melissa
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by melissa on Jul 5, 2016 19:03:17 GMT
Dd has asked for a fitness tracker, specifically a Fitbit, but I am not tied to any brand.
She went to OrangeTheory Fitness with me and really loved the idea of a heart rate based workout. It made her curious about how many calories she burns and what her heart rate does during the day. Note that she is not your typical teen. She is a ballet dancer and spends several hours each day dancing or doing some sort of related activity.
She seems to think she will use it often. I think she won't want to be wearing it regularly after the novelty wears off, but I do think she would wear it for cross training. She also wouldn't care as much about steps taken.
She doesn't have a birthday coming up and the holidays are way off. Extra brownie points and a few gold stars if you recommend something well under $100. Oh, and she already has her Hanukkah present.. we are going to Chicago to see Hamilton (yes, again... yes, we saw it in NYC already). Not entirely sure I am going to get her one at all, but with Amazon Prime day coming up, maybe there will be a sale.
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Post by monklady123 on Jul 5, 2016 19:37:11 GMT
I'll be watching this thread to see what advice you get, because I'd like to buy one also. I've had two Fitbits -- the little one that clipped onto pants or a bra, but it stopped syncing to my computer. Then I got the wristband one, but really I hate things on my wrists so not sure why I thought that would be a good idea. But also along the way, between the first and second Fitbit, I discovered that Fitbit's customer service is pretty bad. So then I got a Misfit -- a lovely round circle thing that you have to tap to get it to show steps. But, once it would acknowledge me it still didn't show actual steps, it showed Misfit "points". Which was no good to me. Also, eventually it popped out of its little band thing and got lost. Misfit's customer service is actually pretty good, but why would I want a replacement for something I didn't really like anyway? ugh Then I started using my dd's old Nike Fuelband, which works okay and syncs nicely with my computer and phone. But -- it's a wristband and I hate them! sigh... So, my post was not at all helpful to your question, but I just wanted to explain why I was tagging along on your post.  |
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melissa
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by melissa on Jul 5, 2016 19:43:08 GMT
Your post is actually helpful because I know so little about these things. Until I started doing OrangeTheory Fitness, I never used anything remotely close aside from a very cheap HR monitor watch or the HR monitor on the equipment at the gym. I was looking at that little Fitbit, the Zip, mainly because it is around $50, which is an ideal price point. But, I don't think it will give her quite what she wants. It seems to be more of a pedometer.
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Post by STBC on Jul 5, 2016 19:56:05 GMT
If you are primarily interested in the HR monitor, you're looking at spending over $100. (The cheapest Fitbit with HR monitor is $150, for example.) Under $100 models will primarily track steps/stairs. Other than HR monitor, what about a fitness tracker do you think she'd like? I have an app on my phone which is supposed to capture heart rate, and while I know it isn't the most accurate, it does run pretty similar to my chest-strap heart rate monitor (I have a Garmin). If your DD has a smartphone it might be something to start with to see if it is something that she'd actually like to have. It was free a while back (found it on AppsGoneFree) but I think normally it is a couple dollars. I've had two Fitbits -- the little one that clipped onto pants or a bra, but it stopped syncing to my computer. My Fitbit (Fitbit One) stopped synching for a while. I ended up doing some research on their message boards to resolve the problem. Wish I could explain what exactly I did, but I don't remember! (I had tried deleting/reinstalling the app and a bunch of other things which did not work.) Downside was that all the data which hadn't yet been synched was lost, but the device has worked ever since. (This happened last year.) I had good luck with their customer service; they even replaced my One when I lost it shortly after buying it. All I had to do was provide a copy my receipt. |
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smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,701
Location: Houston, TX
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Post by smartypants71 on Jul 5, 2016 20:38:40 GMT
What about getting her the new OTF heartrate monitor that you wear on your wrist? I think that one is called the Mio Link. I still use the strap, but others in my class are really happy with that wristband.
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Post by nicole2112 on Jul 5, 2016 21:00:19 GMT
I adore my FitBit Charge HR. It monitors your burn all day and night as well as acts as a heart rate monitor when you workout.
