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Non Tool Forum => Gadget Freak and EDC Forum => Topic started by: Grant Lamontagne on December 10, 2015, 01:44:16 AM

Title: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on December 10, 2015, 01:44:16 AM
I've gained a bit of weight again and I really need to do something about that.  Sadly I wasn't as active as I should have been this summer and I've put on about 15 pounds over the twenty extra pounds I'm already carrying.   :facepalm:

I am thinking about a Fitbit, although for the life of me I am wondering if it is really worth it.

I have a Samsung Phone which comes with an app called S Health which does a pretty good job of keeping track of your steps and general activity.  It also has a food and weight tracker if you remember to input things, which is something I generally don't keep up with so well.  And, the S5 phone also includes a heart rate monitor that is well integrated into S Health.

Also, I have a Pebble smarsmurfch with an app called Misfit which tracks my steps and (supposedly) my sleep.

I think (correct me if I'm wrong) the Fitbit doesn't really do much more than what I already have, except for one thing- the public tracking/sharing feature that allows you to challenge and monitor friends.  I'm wondering... does anyone else have a Fitbit and use these services?  And if so, do you find that it helps?  Motivation is always key to these things, and I wonder if I will be more active if I know people are watching me, or if there's a little friendly competition going on.

That having been said, if there are other Fitbit users here (or anyone else willing to get in on it) does anyone else think that an official MTO Fitbit challenge thread might help them?

Just a thought anyway.... left to my own devices I'll just sit in front of the TV, but if there's sufficient motivation it could be very positive.

Def
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: AimlessWanderer on December 10, 2015, 01:51:33 AM
Unless it gives you electric shocks if you've been inactive too long or eaten too much cake, it's probably not worth it.

One thing I've found useful in worrying about your weight, is to NOT own a set of scales  :D I've still got a rather proficient beetle bonnet, but I have no concerns about being X pounds/stone overweight  :P
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on December 10, 2015, 02:03:06 AM
My problem is that my pants don't fit anymore and it's either lose weight or buy new clothes.

I hate shopping for clothes.

Def
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: Mr. Whippy on December 10, 2015, 02:08:05 AM
Depends.  For me, it takes any joy out of activity because everything gets quantitated.  For me, planning activity that I enjoy  WITHOUT measuring its effect works better.  The key is scheduling it and doing it
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: sawman on December 10, 2015, 03:02:54 AM
I stopped eating so much. Food is the enemy!  >:D
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: Etherealicer on December 10, 2015, 08:21:22 AM
Unless it gives you electric shocks if you've been inactive too long or eaten too much cake, it's probably not worth it.
Nah... it should insult people in public places, so you have to run :D

I had a phase where I put everything into a database... In the end I spend more time tracking my activity than being active and that seems pointless too...
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: Corwyn on December 10, 2015, 08:34:35 AM
Seriously?

You're getting fat and you want to buy a watch?

Eat less, less potatoes, meat, bread, alcohol and sweets.
Eat tons of vegetables, salads, cottage cheese, sour milk  and light boiled meat or fish.
Some light running or an exercise bike to keep the muscle tone and you're set. Swimming is an awesome exercise too.

I lost 15 Kilograms in one month like that.

Buying a new watch is just an excuse to get a new toy, not eat properly and sit in front of the screen. Now go out to the produce section, stay away from the Christmas goodies and make us proud you Canadian hunk, you  :tu:
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on December 10, 2015, 11:50:03 AM
You just named off all the things I do eat in tye eat less section and all of the things I don't eat in the eat more section!

Def
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: dks on December 10, 2015, 11:53:27 AM
you just need a heavier watch and a surge to carry with you, for exercise purposes..

If your trousers will not fit just blame whoever is washing them for shrinking them.


..and wear tracksuits, or a momoo

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SdYG_e0qCik/TAhujIKj1dI/AAAAAAAAABY/cN_6ZFZm4kQ/s1600/fat-homer-simpson-moo-moo.gif)
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: magentus on December 10, 2015, 12:42:14 PM
Would a weight loss thread help? I'm in the same boat as you Def, my job is a lot less physical than I'm used to and my trousers are getting tight (don't get excited Harley) and I'm trying to eat less.

Being a lone worker motivation is difficult so if there are enough of us who want to support each other to lose a bit of weight I know I would feel more motivated.

