You can get a really cheap fake one on ebay. If you use that you will get an idea if its worth investing in a good one?

I was fortunate enough to win a Fitbit. Prior to this I didn’t really see the need for it but since using it I have changed my tune. I wear it all the time and constantly update the app with what I’ve been eating and drinking etc. I find this is such an incentive to eat well and be active as I am constantly trying to ensure I stay below my calorie target etc. They are expensive but I’ve noticed that generally JB and Big W have been selling them below RRP.

I was given a FitBit and I used it for maybe a month or so. I just didn’t like wearing a device on my wrist all that time and the FitBit got quite warm on my wrist. I have an idea now of how many steps I am walking etc now so I don’t feel I need it on all the time.

My thoughts were in line with yours. I was lucky enough to have my brother who had a fitbit charge HR and a friend who had the fitbit zip and was able to try them both for a bit. I tried the charge and although I loved all the monitoring options, I really didn’t like how tight it was on my wrist. Plus it meant I couldn’t wear my actual watch and I love my watch. I tried the zip and I liked it much better but it really is just a very expensive pedometer. Unless you’ve got money to burn I’d suggest that you’re likely to get the same benefit from a cheaper pedometer. I guess it depends on what you’re willing to pay and whether technological gadgets and info motivate you to exercise.

The alarm must be so good. In my Garmin Vivofit there isn’t. I love the sleep monitor too.

I have a fitbit and was hesitant at first for similar reasons. Especially if id ‘be over it’ after a while and not use it. Surprisingly for me its been really good. Yes any smartphone can track steps like a pedometer, bit the fitbit i love easily seeing how many steps ive done, setting my own step goal (for chronic health issues i have 10,000 steps is a marathon so i can set my own lower goals. I love the sleep tracking function – how often i wake, light sleep/deep sleep and the bonus for me is setting the alarm! It vibrates the band so doesnt scare the crap out of me of a morning, much gentler way to wake and useful during the day for setting reminders when brain refuses to work

I worry about privacy – data from fitbits has been subpoenaed in court cases in the US.

I have the Garmin Vivofit, that I got with my Flybuys points one year ago. I love it. I use it every day and it helps me keeping track of how much I walk. I find it really motivating.

I haven’t bought one because I have similar thoughts. It will be interesting to see what others say.

i have an app on my phone. my phone has a heart rate sensor, calculators, a pedometer etc. can keep track of so much stuff. i think that if you just went for a walk for 30mins or so, that would be enough. too much emphasis is put on the “info” vs just doing it. good on you for making this great decision! i reckon that you could save the money and just enjoy your walk or whatever you want to do. Buy new clothes or something else and reward yourself!

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  • • mom93821 replied
    • 01 Jan 2016 , 8:44 am

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  Out of interest what is the name of the app? Thanks

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    • • mom94125 replied
      • 04 Jan 2016 , 9:08 pm

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    i have a samsung galaxy note edge and the app comes standard on it. it is called S-HEALTH. The sensors are built into the phone.

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    • • mom93821 replied
      • 06 Jan 2016 , 7:06 am

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    Thanks for the reply and information on the app – good on you! Will take a good look at this app.

I have a love/ hate relationship with my fitbit. It is essentially a movement tracker so it tracks your steps and other activity. I also like that it monitors sleep patterns and can link up with third party apps including My Fitness Pal. The hate side, the battery of the version I have does not last long enough (less than 7 days compared to my previous Jawbone UP device which lasted 14 days) and the Fitbit app isn’t as intuitive as I would like.

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  • • mom93821 replied
    • 31 Dec 2015 , 4:22 pm

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  Thanks for the reply and great answer! The features sound good to me.