Fitbit
The Fitbit is a small fitness tracking device. There are many models and colors to choose from. The two styles are either a wrist-wearing, bracelet type, or a clip on monitor type. They range in price, depending on the model that you choose, starting at a reasonable $60 and then soaring up to $300, or more depending on the retailer. If fashion is a concern of yours, they have nifty little lockets and wristlet covers that can fancy up your fitness tracker. You know, if bling is your thing...
Capabilities range as well depending on what model you choose (read, how much you are willing to pay). On the lower end (the one I personally have used in the past) is what I find to be a glorified pedometer. I purchased it years ago when it first came out and I was happy with it for awhile. It tracked my steps during the day as well as how many flights of stairs that I went up (and down). Another neat feature of the Fitbit is that it monitors your sleep patterns. Wear the device at night and track your sleep to see how soundly you actual sleep at night. These are the basics with any of the models, some of the more expensive ones stream music and have text/messaging alerts. Another quick note about the Fitbit (any model), you need to have access to a computer and create an account to read and track your workouts. They walk you through the steps of creating and maintaining your account very clearly in the instructions, but internet accessibility and know how is necessary to optimize on the Fitbits capabilities.
I really enjoyed the Fitbit for what it was. Here are the drawbacks that I experienced from the model I had the Fitbit One. The device is made to track movement specifically. Great for the avid runner, but for a cross-trainer the results were inconsistent. I wore that thing to an hour long Pilates class. I sweated my ass off that day and my heartrate was soaring, but because I wasn't moving around a lot ON MY FEET, that lovely thing registered that I was in fact sleeping for that hour. I was not happy. I would also notice that during my bootcamp classes my calorie burn readout just seemed low. I knew what my resting heartrate is and what it feels like to be in a target burning zone. It just didn't add up and it was frustrating. Shortly after I began noticing the miscalculations with the calorie burn readout my Fitbit began to "short out". For no reason it would shut off, or reset itself, or show an error code. I would do a hard reboot to the device and it would be okay for a short period of time and then it would start to freak out again. It became so bad that I contacted the manufacturer and they were so very nice to work with. Apparently the device was in direct contact with water, i.e. sweat. My Fitbit was to be worn on your waistband and I sweat quite a lot. My badass workouts literally shorted out my fitness tracker. The manufacturer sent me a brand spanking new one without any hassle whatsoever and they did not even require that I send the sweat-logged one back to them.
Summary on the Fitbit. If you are looking for a fitness tracker that is a step up from a pedometer, that is fashionable, small, unnoticable and reasonably priced this is perfect for you. If you are looking for an accurate calculation of calories burned, you may want to pass.
Heartrate Monitor
I can only speak from my own experience with my basic model, run of the mill frugally priced Timex heartrate monitor. I love this thing, with one small setback. Lets start with the good. The calorie count is accurate, which I find motivational and reassuring during and after a tough workout. The readout is immediate, no logging into a webpage to sync up. I can easily tell mid-workout how many calories I have burned with the touch of a button. I have sweated all over this thing and it still works. All pluses. It tells me what my heartrate is, current calories burned, how long of a duration I have been exercising and my highest heartrate reached so far in the workout. Love, love, love and love.
Some of the cons that I see. There is a chest strap. I SO didn't want a chest strap. I really was afraid I would feel like I was going to be strangled during my workout. Though I don't feel strangled at all, I do notice it is there. I kind of strap it on and tuck it up under my sportsbra band. As I get sweaty (have I mentioned how much I tend to sweat during a workout???) it sometimes feel like it is slipping downward. It never has actually made it down to my waste, but I do tug at it. Whatever though. I am okay with it.
Cons about OTHER heartrate montiors that my personal training clients have gotten in the past that I have seen.... their calorie burning counts were way off in a "short changing them" kind of way that could be discouraging depending on the individual.
If you want to read more about either the Fitbit or the Timex Heartrate Monitor that I have check out the links below.
Fitbit One Click Here!
Timex Heartrate Montior Click Here!
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