Activity Trackers
Discussion
Morning all.
Over the past few weeks I've made some big lifestyle changes; gave up smoking, change of diet and have just started the Couch to 5k running plan. As a bit of a gadget nerd I like the sound of these activity/calorie counters that you wear on your wrist such as the Nike FuelBand and the Fitbit Flex, but are they any good? Do any of you guys own one and what do you think?
Thanks in advance,
Rich
Over the past few weeks I've made some big lifestyle changes; gave up smoking, change of diet and have just started the Couch to 5k running plan. As a bit of a gadget nerd I like the sound of these activity/calorie counters that you wear on your wrist such as the Nike FuelBand and the Fitbit Flex, but are they any good? Do any of you guys own one and what do you think?
Thanks in advance,
Rich
People I know who have the Fitbit swear by them. From what I've seen they can be very useful. Have a browse of http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/1290-fitbi...
Edited by Hoofy on Thursday 6th June 10:59
I really can't see that they offer anything useful over a decent HRM.
The "calorie" burn from the fitbit is at best a guess, and likely wildly inaccurate. Step counter could be useful, but that can be handled just as well by pretty much any smartphone with the right application.
Either get yourself a decent HRM, or a bluetooth HRM belt and connect that up to your smartphone.
The "calorie" burn from the fitbit is at best a guess, and likely wildly inaccurate. Step counter could be useful, but that can be handled just as well by pretty much any smartphone with the right application.
Either get yourself a decent HRM, or a bluetooth HRM belt and connect that up to your smartphone.
Activity trackers can be a very effective aid, for dieting / weight loss / etc. Just be careful that you give any app you use (myfitnesspal etc.)the correct information. A big mistake which is made by a lot of people, is to enter (for example) the wrong 'activity level'. They enter their activity level as 'lightly active', when in actual fact (like it or not), their activity level is closer to 'sedantry'. The same applies to any added exercises. If you've pootled about on your bike, on the flat, at 2 mph, don't enter 'vigourous bike riding'. The food entries are a no brainer, especially if the app has a barcode reader. If you enter the correct information, you will get a very accurate 'calorie goal' and you will get good results. If you try and bulls
t it, you will be in for a shocker 
.
t it, you will be in for a shocker .Gwagon111 said:
Activity trackers can be a very effective aid, for dieting / weight loss / etc. Just be careful that you give any app you use (myfitnesspal etc.)the correct information. A big mistake which is made by a lot of people, is to enter (for example) the wrong 'activity level'. They enter their activity level as 'lightly active', when in actual fact (like it or not), their activity level is closer to 'sedantry'. The same applies to any added exercises. If you've pootled about on your bike, on the flat, at 2 mph, don't enter 'vigourous bike riding'. The food entries are a no brainer, especially if the app has a barcode reader. If you enter the correct information, you will get a very accurate 'calorie goal' and you will get good results. If you try and bullst it, you will be in for a shocker .
They're just tarted up step counters, which normally cost less than a tenner (or were given away free by Special K years back). Connecting it to your smartphone (which can do it on its own) and making them in fancy colours commands a huge premium for no benefit.t it, you will be in for a shocker .You're way better off buying a decent HRM or a bluetooth HRM belt (costs less than the fitbit). Which will give considerably more accurate readings for calories burnt other than a vague guess. Connect it to a suitable app - which is what does all the clever stuff for dieting/weight loss and can also keep a real eye on your effort at any exercise.
They're a silly fad to cash in on gullible consumers.
Mind you, even an HRM is a bit st really and won't give you an exact calorie burn. Or even vaguely correct. Unless I'm missing something.
Personally, I've avoided using any gadgets as it's all thumb-in-air.
What any gadget does do well is motivate and allow you to compare readings that you took earlier which you can use to make decisions.
t really and won't give you an exact calorie burn. Or even vaguely correct. Unless I'm missing something.Personally, I've avoided using any gadgets as it's all thumb-in-air.
What any gadget does do well is motivate and allow you to compare readings that you took earlier which you can use to make decisions.
Thanks for the replies chaps. I used MyFitnessPal a couple of years ago when I was on another health kick and it was pretty useful. I already have a HRM on my Garmin 610 watch which I use for running but I found the band was really uncomfortable to wear as it seemed to slip down unless I had it mega tight.
Hoofy said:
Mind you, even an HRM is a bit st really and won't give you an exact calorie burn. Or even vaguely correct. Unless I'm missing something.
Personally, I've avoided using any gadgets as it's all thumb-in-air.
What any gadget does do well is motivate and allow you to compare readings that you took earlier which you can use to make decisions.
Yep t really and won't give you an exact calorie burn. Or even vaguely correct. Unless I'm missing something.Personally, I've avoided using any gadgets as it's all thumb-in-air.
What any gadget does do well is motivate and allow you to compare readings that you took earlier which you can use to make decisions.
. All the gadgets are snake oil. The Apps are a very useful guide, but just a guide.bigrich4 said:
Thanks for the replies chaps. I used MyFitnessPal a couple of years ago when I was on another health kick and it was pretty useful. I already have a HRM on my Garmin 610 watch which I use for running but I found the band was really uncomfortable to wear as it seemed to slip down unless I had it mega tight.