Just a thought. Also - what Corwyn said.
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: eamo on December 10, 2015, 01:03:07 PM
Seriously?

You're getting fat and you want to buy a watch?

Eat less, less potatoes, meat, bread, alcohol and sweets.
Eat tons of vegetables, salads, cottage cheese, sour milk  and light boiled meat or fish.
Some light running or an exercise bike to keep the muscle tone and you're set. Swimming is an awesome exercise too.

I lost 15 Kilograms in one month like that.

Buying a new watch is just an excuse to get a new toy, not eat properly and sit in front of the screen. Now go out to the produce section, stay away from the Christmas goodies and make us proud you Canadian hunk, you  :tu:

What Corwyn says. I was in a similiar position, only a lot more overweight then that. The basic equation is eat less and excersise more. I'm now a fairly healthy weight through monitoring what I eat and how much I eat, I still enjoy a beer now and then etc etc. I also started running.

I've done a lot of reading, and a lot of trial and error and here's what I think -
Diet - not "a diet" but changing your diet and eating healthier, and less food overall. It's anal, but I started tracking my food using an app and it was shocking to me the amount of smurfe I was eating. Thats about 80% of the battle.

Exercise - find exercise you enjoy - as i said, i like running, I didn't, I started it cos i had to do something and found I enjoy to the point I am hoping to do a an ultra (or more) next year. Thats the other 20%. If you start exercise you don't like, you won't stick at it.

The final 100% is mental - if your heart isn't in it, you won't last. You have to want to. And this trumps everything else.

For me it was a lifestyle change, and for the better.

This is just my opinion, experience - everyone is different.


Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: sawman on December 10, 2015, 01:22:42 PM
I've lost 29 pounds this year and think a weight-loss thread is a TERRIFIC idea! :tu:
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: sawman on December 10, 2015, 01:25:26 PM
Corwyn mentioned cottage cheese which is one of the tastiest, most enjoyable things you could possibly eat (IMHO). Add some black or green olives and you have a real treat :D
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: ducttapetech on December 10, 2015, 02:14:49 PM
Green olives eh? I gonna have to try that.
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: sawman on December 10, 2015, 02:17:25 PM
Green olives eh? I gonna have to try that.
:cheers:
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on December 10, 2015, 03:02:09 PM
Seriously?

You're getting fat and you want to buy a watch?

That sounds perfectly logical to me.  :think:

Def
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: SAK Guy on December 10, 2015, 03:15:58 PM
Seriously?

You're getting fat and you want to buy a watch?

That sounds perfectly logical to me.  :think:

Def

+1  I'm getting fat and I want to buy SAKs! :2tu:
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: Etherealicer on December 10, 2015, 03:18:12 PM
Seriously?

You're getting fat and you want to buy a watch?

That sounds perfectly logical to me.  :think:

Def
It might be blunt, but he is right...

No reward for gaining weight!

How about this:
You measure your weight once a week. You and your MT collection have to maintain weight, so, you gain weight you have to sell, you loose weight you can buy tools :D
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: magentus on December 10, 2015, 04:07:07 PM
Seriously?

You're getting fat and you want to buy a watch?

That sounds perfectly logical to me.  :think:

Def
It might be blunt, but he is right...

No reward for gaining weight!

How about this:
You measure your weight once a week. You and your MT collection have to maintain weight, so, you gain weight you have to sell, you loose weight you can buy tools :D

You are playing with fire E Thizzle....... :popcorn:
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: Etherealicer on December 10, 2015, 04:42:31 PM
Seriously?

You're getting fat and you want to buy a watch?

That sounds perfectly logical to me.  :think:

Def
It might be blunt, but he is right...

No reward for gaining weight!

How about this:
You measure your weight once a week. You and your MT collection have to maintain weight, so, you gain weight you have to sell, you loose weight you can buy tools :D

You are playing with fire E Thizzle....... :popcorn:
(https://themillass.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/scott-ian-snowman.gif)
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: red_rider_1979 on December 10, 2015, 08:35:06 PM
I'm in the same situation as Grant and also thinking of getting a fitbit, the Charge HR to be exact. I have 3 plus-sized female colleagues who have been using it for months and they seemed to be "linked" such that they are able to monitor each other's progress. 2 of them would take the stairs instead of the lift in between lessons (I'm a school teacher), hit the gym or go for yoga/pilates after work etc. The other colleague, who is severely obese and not as active as the other two ladies, just uses the fitbit to keep her heart palpitations in check (she teaches low-progress pupils). Over time, I've observed that 1 of them has slimmed down quite a bit while another seemed to be on her way there as well.