I had a Polar F4 heart rate monitor before that and really enjoyed it but the FitBit Charge HR is my absolute favorite!
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scrappinmama
Pearl Clutcher
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Jun 26, 2014 12:54:09 GMT
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Post by scrappinmama on Jul 5, 2016 21:07:28 GMT
I just bought a FitBit Alta and love it! It really motivates me to get up and move. It does not have an HR, but I'm fine with that. It was $129. It even lets me know when I have a call or text message.
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melissa
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,912
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Post by melissa on Jul 5, 2016 21:54:55 GMT
With a little more reading, I've learned that the Fitbits work by determining your arm movement in pretty much a single plane, the plane you use walking or running. It would not be helpful for a ballet class where you can be working your tush off and never moving your arms in that parallel plane!
I think she is going to need to rethink what she is looking for and/or only look at HR monitors. She does have an iphone, so an app and a device that works with it would be helpful. I think she was attracted to the design of the sleek looking Fitbits, something she could wear on her wrist in a ballet class or rehearsal that would not say "I am wearing a HR monitor." Unfortunately, the OTF wrist monitor is too bulky.
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Post by kachilyn on Jul 5, 2016 22:20:06 GMT
I have a Fitbit Charge HR and love it. I had the flex before and find this one to be much more accurate at step tracking, plus the love the HR feature. I wear it 24/7 except for showering and swimming.
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Post by gmcwife1 on Jul 5, 2016 22:22:58 GMT
With a little more reading, I've learned that the Fitbits work by determining your arm movement in pretty much a single plane, the plane you use walking or running. It would not be helpful for a ballet class where you can be working your tush off and never moving your arms in that parallel plane! I think she is going to need to rethink what she is looking for and/or only look at HR monitors. She does have an iphone, so an app and a device that works with it would be helpful. I think she was attracted to the design of the sleek looking Fitbits, something she could wear on her wrist in a ballet class or rehearsal that would not say "I am wearing a HR monitor." Unfortunately, the OTF wrist monitor is too bulky. I have a Fitbit Charge and for the same reason - arm movement needed, I went to a Fitbit One. Many of my steps are in dog training or dog showing/activities and I have to keep my arm/hands quiet so that training wouldn't count as accurately. So far I really like the One for me, but it does not do heart rate which is what your dd really wants. |
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caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,446
Location: So Cal
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Post by caangel on Jul 5, 2016 22:57:26 GMT
As a ballet dancer I couldn't care less about my steps. HR monitor is a must if I ever get a fitness tracker. My DH has a Jawbone Up that has a HR monitor. We got it at costco on sale during the holidays.
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Post by not2peased on Jul 5, 2016 23:19:04 GMT
With a little more reading, I've learned that the Fitbits work by determining your arm movement in pretty much a single plane, the plane you use walking or running. It would not be helpful for a ballet class where you can be working your tush off and never moving your arms in that parallel plane! I think she is going to need to rethink what she is looking for and/or only look at HR monitors. She does have an iphone, so an app and a device that works with it would be helpful. I think she was attracted to the design of the sleek looking Fitbits, something she could wear on her wrist in a ballet class or rehearsal that would not say "I am wearing a HR monitor." Unfortunately, the OTF wrist monitor is too bulky. I have tried to increase my steps by just swinging my arms and it didn't work. I also found it to be pretty accurate, as I have a route I walk that I mapped out prior so I knew exactly how far it was. it's not 100% by any means, but it's pretty accurate, IME. I wear it when I ride my bike and while I have no idea how it knows, it logged the activity as a bike ride-I did nothing to make that happen. I also have a chest strap monitor that is definitely more accurate, but not at all convenient for use every day, all day. given what I know about my HR during exercise, I think the HRM on the fitbit is "reasonably" accurate. I love my fitbit charge-my friend kind of strong armed me into it, but I love the dashboard and I love tracking my heartrate., since I started using it and running again on a regular basis, my resting HR has gone from 74 bpm to 65 I think it's a great tool-I also learned I wasn't sleeping as long as I thought I was-I thought for sure I was getting 8 full hours or more every night, but I average about 7.5. no biggie, but I found it kind of interesting to track. same with calories |
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Post by mom on Jul 6, 2016 0:47:35 GMT
In the past, I have used a Polar Heart Rate Monitor. It goes on your wrist, but then there is a strap underneath your shirt. I could see calories, heart rate, distance, and something else? Anyway, it did what it was supposed to but it definitely wasn't something 'pretty' to use.