I'd be questioning why I stopped... er... kicking. Think long-term.Hoofy said:
I'd be questioning why I stopped... er... kicking. Think long-term.
I started slipping back into bad habits. Thinking to myself "nah, I'll do my run tomorrow instead" and "oh, one fag/pint/chocolate bar won't hurt". This then over the months turned into no running, 8 pints if I went out and the ability to scoff a whole large Domino's pizza without feeling shame.bigrich4 said:
I started slipping back into bad habits. Thinking to myself "nah, I'll do my run tomorrow instead" and "oh, one fag/pint/chocolate bar won't hurt". This then over the months turned into no running, 8 pints if I went out and the ability to scoff a whole large Domino's pizza without feeling shame.
Bit off-topic, I guess but I'd be figuring out what it takes to make it a lifestyle change. Seems that running is too much for you whether effort or time or just a matter of enjoyment, so perhaps find another activity to do. 
I've got a bit bored of HIIT. It's useful but meaningless. Also, I want to do something that doesn't give me injuries for a change.
Hence my exploring tennis.I started using Fitbit about half way through a seven stone drop and found it surprisingly good. I opted for an 'aggresive' plan which required burning 1,000 more calories than consumed every day - to lose 2 lbs a week. For the first time in my life I took control of my weight - I knew what I was consuming and burning. Food became a reward and something to be earned rather than something I'd always taken for granted. In practice, that meant if I had an unplanned bar of chocolate I'd have to take a brisk walk for an hour before midnight. To avoid feelings of denial and take pleasure in being perverse I also started eating badly - mainly via a big fry up at a cafe every morning. I also took to cake.
I only used MyFitnessPal to track consumption - it has a good UK database and the interface is slick. More importantly, it seamlessly transfers calorie counts to the Fitbit system.
Walking accounts for the majority of my exercise but I also used an HRM to calorie-count things that Fitbit isn't designed to track. In my case that's use of a rowing machine. Again, there's a seamless hookup with the Fitbit system: a Polar H7 HRM (via iPhone) throws data at Digifit which in turn talks to Fitbit.
The third element is weight tracking - here, Fitbit's Aria scale wirelessly connects to the portal. No more spreadsheet data entry.
Armed with profile data and the three data streams, the Fitbit software offers a wide range of data views, trends, visualisations, targets and pavlovian rewards ('badges', ranks, etc). There's also an API so you can write your own software (or use other peoples) for bespoke views. I surprised myself by reacting to the rewards - my activity level went up noticeably, particularly with stair climbs. (The 'One' does "stairs", not the 'Zip' or 'Flex'). Others benefit from the social side - there's plenty of online community support and/or competition.
I'm now exactly where I want to be - I can eat and drink like a bd but the plan will always kick in when I hit a predefined weight (target: 11st, 12st totally unacceptable = emergency measures at 11st 7lbs, norm: 11st 3 lbs).
I didn't need Fitbit - I would have continued to lost weight in a hit and miss way and it would probably have taken longer. It's easy to find fault with the system but it gave me control and sent me down the do-more rather than eat-less route. I can definitely say 'it worked for me'. Now the weight is done, I might even start getting interested in health.
Just shout if you want more specific advice.
I only used MyFitnessPal to track consumption - it has a good UK database and the interface is slick. More importantly, it seamlessly transfers calorie counts to the Fitbit system.
Walking accounts for the majority of my exercise but I also used an HRM to calorie-count things that Fitbit isn't designed to track. In my case that's use of a rowing machine. Again, there's a seamless hookup with the Fitbit system: a Polar H7 HRM (via iPhone) throws data at Digifit which in turn talks to Fitbit.
The third element is weight tracking - here, Fitbit's Aria scale wirelessly connects to the portal. No more spreadsheet data entry.
Armed with profile data and the three data streams, the Fitbit software offers a wide range of data views, trends, visualisations, targets and pavlovian rewards ('badges', ranks, etc). There's also an API so you can write your own software (or use other peoples) for bespoke views. I surprised myself by reacting to the rewards - my activity level went up noticeably, particularly with stair climbs. (The 'One' does "stairs", not the 'Zip' or 'Flex'). Others benefit from the social side - there's plenty of online community support and/or competition.
I'm now exactly where I want to be - I can eat and drink like a b
d but the plan will always kick in when I hit a predefined weight (target: 11st, 12st totally unacceptable = emergency measures at 11st 7lbs, norm: 11st 3 lbs).I didn't need Fitbit - I would have continued to lost weight in a hit and miss way and it would probably have taken longer. It's easy to find fault with the system but it gave me control and sent me down the do-more rather than eat-less route. I can definitely say 'it worked for me'. Now the weight is done, I might even start getting interested in health.
