Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Exercise

Chat to other fitness enthusiasts on our Exercise forum.

Original poster

Do I need a Fitbit?

124 replies

newrecruit · 11/01/2015 19:42

Honestly. Do they actually help it just a bit of a gimmick.

I have about 3 stone to lose but haven't quite got round to starting yet. Hmm

---------

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.

OP posts:
aimingforthesky · 11/01/2015 19:54

No you don't need one but I love mine.

I've had a fit bit flex for 2weeks now and have just gone for a short walk to get to my 10000 step goal. Not sure how many calories it really burns but it helps to keep me out of the fridge and I certainly feel healthier. Great satisfaction when the wristband vibrates to tell you the target has been reached, but much cheaper to get a simple pedometer if you just want to log your steps!

MagpieCursedTea · 11/01/2015 19:56

What kind of phone do you have? My iPhone logs all my steps and has a bunch of other things with the built in health app.

grumblepuss · 11/01/2015 20:02

You don't NEED one, but if it works as motivation, gets you moving, helps you loose weight etc. Then maybe a good investment?
I like a good gadget, I'm waiting for the one which measures your heart rate to be sold in the UK.

bertiebogtrotter · 11/01/2015 20:05

I love mine and it has definitely helped me become more active. I got a flex in September and there are not many days since then that I haven't hit my target of 10k steps, even if that means running round the house or on the spot while I watch TV!

The sleep tracker is quite interesting but I don't remember to put it in sleep mode much now.

FullOfChoc · 11/01/2015 21:03

Do you think it accurately tells you how many calories you use?

I have a heart rate monitor, which is set with my age and weight. I think that must be pretty accurate?

My Iphone tracks my steps and links into my fitness pal. It seems stingy with calories burnt - or is that wishful thinking!

StatisticallyChallenged · 12/01/2015 19:02

I bought a cheapy fitbug to see if I would like it - I've just ordered a Fitbit charge HR (from the US) as I really find it motivating but wanted something better!

whatsagoodusername · 12/01/2015 19:13

I was considering getting one too. What iPhone apps are people using instead?

FullOfChoc · 12/01/2015 19:48

Whatsa - I use runkeeper on my phone. I don't think it's accurate with my calories burnt though, loads less than my heart rate monitor says.

FullOfChoc · 12/01/2015 19:49

Stats- let me know what you think when it turns up please.

StatisticallyChallenged · 12/01/2015 19:50

Will report back - I eventually got fed up of waiting for them to release it here!

grumblepuss · 12/01/2015 19:53

statistical - where did you find it? How much and did they have it in purple?

feckitall · 12/01/2015 19:54

I posted in exercise..I've been looking at activity trackers and apps. I have a pedometer on my phone that seems quite accurate but I would like a tracker to monitor my sporting activity(up to 5 hours a week) as it is quite physical and having my phone on me isn't practical or safe.

FullOfChoc · 12/01/2015 19:55

I liked the purple / plum too. But thought the black would go with everything. What did you go for Stats?

MagpieCursedTea · 12/01/2015 19:55

Whatsa - I just use the health app that came with the last big iOS update.

Only1scoop · 12/01/2015 19:55

I've had one for Christmas it's still in the box....

StatisticallyChallenged · 12/01/2015 19:55

It's not out anywhere in the purple yet - the fitbit US site is showing 6-8 weeks for it. Very annoying as I want purple!

I ordered it from Brookstone, ended up being £150 including express shipping and UK takes etc. More expensive but it's helping keep me motivated so I don't care (and DH kindly donated, I bought him a fitbit one recently)

I was holding on to see if it would be released here but they just keep saying variants of "soon" and "early 2015" on facebook!

NotEntirelyWhelmed · 12/01/2015 20:00

I have lost nine kilos since mid-November using the Fitbit. I am totally addicted to checking my stats.

FullOfChoc · 12/01/2015 20:07

Sorry to keep on stats, but which size did you go for?

I just can't wait for it to arrive and you to try it!

Black will go with everything.

FullOfChoc · 12/01/2015 20:08

Notentirely well done on the 9 kilos! - you are encouraging us to spend money in January...

StatisticallyChallenged · 12/01/2015 20:08

I got the small - my wrists and hands are about the only small part of me Grin

I went for black as I'm impatient, I want my new toy!

FullOfChoc · 12/01/2015 20:09

Not for long! Once you get your fitbit all of you will get small!

Original poster
newrecruit · 12/01/2015 20:09

I have the health app but I only have an iPhone4 so it doesn't gather any data Confused.

I use Nike+ to track my running.

Do you think I would just be better upgrading my phone. It tends to be with me at all times and I have an armband for running.

OP posts:
Racmactac · 12/01/2015 20:58

I got the Fitbit charge and have been using it for about a week and I really like it.
Anyone want to be my Fitbit friend?

CruCru · 12/01/2015 21:07

I have a FitBit flex. I really like it. However, it turns out that I have no trouble hitting the 10,000 steps target - the reason I am fat is that I eat (and booze) too much.

On a day when I don't run, I struggle to hit my "active" target because I have tiny kids who can't march along the road.

I have the app on my iPhone and am recording everything I eat. It's quite illuminating.