the world that you are wearing it. The other one is more discreet and still comes with something where you can use it at night to monitor your sleep.
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