Shall I bankrupt my advantage card for a Fitbit???

[TweeBee]

Afternoon! Or evening!
Well I've been saving my advantage card points for literally (and I really do mean literally) over half a decade and am now considering spending them all on a Fitbit. Naturally this is not a decision to be taken lightly so I would love some advice or opinions.
At the mo I use my fitness pal for weight loss, but I would like to know how many calories I burn at gym classes, do I need a heart rate FB for that?
I work in a hospital so have to be 'bare below the elbows', if I had one would it still work in my pocket?
Also, has anyone had any trouble with the strap. DH said he's heard that you can't replace the strap so he doesn't think it would be a wise investment.
Thank you!

Now I think maybe I should just get a pedometer. I know I don't get enough sleep so don't need that. I tell the DC but they don't seem to care!

Twee, I did end up getting a £5 one from Argos, it doesn't seem to be there any more but any will do.

I only want that for when I do a long walk - once or twice a month really - and I want to check the route really is whatever mileage they say. I stick it in my pocket. There are phone apps that do this as well if you prefer.

I wear mine round my ankle at work. Not down up but under my sock. Keeps recording my HR all day.

Not done up. That should say

I'm intrigued by some of the problems people have had with theirs, as I've been really impressed with how accurate I've found my Charge HR to be. Granted it is not infallible and sometimes registers steps when I'm moving my arms, for example changing a nappy, but I have counted my steps to measure it's accuracy and it was nearly spot on, and it has been very reliable with my (lack of) sleep measurements. It also registers all my steps when I'm pushing the pram, although as I said earlier that perhaps depends on height and pram handle level for other people.

I have used mine to lose weight by logging what food I eat. It counts the calories I burn each day, and all I have done is make sure the calories I take in are less than I've burned... Have lost over 3 stone, so it must be pretty accurate with that as well.

It does involve a little bit of work logging the food and exercise other than steps, but it has definitely helped me lose weight, and the challenges with friends are a massive motivation to get out and exercise. If mine got broken I would buy another tomorrow, money well spent for me.

rufus "Have lost over 3 stone, so it must be pretty accurate with that as well."

that's really interesting because I couldn't believe how much food I was allowed (very active). A quick search showed that loads of people found their Fitbit was allocating them way too many calories. I really believe I would have gained if I had stuck with what it thought I could eat.

I have mine set for a 750 calorie deficit, but that was to try to lose 2lb a week which I have done, so was not inaccurate. And I have not always stuck to that deficit, I've had plenty of days I haven't hit my target, though I have had other days of being under my permitted calorie intake.

Not sure if part of it is down to the fact I have done regular high intensity exercise (spin once a week, running once a week) and am not just relying on walking steps, but even so I would definitely recommend it for weight loss IF you are the sort of person that will accurately add the details of all your food intake. It is a bit of hassle, but to be honest that has actually helped as sometimes I've decided the bother of figuring out the calories for a dessert was too much hassle, and it was easier to just not eat it!!

If you have a smart phone I'd definitely get a device that connects to it and can track history etc - so a basic pedometer may not do that.

i find it really useful for showing trends and keeping me motivated (eg just another 500 to go to get my 10,000 in today!)

The fitbit zip is the lowest model and is basically just a pedometer - but fitone is ( imho) well worth it - I bet there are some 2nd hand ones on ebay

The calorie count comes from an algorithm based on how much movement the device has done and how intense - I'm pretty sure they all do this .

I agree with the poster upthread who suggested a fitbit one and a heart rate monitor (if you really want the heart rate stuff) .

Just to add to the choice...
I have a tomtom 2 with HR, gps and music. For the price I think it's better value than a fitbit, but it doesn't have the fitbit name of course. Worth having a look into though. I have found it awesome for running, it also records gym, swimming, cycling as well as steps, calories, sleep etc. No faff either, so easy to use and the my sports app is good too.
Depends what your focus is Of course.