To buy a Fitbit type thing?

[MrsCobain]

Sorry, posting in here for traffic.

I'm probably about 20 pounds/9kg overweight.

I'm finding it SO hard to motivate myself in to exercising and the only exercise I can do is fast walking/very slow and sporadic jogging (fucked knees).

I look a lot at the health app on the iPhone but think it's probably not so accurate as to how much or the type of exercise I'm getting.

For those of you that have fit bits or similar, did they help you drive to lose weight? If so, do I need a model with all the bells and whistles? Which brands are best? Did you lost interest in them after the initial purchase?

I'm bordering on getting one and dh says he'll buy me a top of the range one as an early birthday present if I want but reckons I'll be in to it for a couple of weeks then it'll be wasted money.

Tia

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Looking for a gadget to track steps, calories, and all that jazz? This thread is a little old. Check out our round-up of Mumsnetters’ favourite fitness trackers for the low-down on Garmin, Fitfbit and some other -cheaper- alternatives. MNHQ.

[PeppaPigTastesLikeBacon]

I have the alta and love it. I do weekly challenges with people which pushes me to get my bum moving!

[MrsCobain]

That was the one I've been eyeing up.

[swampytiggaa]

I've had a fitbit for about 2.5 years now. Wouldn't be without it. Really pushes me to be more active. The challenges are brilliant. I have lost over 1 stone since having it and toned up too. My husband and two of my children have them too now and we can get quite competitive

[RockCrushesLizard]

I've had one since January, and found it makes a big difference to how much I move.

I never considered myself inactive (pre-schooler and baby to chase) but I simply wasn't moving enough and the fitbit demonstrates that really well.

I now average 10000 steps and 45 active minutes daily, compared to 4000 and 10 previously.

In terms of weight loss, it's 10lb since January, while eating ~1600 calories daily, with a weeks holiday where I didn't try to lose and regular meals out.

[LadyLoveYourWhat]

I've got a Fitbit One (the most basic one) and it's what kick started my weight loss - first I started making sure I always got 10k steps in (even if it meant a walk in the dark after the kids had gone to bed, or dancing round the kitchen) and then I signed up for MyFitnessPal and used my Fitbit calories for extra food! 3 stone down I now run quite a lot, but even on the days I don't run my walking calories give me room for a little treat.

[FirstSeemItThenBeIt]

I've got a Flex which is very basis.

But for me the key is being part of a group and continually being part of a challenge; we have one every week and every weekend and it gets very competitive.

I notice that when it's just me, I'm happy with much less steps than when others can see my progress. Last week I had to do 92k steps to win our challenge, and there's no way I'd do that just for my own satisfaction.

[gamerchick]

I got my first one march last year and still love it, feel lost without it (stairs have no meaning when it's not on) and I lost a stone just by getting my arse moving more.

I agree with the hustles, they do get you moving usually.

[HJG2011]

Do it!!

I brought one about a month ago Fitbit Charge 2 and I honestly love it. I wanted one that tracks my heat rate as I do a lot of exercise classes (spin, Hiit, BLT) and gym sessions. It tracks water intake, sleep, exercise, there's a calorie tracker on the app too. It really helps me stay motivated as I can see how hard I've worked it rewards you and keeps you on track with your progress. I'm trying to loose fat but build muscle I have a Lilongwe way to go (2-3 stone) but since having the Fitbit I have noticed I work harder.

It was also the best one I found (for me) after researching for a good few days.

Good Luck!

[HJG2011]

Lillongwe? That was meant to say long 😂

[MrsCobain]

Thanks all! So are there groups you can join on the app? Or are they real life? I don't know anyone else that's trying to lose weight atm.

[facedontfit]

Mmmm, this all sounds interesting. I'm very very overweight / greedy and lazy. I puff & pant just putting the dustbin out!! Need motivation. I have just had a look on Amazon and am now . Any recommendations for what I need as a complete beginner?

[feathermucker]

Can I follow this thread Please? Looking for something sheepish. I work as HCA so can't wear anything round my wrist at work. Do they work from your pocket?

That might be a daft question!

[feathermucker]

Can I follow this thread Please? Looking for something sheepish. I work as HCA so can't wear anything round my wrist at work. Do they work from your pocket?

That might be a daft question!

[gamerchick]

They're on the app. I can add anyone wanting to join ours. There's a few MNers on it.

[GeekyWombat]

I have the Alta and absolutely bloody love it. Bought it in January with Christmas present gift vouchers and thanks to it and the Lose It app I've lost two stone (although I started off bigger than you!).

I love the Alta and am intrigued by the Alta HR that has just come out - seriously considering an upgrade!

I think it depends on whether you're a gadgety person. I'm a lardarse by nature who loves a gadget. I find the stats motivating and my DH and I are constantly trying to beat each other's walking count.

[Lolimax]

Get one! I had the Flex 2 but it doesn't have a heart rate monitor so I've just bought myself the Alta HR. I love it! Never considered myself a geek before but I'm hooked.

[kimlo]

Feather, yes they do work in your pocket I sometimes have to put it in there when I'm at work. You just have to be sure it wont fall out.

[wohmum]

feathermucker get a Fitbit one - it goes in your pocket or on a waistband

[RocketPockets]

I had an Alta but the strap broke so John Lewis swapped it for an Alta hr and I paid the difference. I love mine, have several challenges going with different groups of people, at work I wear it on my lanyard as not allowed to wear it on my wrist, or on my bra strap which seems to work well! It has definitely motivated me to move more although I haven't weighed myself in a while!

[feathermucker]

Thank you :-)

[ThePiglet59]

My OH has one, but she loses more weight by using a calorie counting app.
I think that good diet is more important than exercise, especially if, like me, you're a bit lazy.

[MrsCobain]

I'm definitely inclined to be lazy lately. I used to be such a gym nutter, it's depressing that I can't even be arsed to go for a walk these days.

I'm also a tech freak. I've just ordered the Alta hr. Did next day delivery and everything.

If I really meant business I'd get dh one. We're SO competitive with each other.

I agree about the calorie counting though, I eat stupidly big potions (same size as dh who's a whole foot taller and chainsaws or builds all day) even if it's all pretty healthy there's still just too much of it!

I'd love to join a mn group. I promise I'll behave.

[MrsCobain]

So is there a calorie counting bit on the frog burp app? Or I specifically really good one. I'm going to lose the last of this baby weight and get in to my lovely summer clothes (I haven't worn in 4 years) if it kills me.

[MrsCobain]

Bumpy bump!

It's coming today!

What's the best app? Is it the fit bit app? Refusing to go for my morning walk as it's not here yet and don't want to waste walking.

[gamerchick]

That's the spirit

Just follow the instructions and download the right app for your phone and the app will tell you what to do when you sync the unit. Have fun.