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Post by Patter on Jul 6, 2016 10:16:54 GMT
Melissa, DD wanted a FitBit. We got her the Zip, and neither one of us liked it. I ended up giving her my One which I used for years and LOVED. She loves it!!! She is using it for her cardio rehab. We both wear it on our panties so no arm movement. Would that work for your DD? I know most wear it on their bra but that never worked for us "small" girls. The panties work GREAT.  |
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anika
Junior Member
Posts: 95
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Post by anika on Jul 6, 2016 10:52:23 GMT
I'm a huge fan of the garmin devices, because they adjust your daily goal every day according on how you performed yesterday. it challenges you to get a little better every day and that's more motivating to me than any other fitness tracker. PLUS it can find my phone when I don't know where I've put it (which happens very often  ) |
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Post by Scrapbrat on Jul 6, 2016 11:22:34 GMT
With a little more reading, I've learned that the Fitbits work by determining your arm movement in pretty much a single plane, the plane you use walking or running. It would not be helpful for a ballet class where you can be working your tush off and never moving your arms in that parallel plane! Right. This is why wrist trackers can be "fooled" by things like pushing a grocery cart -- your legs are in motion, but your arms and wrists are still. I don't own a Fitbit, but my understanding is that with some of their models, you can also input separate physical activity (apart from "steps" you accumulate during the day), so there would certainly be a category for something like dancing/ballet, and she could add in that activity time and it would estimate the calories burned and so forth.
You might want to have her check Garmins. They are the tracker/watch of choice for people who run, and a lot of their devices have features that runners want. But, they also make ones that are geared toward cyclists, and their technology is top-notch (Tour de France, anyone?). Cycling presents the same issue of mostly still arms and wrists while the lower half of the body is working like crazy, so somehow their cycling trackers/monitors deal with that. I will say that I think $100 is going to be a pretty low price point for a tracker with a heart monitor. Most I've seen are over $100.
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Post by monklady123 on Jul 6, 2016 11:36:21 GMT
With a little more reading, I've learned that the Fitbits work by determining your arm movement in pretty much a single plane, the plane you use walking or running. It would not be helpful for a ballet class where you can be working your tush off and never moving your arms in that parallel plane! Right. This is why wrist trackers can be "fooled" by things like pushing a grocery cart -- your legs are in motion, but your arms and wrists are still. I don't own a Fitbit, but my understanding is that with some of their models, you can also input separate physical activity (apart from "steps" you accumulate during the day), so there would certainly be a category for something like dancing/ballet, and she could add in that activity time and it would estimate the calories burned and so forth.
You might want to have her check Garmins. They are the tracker/watch of choice for people who run, and a lot of their devices have features that runners want. But, they also make ones that are geared toward cyclists, and their technology is top-notch (Tour de France, anyone?). Cycling presents the same issue of mostly still arms and wrists while the lower half of the body is working like crazy, so somehow their cycling trackers/monitors deal with that. I will say that I think $100 is going to be a pretty low price point for a tracker with a heart monitor. Most I've seen are over $100.
When I was using my wrist Fitbit this was a big surprise to me. I'd been at the grocery store, one of those HUGE ones with 25 checkout lanes, and I'd walked all over the entire store several times. When I got home and checked my steps I saw I'd only walked a very small number. At least according to the Fitbit.  |
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Post by Delta Dawn on Jul 6, 2016 11:46:19 GMT
I have the Fitbit Charge HR and I am the *only* person who doesn't love it. I just don't like it at all. It feels not nice on my wrist. It gets all wet. It's either too tight or too loose. I am just frustrated with it.
Remember, I am the only one who doesn't like it. I own that.
I am on the Fitbit website and it says the Charge HR is almost $200. I did NOT pay that much for it. I may have paid $140 Canadian but not that much.
