If you have a fitbit, enter here and let's discuss...

bumpuser10258960

So I purchased my fitbit today (awaiting it's delivery) and I have a few questions about it and I'm hoping you can help.

What about fitbit do you love?

What about fitbit do you not love?

Do you use the fitbit app or another (like MFP)?

Do you go back in daily and log activities like driving and stuff? I saw an online review that shows improper counting of steps because of things like sitting in a car while driving.

Do you wear your fitbit all day or just when you're working out?

And anything else you'd like to discuss....

hooligans4

I just bought my fitbit flex yesterday. I did link it to MyFitPal it was easy peasy.

northernkhaleesi

What about fitbit do you love? That it makes (competitive) me want to meet my goal. And nerdy me loves the sleep tracker.What about fitbit do you not love?Nothing really. It's so easy to use and their customer support is awesome - what's not to like?Do you use the fitbit app or another (like MFP)?I use MFP.Do you go back in daily and log activities like driving and stuff? Driving doesn't register much (if anything) for me, unless it's a snowmobile. I always log my additional activity, but I only log it into the FitBit app, and not MFP. They're linked anyway, so I get credit.Do you wear your fitbit all day or just when you're working out?All day, all night. My students ask almost every day how many steps I've taken (groups of them guess to see who is closest).
(sorry about the spacing - it looks totally normal on my computer)

latershrader

I got my fitbit flex last week. I love it. I love knowing how close/far away from my goal I am. And when I'm being lazy, it helps keep me accountable and motivated. I use MFP and have it synced. I love how it accounts for my calories to/from the fitbit. And the sleep monitor is awesome. Now, if I feel tired during the day, I can say "I didn't sleep well last night" and know its true!

I wear mine all day. It looks kind ugly but I am going to get a colorful band soon.

hooligans4

I have a question for those who have one. Most if my walking is find pushing a stroller. Will it still pick up the steps if I'm not swinging my arms. I went for a half an hour brisk walk this morning and it only registered as 9 minutes if activity.

latershrader

I thought you didn't have to be swinging your arms to get it to count your steps. Now I'm concerned!

latershrader

@hooligans4: I did some looking around for you. From the fitbit.com website:

Will Flex count steps when I’m pushing a stroller or a shopping cart?

Flex will count your steps when you are pushing a stroller or a shopping cart as we do want to give you credit for this activity. That said, because your hands are not moving, your step count may be a bit lower during this activity.

hooligans4

Thanks @soontobeshrader. At least I'm getting some credit for my walk. But I am confused with the 9 min activity. I guess my heart rate wasn't high enough.

northernkhaleesi

Activity minutes are calculated based on the number of steps per minute, not by actual activity (I know, it sounds weird). Today, as an example, I have ~11,000 steps and 43 active minutes. I had two twenty minute walks (to and from work), and walked around during class and had recess and lunch duty. I waled more than 43 minutes total, but the speed I did walk affects the active minutes.

(A twenty minute lunch duty might only register as 4-5 active minutes because it's a leisurely stroll)

bumpuser10258960

@holligans4, maybe when you're using the stroller you can attach it to a belt loop or something, that way the count is at least a bit more accurate? I'm sure none of these devices can be perfect. 

I ordered my flex and am awaiting it's delivery. I signed up for an account with fitbit and have been logging things manually in the meantime to get used to it, but it keeps throwing in extra calories when I know there is NO WAY I burned 1800 calories today. 

hooligans4

My husband told me to put it on my ankle when I walk. But maybe I will just put it on a belt loop.

Your body burns calories all day long. That is why the average person needs to eat say 2000 calories. That is what your body burns in a given day. So fitbit calculates the calories you are burning even if you aren't being active. So if you have a day that you are more active it will let you eat more calories. In days that you do less it will tell you to eat less. I think it is smart.

northernkhaleesi

hooligans4 said:

My husband told me to put it on my ankle when I walk. But maybe I will just put it on a belt loop. Your body burns calories all day long. That is why the average person needs to eat say 2000 calories. That is what your body burns in a given day. So fitbit calculates the calories you are burning even if you aren't being active. So if you have a day that you are more active it will let you eat more calories. In days that you do less it will tell you to eat less. I think it is smart.

People recommend this for bicycling. I get very accurate readings from wearing it on my wrist while walking...

I did wear my zip on my bra and it was perfect. I now have the flex and love it even more!

bumpuser10258960

@hooligans4, I like that it does that, but I don't see where it says what my min calorie intake is or where I can change that. I have a smart scale that takes multiple measurements to determine mine and its 1600 cals. I want to be able to change that so it's more accurate. I wonder...

northernkhaleesi

MamaBear904 said:

@hooligans4, I like that it does that, but I don't see where it says what my min calorie intake is or where I can change that. I have a smart scale that takes multiple measurements to determine mine and its 1600 cals. I want to be able to change that so it's more accurate. I wonder...

You can adjust it in your goals, and if you're using MFP as well, you can adjust it there. I never follow the Fitbit calorie counting, I just use MFP because it has such a great database of food.

Lady2010

I have the Fitbit One and love it. I think the only time it has been inaccurate was when I was horseback riding (vacation). It counted steps from I guess the bouncing / jarring. I wear it on my pants by the pocket else on my bra strap. Works fairly accurately both spots. I don't link it it anything but I do use the Fitbit app. And it definitely motivates me to be active. I find in the nicer weather my steps are higher than in the middle of winter - which I guess is understandable given the northeast weather.

KirstenAlecia

Whats fitbit??? Sounds fun!

bumpuser10258960

Fitbit is basically a smart pedometer. It calculates other things for you and when you use it in connection with either their online tracking or something like My Fitness Pal (www.myfitnesspal.com) you can have a whole look at what you are doing daily to work on your health. How many steps you take, how many calories you've burned, how much you've eaten, etc.