Community Chat

[RainCityWoman]

I have the little clip on one. I attach it to my bra each day. When I first got it, I couldn't get it to sync with my computer, but that was because they had changed their software for it. I called and then helped me get it to work. It's great when you remember to wear it as it tells you how much movement you have accomplished each day. Every so often they post my results over time. There's a chart that goes on your computer dash that keeps track of weight and other things so that you get a full picture of your activity.

[DiAnne]

I had one briefly.  I did not like to wear it on my wrist because I like bracelets and it showed on bra.  I returned it and bought a $25 pedometer that keeps track of steps (several other things but I just look at steps).  Holds memory for 7 days and is not attached to computer.  I love it.  I hook it on my pants or put it in jacket pocket.  It does motivate you to move more. 

[hoosieroriginal]

One of our Indianapolis new channels did an investigation on accuracy of several models of these types of trackers.  What they found was that the step counts were pretty accurate, but the calorie count was waaaaaay off on most of these devices.  I tried to find a link, but could not remember which channel I was watching. 

[hopi]

@gidgetgh

My son bought me a fitbit flex at Christmas and have not taken it off since.

The battery last 5 days and the band gets a bit getting use to. The real  upside is the dynamic site that it connects to for free. I use the phone app and my computer. I am a person who enjoys exercise and thought these gadgets were silly.  They are actually lots of fun and lets you know when you have not done enough. 

[GCR18]

I have a fitbit flex.  We got them free at work when they first came out.  It fell off and I lost it, but fitbit sent me a new one.  I only used it to track steps.  I didn't like that the display didn't show actual steps.  There are 5 dots and each dot represents 2000 steps.  Once you obtain the level, the dot changed.  You can change the levels.  With the new charge, you can see actual steps.

[scotnovel]

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@MaggieMack wrote:

I had one. The wristband was so insecure that it fell off my wrist twice, I was lucky enough to realize it both times. After six or eight weeks, it quit charging. I bought a cheaper brand at Costco that runs off a battery, which I prefer. It also came with a clip instead of just a wristband. I like the clip better, too. Haven't come close to losing it.

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My neighbor had one and she had the same problems that you did.  She ended up buying a cheaper brand at WalMart that she uses all the time. 

[SeaMaiden]

I had a fitbit  that I clipped onto my sock I bought for $59.   I went through batteries like crazy.  Then one day it just stopped working.....it lasted about a year.  So, I went without anything for another year.

I just bought at Costco a Fitbit charge HR. About three weeks agoIt cost $139.   I am happy with it so far. I recharge it about every 5 days. No more buying batteries so often. I wear  it under my sock around my ankle rather than on my wrist. It tracks actual steps more accurately I think.

[Anniecamp]

I have a question.  Just how do these devices tell which movement or item is which?

[Daisy Sunflower]

I have a Fitbit Charge HR and love it. I'm constantly checking my steps throughout the day and my steps/heart rate when I'm on the treadmill. 

Since I'm on my laptop every night while watching tv, it's the perfect time to plug it into my laptop to charge it. I could easily go a full 2-3 days without charging it, but I like to keep it fully charged.

[makeup addict]

I had a zip and recently updated to the One. Both are the clipped type. I would really like the HR one, but I don't need the rest of the bells and whistles. I just want the heart rate tracked.  Consumer Reports does say the HR version is pretty accurate for heart rate. 

As as for number of steps, I think it can tell by your gait.