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Post by STBC on Jul 6, 2016 13:04:15 GMT
Right. This is why wrist trackers can be "fooled" by things like pushing a grocery cart -- your legs are in motion, but your arms and wrists are still. I don't own a Fitbit, but my understanding is that with some of their models, you can also input separate physical activity (apart from "steps" you accumulate during the day), so there would certainly be a category for something like dancing/ballet, and she could add in that activity time and it would estimate the calories burned and so forth.
You might want to have her check Garmins. They are the tracker/watch of choice for people who run, and a lot of their devices have features that runners want. But, they also make ones that are geared toward cyclists, and their technology is top-notch (Tour de France, anyone?). Cycling presents the same issue of mostly still arms and wrists while the lower half of the body is working like crazy, so somehow their cycling trackers/monitors deal with that. I will say that I think $100 is going to be a pretty low price point for a tracker with a heart monitor. Most I've seen are over $100. Yes - the Fitbit app tracks physical activities. I input things like swimming and yoga. It has pre-programmed activities, and I just checked for ballet - it is listed. I am a big fan of Garmin - their multi-sport devices do track things like swimming and cycling, but multi-sport watches can be expensive. However, while their Vivosmart HR is a little more expensive than what you're wanting (about $150) but it might fit your DD's needs better: Amazon.com - Garmin VivosmartMy current Garmin is the Forerunner 220 with chest-strap heart monitor. My next Garmin will be the Vivoactive HR and I will stop wearing the Fitbit One. |
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Post by padresfan619 on Jul 6, 2016 13:36:23 GMT
I work for a company that sells FitBits and our number one returned item because of malfunctioning and general dislike is the Fitbit Charge HR. We just recently started selling the Blaze and I like that style a lot more. Personally I think the band on the Charge HR is uncomfortable.
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Post by padresfan619 on Jul 6, 2016 13:38:06 GMT
Also rumor has it from our FitBit supplier is that FitBit is discontinuing the Flex, so I wouldn't buy that one either since it may not be available much longer. We stopped buying them from our supplier and are slowly getting rid of our stock.
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blue tulip
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,984
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Post by blue tulip on Jul 6, 2016 13:50:03 GMT
would you consider a used tracker? my youngest really wanted a fitbit, but same deal- no birthdays or holidays near. he worked his butt off to earn half the $ and we found a great used one on craigslist- the woman had only worn it about 2 weeks and didn't like it, still had box and accessories and looked brand new. but was half price.
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Post by shaniam on Jul 6, 2016 13:50:04 GMT
I had the polar f4 too. That might be good for what she wants it for. I didn't like the chest strap though. It didn't seem to stay in place while I was working out and I didn't find it comfortable to wear. I wear the Fitbit charge HR now and really like it.
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Post by Delta Dawn on Jul 6, 2016 13:54:09 GMT
I work for a company that sells FitBits and our number one returned item because of malfunctioning and general dislike is the Fitbit Charge HR. We just recently started selling the Blaze and I like that style a lot more. Personally I think the band on the Charge HR is uncomfortable. Thank you for the validation. It is not just in my head. I took back the small because it was way too small for my wrist. I may go with the Blaze. I will have to see what works for me now. |
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Post by Scrapbrat on Jul 6, 2016 14:08:49 GMT
Right. This is why wrist trackers can be "fooled" by things like pushing a grocery cart -- your legs are in motion, but your arms and wrists are still. I don't own a Fitbit, but my understanding is that with some of their models, you can also input separate physical activity (apart from "steps" you accumulate during the day), so there would certainly be a category for something like dancing/ballet, and she could add in that activity time and it would estimate the calories burned and so forth.
