To Fitbit or not?

[hms7280]

So I'd like to hear your votes...does it truly make a positive difference? And if so, which of the products would work best for women?

[gingernut49]

I have a Fitbit Zip which I wear tucked down the front of my bra. You can also do that with the One. The difference between them is that the One also measures your sleep patterns and stairs but is quite a lot more expensive. You can get a Flex if you want to wear something on your wrist, but if you're pushing a pushchair or a trolley it's not going to work as your wrist is still - and apparently it will also clock up steps if you're doing the ironing!

Fitbits are incredible motivators to exercise - I've had mine since August last year and have clocked up 2,000 miles! Instead of sitting still in the evening, if I'm under my 10,000 steps for the day I will pace up and down the living room instead of simply sitting on the couch. Go for it!

[hms7280 in reply to gingernut49]

Nothing like the testimony of actual users would have never thought about the effects of trolley pushing or ironing! I was considering the Zip option as well...thanks

[morgs]

I've got the fit bit one and I love it. I find myself setting little challenges such as get up more stairs and complete the 10,000 steps. It also can be used with my fitness pal and workout exactly what calories have been used etc. would definitely recommend one

[hms7280 in reply to morgs]

So I guess I 'll have reason to make the most of stairs at home cheers

[binksk]

I also have the fitbit one.. I find it really helpful, I set a target in the morning & if it's not reach when I get home I go for a walk, if it is I treat myself, usually a bubble bath or nice face mask ( not food ).. It's good to monitor how active you are, I was shock when I first got mine, I spend all day on my feet ( Therater Nurse ) but didn't actually do as many steps as I thought I would!!

[hms7280 in reply to binksk]

I like the treats well, iphone has a step tracker, but it doesn't count steps round the house...so what numbers are reasonable for a goal? If I go grocery shopping it adds up to about 5000 steps...

[binksk]

It's recommend that you walk 10,000 a day, I now walk 12,000 but started off at around 7,000.. I wore my fitbit for a few days to see what my average was, then added to that. Every time I would beat my target for a full week I added 500 more steps on! I have the iPhone & once used their step counter but, my battery was almost dead by Lunch!! You can also link you fitbit app to other apps like myfitnesspal, so you can track your food intake! I am more determined to complete my daily task knowing there's a treat at the end

[OlsBean]

I've used the flex for almost 2 years now, it's OK apart from I have had to have it replaced 3 times due to battery issues, having said that Fitbit support have been exceptional each time as it's a known issue and they have sent replacements each time within a short time frame.

It's very good at getting you and keeping you "Stepped" focused if that's what you want to do. I've changed my exercise regime over the past few months so it's no longer as of use as it was to me however I would still recommend it for the reasons stated above and I do still wear mine every day.

There is HealthUnlocked C25K Fitbit group if you are interested. fitbit.com/group/22BW8W

[LightDark]

I've had a fitbit One for nine months and really like it. I like both the stats and the motivation to get up and do a bit more.

My day-to-day base minimum is about 5,000 so getting it up to 10,000 is quite a challenge but I manage it 5 days out of 7 - partially through NHS Couch 2 5k which Olsbean linked to.

I link it to myfitnesspal for food logging as the UK database is (still) non-existent, and I do have a few other gripes with the way some things are handled by fitbit...

I think its at its most useful when you can push yourself against others, and motivate them a bit too - if you get one, feel free to connect fitbit.com/user/2CKQZ3

[hms7280]

Thank you all for your feedback...I seem to have an average of 3000 steps a day, that go up to 7,000 with some exercise...so I have to work on it!

[steve00]

How good are fitbits at measuring pulse rate and blood pressure? I did try a cheaper alternative to a fitbit but the cardio side of it was just pointless it was so wrong.