Just shout if you want more specific advice.
carb said:
I started using Fitbit about half way through a seven stone drop and found it surprisingly good. I opted for an 'aggresive' plan which required burning 1,000 more calories than consumed every day - to lose 2 lbs a week. For the first time in my life I took control of my weight - I knew what I was consuming and burning. Food became a reward and something to be earned rather than something I'd always taken for granted. In practice, that meant if I had an unplanned bar of chocolate I'd have to take a brisk walk for an hour before midnight. To avoid feelings of denial and take pleasure in being perverse I also started eating badly - mainly via a big fry up at a cafe every morning. I also took to cake.
I only used MyFitnessPal to track consumption - it has a good UK database and the interface is slick. More importantly, it seamlessly transfers calorie counts to the Fitbit system.
Walking accounts for the majority of my exercise but I also used an HRM to calorie-count things that Fitbit isn't designed to track. In my case that's use of a rowing machine. Again, there's a seamless hookup with the Fitbit system: a Polar H7 HRM (via iPhone) throws data at Digifit which in turn talks to Fitbit.
The third element is weight tracking - here, Fitbit's Aria scale wirelessly connects to the portal. No more spreadsheet data entry.
Armed with profile data and the three data streams, the Fitbit software offers a wide range of data views, trends, visualisations, targets and pavlovian rewards ('badges', ranks, etc). There's also an API so you can write your own software (or use other peoples) for bespoke views. I surprised myself by reacting to the rewards - my activity level went up noticeably, particularly with stair climbs. (The 'One' does "stairs", not the 'Zip' or 'Flex'). Others benefit from the social side - there's plenty of online community support and/or competition.
I'm now exactly where I want to be - I can eat and drink like a bd but the plan will always kick in when I hit a predefined weight (target: 11st, 12st totally unacceptable = emergency measures at 11st 7lbs, norm: 11st 3 lbs).
I didn't need Fitbit - I would have continued to lost weight in a hit and miss way and it would probably have taken longer. It's easy to find fault with the system but it gave me control and sent me down the do-more rather than eat-less route. I can definitely say 'it worked for me'. Now the weight is done, I might even start getting interested in health.
Just shout if you want more specific advice.
That sounds like a prime example of a 'yo-yo' dieter. That's a very bad idea.I only used MyFitnessPal to track consumption - it has a good UK database and the interface is slick. More importantly, it seamlessly transfers calorie counts to the Fitbit system.
Walking accounts for the majority of my exercise but I also used an HRM to calorie-count things that Fitbit isn't designed to track. In my case that's use of a rowing machine. Again, there's a seamless hookup with the Fitbit system: a Polar H7 HRM (via iPhone) throws data at Digifit which in turn talks to Fitbit.
The third element is weight tracking - here, Fitbit's Aria scale wirelessly connects to the portal. No more spreadsheet data entry.
Armed with profile data and the three data streams, the Fitbit software offers a wide range of data views, trends, visualisations, targets and pavlovian rewards ('badges', ranks, etc). There's also an API so you can write your own software (or use other peoples) for bespoke views. I surprised myself by reacting to the rewards - my activity level went up noticeably, particularly with stair climbs. (The 'One' does "stairs", not the 'Zip' or 'Flex'). Others benefit from the social side - there's plenty of online community support and/or competition.
I'm now exactly where I want to be - I can eat and drink like a b
d but the plan will always kick in when I hit a predefined weight (target: 11st, 12st totally unacceptable = emergency measures at 11st 7lbs, norm: 11st 3 lbs).I didn't need Fitbit - I would have continued to lost weight in a hit and miss way and it would probably have taken longer. It's easy to find fault with the system but it gave me control and sent me down the do-more rather than eat-less route. I can definitely say 'it worked for me'. Now the weight is done, I might even start getting interested in health.
Just shout if you want more specific advice.
Gwagon111 said:
That sounds like a prime example of a 'yo-yo' dieter. That's a very bad idea.
Huh? Under the scheme my weight car vary by a maximum of half a stone, the upper and lower bounds are both well within recommended Government limits. I haven't been static enough to test it but I think the Fitbit regime requires a minimum calorie intake of 1,200. Where's the badness?carb said:
Huh? Under the scheme my weight car vary by a maximum of half a stone, the upper and lower bounds are both well within recommended Government limits. I haven't been static enough to test it but I think the Fitbit regime requires a minimum calorie intake of 1,200. Where's the badness?
You have to think about it, by definition, that's not a great idea. Don't underestimate the psychological component of dieting. I haven't been static enough to test it but I think the Fitbit regime requires a minimum calorie intake of 1,200. Where's the badness?I think the issue is that it's having a plan but what if you're too busy or lazy to activate the plan because you've got used to not doing whatever the plan entails? If you make a lifestyle change so that you're always "on plan", incorporating exercise into your week by default then you're more likely to maintain and not be "on a diet" every 6 months.
Until you get busy/lazy.
Until you get busy/lazy.
Hoofy said:
I think the issue is that it's having a plan but what if you're too busy or lazy to activate the plan because you've got used to not doing whatever the plan entails? If you make a lifestyle change so that you're always "on plan", incorporating exercise into your week by default then you're more likely to maintain and not be "on a diet" every 6 months.
Until you get busy/lazy.
Yep, nail on head. If you think 'diet', you're screwed. If you think 'diet as part of lifestyle' you'll be fine Until you get busy/lazy.
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