Fitbit

[Runningfit67]

Does anyone use a Fitbit to monitor their progress and if so, are they any good?

[Runningpooch]

I use a very fit. It’s cheaper and not as superior as the fit bit but suits me. Tells me calories and distance and time. Was relatively cheap at 19.99 works with my i phone so also tells me sleep patterns and when I have a call or message. I’m sure someone on here has one and can advise you better

[Runningfit67 in reply to Runningpooch]

I will investigate farther not heard of the one you use.

[Rachel_Runs]

I use a Fitbit Charge 2, it monitors heart rate and once you start running more than 10 minutes in one go it tracks runs (at the moment it tracks all my Couchto5K runs as walks). It shows you calories, distance and so on. And I believe you can hook it up to GPS but I never have. I think in terms of tracking day to day fitness it is pretty good, but I think the Garmin watch is better for specifically tracking running (only because the one I want has built in GPS and this seems very snazzy to me, so my opinion is entirely biased)!

[StewieNorts in reply to Rachel_Runs]

To you active the run option before your runs ? Mine has recorded all my C25k runs as runs.

[Rachel_Runs in reply to StewieNorts]

I always assumed you needed to link it to a GPS device for it to record runs via the running option (which I've never bothered to do), but perhaps I should try! I know that it should record steps as runs after 10 mins running if I don't press that option.

[StewieNorts in reply to Rachel_Runs]

Yep just click until RUN appeared hold button down for a second it will vibrate then run and remember to press button as soon as you stop running. You do need GPS turned on on your phone for map of run.

[Rachel_Runs in reply to StewieNorts]

Will it still record heart rate and distance (calculated via steps) if I don't turn on GPS?

[StewieNorts in reply to Rachel_Runs]

I believe so but quick update. I just got back from a run and the Fitbit/gps combo said I ran 6.48 k but I mapped the run at home on map my run at it is actually 5.24 k so not sure how accurate Fitbit is.

[Rachel_Runs in reply to StewieNorts]

I've heard it's not too accurate either. I think it calculates running from doing a quicker step count, but of course, if you're running slowly (like me), then it won't record this well. I will give pressing the run function a go on my next run. I forgot to use it today.

[StewieNorts]

I've got a charge 2 and I love it. Connected to phone it shows , distance , pace , heart rate, calories, time run, elevation and once you have finished you can view a map of you run on your phone. Great easy way of monitoring your progress...highly recommend.

[kriswhoruns Graduate]

Another happy user of a Fitbit Charge 2 here. Would definitely recommend them!

[Runningfit67]

There is a new Fitbit 3 change coming out in October so I might wait until then

[ArthurJG Graduate]

I use a Fitbit Surge. I’ve had it two years and had to replace the strap a couple of times. Fitbit models do vary a lot - some have built in GPS whereas others are glorified pedometers. The good ones with GPS aren’t cheap: they are in the same price range as Garmins so have a look at those too. I’ve never used Garmin so can’t advise on those.

None of these things are perfect. Wrist worn heart rate monitors tend to be less accurate under strenuous exercise so you can be led to think you’re overdoing it when your not. Using the GPS drains the battery quite fast though it still lasts easily long enough for a long run if it’s fully charged when you start. The Fitbit app is OK but you can sync your Fitbit to other apps like Strava for other running stats.

Overall though I really like mine and use it all the time: it’s also basically my day to day watch so I know my step count every day. But when I got mine I wasn’t a runner and didn’t know about other models like Garmin so do shop around for other makes and models too.

[Ang33333 Graduate]

I don't think any technology is perfect. I've got a charge 2. I don't think it tracks my runs as accurately as apps like Strava or Runkeeper but it has made me aware of my inactivity at times! I will upgrade to a Garmin at some stage but at the moment I'm happy with it. I think it's you stick with one device or app you can track progress.

[Runningfit67]

I think you’re right I’ve tried loads of different apps and ended up deleting them for various reasons. I’m using Nike run club now and really like it. I did have one app that had a run with Mo which I was going to try after graduating but, I ended up deleting it and now I can’t remember which app it was. If anyone knows please let me know.

[Denovo]

I have a Charge 2, which I bought 3 months ago and regret doing so. While the concept is great, the implementation is appalling. New updates are released without proper testing so people end up having all sorts of problems. For example, during several weeks this summer, the Fitbit phone app (which needs to be on when using connected GPS) was eating battery power and making my (and other people's) phone blazing hot. The connected GPS itself can be flaky. When it does go down, even if you have recorded the run with another running app as insurance, Fitbit does not give you the means to import the tcx from it into your Fitbit records. The Fitbit forums are filled with complaints from unhappy and frustrated users, which receive bland and usually unhelpful answers from the moderators. Often they tell people to submit a request for a new feature. These requests, even when supported by a large number of users, languish ignored for years. It seems the company is not in the least concerned about keeping its customers happy. I've heard many people say that the devices have a built-in obsolescence and stop working properly not long after the 12-month guarantee runs out. When mine stops working, I will be looking for another brand to replace it.

[Runningfit67 in reply to Denovo]

Thank for the feedback think I’ll look into more options

[Jell6 Graduate]

I returned mine, it was find for a few months, then went on the fritz.

Fitbit customer services were not especially helpful, several back and to messages, I followed the advice, still it played up. Then different advice...

Long story short, I got a refund , by coincidence, a man in the queue behind me said his wife was having similar problems, and I had inspired him to get hers returned!!!

[Runningfit67]

Thank you for all the fed back think I’ll do some research into other makes and models before making a purchase. Graduation present to myself.