Even though I have bought more than 100 SAKs after joining this forum, I am not someone who is easily influenced by others into getting the latest digital gadgets (I am still using my iPad 1 after so many years). I just feel that I need to pay more attention to my health at this point in my life and having a constant reminder would push me in the right direction towards losing weight. If shelving out $120 gives me a shot at turning my whole life around, I feel that it is a small price to pay. Even if the fitbit fails as health gadget, it still serves as a cool looking watch. So, why not?
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: Aloha on December 10, 2015, 09:15:37 PM
These tools are great for monitoring your progress.  They are also great to let you know  if you have done the "required" steps etc.  Diet however will always be the number one factor.  I recently cut down on my carbs and sugars and lost nearly 9 pounds, my roommate lost 6lbs.  We didn't add any w/o regimen either.  What works for everyone is what you decide to put or not put into your body.  I had a neighbor friend die of a massive heart attack.  He walked every night and yet continued to eat poorly.  These are just my thoughts but fresh vegetables, less carbs, less sugars are an important start.         
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: sir_mike on December 10, 2015, 09:26:05 PM
I am sure my doc wont be happy with my weight when I get my yearly physical next month as I too have gained some and have made some changes but need more and will continue to work on it.

However, I am surprised that I even had money left over to eat let alone eat alot after buying sak's, mt's and other gear!  I didn't know this was possible!  :)
 
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: JP on December 11, 2015, 02:10:45 AM
Wishing you the best in your healthy food choices! Spend the fit bit money on stocking the larder. I was weighed at the docs last week and I am down 15lbs from the spring mostly through a change in what I eat. ...no more sugar drinks or fast food....the mirror and belt notches will tell you how well you are doing...as will the significant other.

Sent from my XT1563 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: ironraven on December 11, 2015, 04:49:48 AM
You can get the "required number" of steps in, sure, but if it's 50 here and 100 there, it does something but not as much. I was playing that game for a while with an old school pedometer. Lost not much, was still over 300 at the start of the  year.

This year, I walk minimally every other day and closer to every day. Set the timer on my phone for 15, 20, or 30 minutes, depending on how far I feel I need to walk. Start walking. Wait for the alarm to go off. Turn around. Or run the stop watch during the day, anything less than five minutes doesn't count. Cut out HFC almost entirely, white flour items out in favor of whole wheat or whole grain, sweets mostly means dried fruit, lightly salted nuts when I want a crunchie/munchie something.

Currently at 257 +/- 3, weighed daily at the start of the day. That works out to not quite a pound a week- it's a lot of weight, but it is healthy. Then I get dressed... knife... other knife... SAK... light... Leatherman... phone... steel toes... I gain 10 pounds in minutes. :P
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on December 11, 2015, 03:20:03 PM
I walk a LOT at work.

At least once a week, usually twice I spend many hours walking around what amounts to an 11 acre parking lot.  On those days I'll usually at least double the 10,000 steps most fitness trackers say you have to do every day.

Other days I'm climbing over equipment, up gantries, walking through muck, or climbing 119 stairs to a tower to get around 30 pounds of samples to carry down.

My job is fairly physical, plus when I'm not working there is often work that needs to be done at the house.  Most recently I've been rebuilding steps.

And, on top of that there's also two large dogs at home that need to be walked, fed and played with.

I might be lazy but I'm not inactive.

Ded
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: N_N_R on December 11, 2015, 03:30:32 PM
So where's the Weight Loss thread? :D

I used to battle with that crap a lot during my teen years (I somehow presume most of you aren't teens, though :D). Then at one point I figured... that happened later in my life, that:

- You don't think about food so much if you're actually BUSY with something
- You don't think about food so much if you think about your HEALTH and not your looks
- I sleep till late, so I can eat twice, not three times a day
- I could actually fight myself and eat less sugar (i do have a freakin sweet tooth :facepalm:)
- Tracking your weight and counting calories will ONLY drive you nuts.
- You should just change your lifestyle entirely and change your diet and everything forever. Do not regard weight-loss as something temporary because as soon as the thing is "over", you're likely to slip into old habits again
- Do not expect fast results, because if you lose weight fast, you're likely to gain it back faster
- Me personally, if I exercise (I did a lot at one point), this only makes me ravenous and I eat three times more than I would usually, so exercise isn't the best option for me

I think if one is to lost weight, they should just not eat till their FULL, but eat.. just a regular/small/ portion of food at a time; avoid sugar or cut it out completely if you can (currently I'm trying to eat processed sugar just once in five days or so, attempting to extend the period, having just my two coffees with honey in a day); eat your protein and carbs separately and don't mix all types of food in one meal ..