You might want to have her check Garmins. They are the tracker/watch of choice for people who run, and a lot of their devices have features that runners want. But, they also make ones that are geared toward cyclists, and their technology is top-notch (Tour de France, anyone?). Cycling presents the same issue of mostly still arms and wrists while the lower half of the body is working like crazy, so somehow their cycling trackers/monitors deal with that. I will say that I think $100 is going to be a pretty low price point for a tracker with a heart monitor. Most I've seen are over $100. Yes - the Fitbit app tracks physical activities. I input things like swimming and yoga. It has pre-programmed activities, and I just checked for ballet - it is listed. I am a big fan of Garmin - their multi-sport devices do track things like swimming and cycling, but multi-sport watches can be expensive. However, while their Vivosmart HR is a little more expensive than what you're wanting (about $150) but it might fit your DD's needs better: Amazon.com - Garmin VivosmartMy current Garmin is the Forerunner 220 with chest-strap heart monitor. My next Garmin will be the Vivoactive HR and I will stop wearing the Fitbit One. Wow! Thanks for this info. I actually had no idea that the Vivosmart did all of that stuff! I am also a big Garmin fan -- I have a lesser Forerunner (basic model), but I love it to death! I have a birthday coming up, maybe I'll look seriously at that Vivosmart! |
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CeeScraps
Pearl Clutcher
~~occupied entertaining my brain~~
Posts: 3,825
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Post by CeeScraps on Jul 6, 2016 14:47:16 GMT
I gave up on the FitBit when the company sent me #3. It wouldn't continue to sync.
When working out I use a Polar Heart Rate Monitor/strap/watch. I love that it is getting my heartbeat. It will sync to my computer.
It's always interesting to me to see what the club equipment says I've burned compared to my HRM.
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caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,446
Location: So Cal
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Post by caangel on Jul 6, 2016 14:48:40 GMT
Regarding manually inputting physical activity if you have to do this why wear an activity tracker? You can do this in MFP for free.
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Deleted
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May 2, 2024 6:44:33 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 6, 2016 14:55:15 GMT
I work for a company that sells FitBits and our number one returned item because of malfunctioning and general dislike is the Fitbit Charge HR. We just recently started selling the Blaze and I like that style a lot more. Personally I think the band on the Charge HR is uncomfortable. I don't mind the band, but my charge hr has never worked properly. It was replaced, and the new one has the same issues. I suspect major design flaws. They keep saying they'll fix it, but neither has worked properly in the last six months. It has bluetooth issues, syncing issues, software issues, and it won't even keep the time. I wouldn't recommend the charge -- if you get a lemon (like I have twice) you'll spend endless hours trying to get it to work. |
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Post by gmcwife1 on Jul 6, 2016 16:07:03 GMT
With a little more reading, I've learned that the Fitbits work by determining your arm movement in pretty much a single plane, the plane you use walking or running. It would not be helpful for a ballet class where you can be working your tush off and never moving your arms in that parallel plane! Right. This is why wrist trackers can be "fooled" by things like pushing a grocery cart -- your legs are in motion, but your arms and wrists are still. I don't own a Fitbit, but my understanding is that with some of their models, you can also input separate physical activity (apart from "steps" you accumulate during the day), so there would certainly be a category for something like dancing/ballet, and she could add in that activity time and it would estimate the calories burned and so forth.
You might want to have her check Garmins. They are the tracker/watch of choice for people who run, and a lot of their devices have features that runners want. But, they also make ones that are geared toward cyclists, and their technology is top-notch (Tour de France, anyone?). Cycling presents the same issue of mostly still arms and wrists while the lower half of the body is working like crazy, so somehow their cycling trackers/monitors deal with that. I will say that I think $100 is going to be a pretty low price point for a tracker with a heart monitor. Most I've seen are over $100.
They also count steps if you are driving an RV, my dad was so excited at how many steps he got in one day that I didn't have the heart to tell him it was the RV vibrations  I also got a ton of steps on a 4 hour drive  |
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Post by STBC on Jul 6, 2016 16:46:44 GMT
Regarding manually inputting physical activity if you have to do this why wear an activity tracker? You can do this in MFP for free. The activity tracker records steps taken and flights of stairs. (Mine can also record sleep, but I don't use that feature. I can manually log other physical activities I do, such as swimming or yoga. For running, I use the Garmin (GPS watch) - it will track my route, pace, cadence, etc. Someday, I'll have an "all in one" device, but I'm not there yet |
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I also got a ton of steps on a 4 hour drive 