Activity Monitors/Recorders

[Spudd]

It calculates your stride length based on an average for your height/gender. You can set it yourself manually if you want. I can't remember the details of how to do it as I've never bothered.

 

[W2R]

It calculates your stride length based on an average for your height/gender. You can set it yourself manually if you want. I can't remember the details of how to do it as I've never bothered.

Yes, entering your stride length is extremelly simple to do on the Fitbit website. Log in, go to your "dashboard", then hit the icon that looks like a cog wheel in the upper right and go to your "settings". That is where you enter stride length, and other relevant information.

I computed mine by walking a measured distance on the indoor track at my gym, and then dividing the distance by the number of steps. Pretty simple.

 

[MuirWannabe]

Yes, entering your stride length is extremelly simple to do on the Fitbit website. Log in, go to your "dashboard", then hit the icon that looks like a cog wheel in the upper right and go to your "settings". That is where you enter stride length, and other relevant information.

I computed mine by walking a measured distance on the indoor track at my gym, and then dividing the distance by the number of steps. Pretty simple.

Thanks. I had not been to the fitbit website before. That shows me a bunch more info above what you can see on the mobile app alone. Nice. It not only has a stride length entry. It also has a running stride length entry. It will be interesting to see the effect that has on my step counter.

 

[JoeWras]

1. I'd prefer a more traditional watch band clasp rather than the clasp used with the fitbit wrist band. I find it sometime stubborn to get latched solidly.

2. It does not seem to give me as much step credits for running versus walking. Am I thinking about this wrong? Should'nt I get the same number of steps regardless of running versus walking?

3. It does not give me floor credits for using the incline on my treadmill. I wish it would but it does not recognize the incline.

Agree on #1, but I got used to it.

For #2, it should "know" you are running. The steps will be running steps, which are less per distance travelled than walking. However, the distance should be about the same, and the calories more.

#3: floors are determined by an altimeter. This won't work on a treadmill. I also find that holding the handles of a treadmill with goof up the count.

Love my fitbit, but haven't been doing a great deal of walking lately. I've been riding my bike 12 to 16 miles a day. It does not keep accurate track of the riding.

Nope. It won't. And you can't use it for swimming.

My hope is they develop a gadget for both of these activities some day.

 

[Katsmeow]

For the bike rider - Try to attach your Fitbit to your shoe (with my force I feed it through the laces). Some people find it gives better results for bike riding if you do that.

Originally Posted by MuirWannabe
However, it is motivational. I like the calorie counter versus calories burned feature. It shows me clearly that even if I run 6 miles a day that is not enough overall activity. I need to mix in something else to reach my goals. A simple walk or something.

This has been really important for me. I find that if I have a day at home (1 story) where I don't go out, it is really hard for me to get to a reasonable amount of calories burned if I'm mostly at my computer or sitting and reading. I just don't move around enough. I am not a runner (have had knee surgery and just can't tolerate it) and I find that to get to enough calories burned I have to go on like an hour and 20 minute walk.

 

[Sarah in SC]

Supposedly the flex can be used for swimming. I know it can be worn in the shower.

 

[2035]

I love my Fitbit!!! I wear it everywhere except the bath/shower. I track my steps walked, calories burned, stairs climbed, miles walked and even sleep.

 

[franco45]

I got a Jawbone UP a week ago. So far I like it. Its pretty accurate on steps and sleep time.

 

[MuirWannabe]

Thanks. I had not been to the fitbit website before. That shows me a bunch more info above what you can see on the mobile app alone. Nice. It not only has a stride length entry. It also has a running stride length entry. It will be interesting to see the effect that has on my step counter.

I purchased my Fitbit Force early this year. I've been wearing it constantly and have loved it in every way except one. In the last several weeks I've developed a skin rash on my wrist right where my fitbit is. I tried several things but the irritation is only getting worse.

Finally today I decided to go online and see if others might have reported a similar issue. Sure enough I discovered lots of folks have had similar problems. So much, that fitbit no longer sells the Force and has initiated a product recall with full refund.

So I'm having my Force returned . I still love the product but can't very well use it with the skin problems. I've ordered a Flex to replace it and hopefuly will like it as much as the Force without the associated skin problems.

Just an FYI to those who may have gone down the same road....

 

[franco45]

I thought that I read that fidbit bracelets were having a recall. Check it out, maybe you can get a new one.

 

[Sarah in SC]

Muir, I have the Flex and have no rash problems over the past year or so. I do have a buddy with the Force, who hasn't had the rash, so she's hanging on to hers. Hopefully they'll sort out the component that is causing the trouble and release them again. The Force does have some features my Flex does not.