I don't think it's exercise that helps you lose weight unless you starve yourself. Exercise may help you be toned and look good, but if you just exercise and don't reduce your calorie intake... I don't think anything good's gonna happen. (my personal experience).


I also think that all the general advice you can hear all over the place is ... well, crap. You should personally figure what works for YoU. We're different people, so the usual.. "always have breakfast" or "eat three square meals a day" or "eat every two hours but little" and such general advice does not apply to everyone.
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: Aloha on December 11, 2015, 05:01:18 PM
Boss, your situation is not unusual.  You have an active job and are fairly active at home as well.  You get out from time to time actively yet, what gives?  You still find yourself getting heavier or frumpier.  I see it all the time, fat guys or guys with big bellies who shouldn't be given their professions.  What the heck guys with pretty physical jobs still gaining weight? 

Atrophy and sarcopenia come to mind ( not saying this is the case with you).  Our bodies become accustomed to our daily grind no matter how physical.  Ever notice when you've done something out the ordinary physical, how your muscles ache afterward? 

I went to the driving range with my son and whacked a couple buckets of golf balls around and whoa.  The next day my back, shoulders, and arm muscles felt it.  My teen son however pshhh.

I'm a firm believer first and foremost that diet, not dieting is most important.  All those carbs and sugars in a older bodies is a big part of us getting fatter. 

Remember just because you are burning calories due to all that walking doesn't necessarily mean you are burning fat.  I'd venture to guess with all the carbs and sugars most eat all you are really doing is keeping from really getting fatter.  Sorry if this sounds harsh. 

When I used to train hard I used a simple philosophy, LSD.  Nope not that one, Long, Steady, Distance is what I'm talking about.  At some point you have got to dig into the fat stored and this requires long, steady, distance IMO.

I'm certainly no professional but from all I've read and personally put in to use these are my opinions.     


Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: dks on December 11, 2015, 05:04:14 PM
It is just middle age spread
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: detron on December 11, 2015, 05:23:57 PM
I was doing good on the weight loss front,  by changing how I ate.  I had adapted to the serving sizes.
then I added some serious exercise to the equation, and that made me want food badly.  (no longer happy with serving sizes)
if I did not eat good, I did not feel like exercising, but when I did eat good I ate too much   :facepalm:  but I did work out.
I got that problem fixed but now my issue is my Scholarship thing I spoke about here (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,62654.0.html)

now my problem is finding time to work out.

I leave the house Monday - Friday at 5:30am and get home at 4:00pm.   (For Work mostly in a chair too.)
Saturday I Leave the House at 6:30am and get home at 5:30pm   (for school)
my homework, reading, labs, and studies take about 35 hours a week.  (this is a very intensive compressed training regiment with certification exams, not normal tests)
on Sunday I devote 10 hours to homework.
that leaves 25 hours for 6 days, so 4 hours and 15 minutes a day.
so M-F I get home, eat dinner and study/read/do labs/etc  till 9:00 or 9:30 pm.  I also sometime have to help the kids with homework, so that might add 30-60 minutes to my finish time.
Saturday, I get home and study/read/etc until 10:00pm.

I am still working out, but I was doing better when I would go hiking for 12 miles 5 times a week.
now I just do some curls with 20 pound weights in each hand several times a day, some pushups, etc.

the thing I have noticed is that the intense level of these classes appear to work my brain to the point I need more fuel   :facepalm:
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: eamo on December 11, 2015, 10:54:40 PM
One thing not yet mentioned is drinking enough - I've read (can't remember where) that thirst is often mistaken for hunger; as part of my diet change I now make sure I drink about 4 pints of water a day, more if i am physically active. I've found it helps with portion control as well.
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: Top-Gear-24 on December 12, 2015, 12:41:37 AM
I've thought about starting a topic like this for the last couple of weeks, I've gained quite a bit of weight over the last year, and I'm starting to notice it when I'm putting on my trousers, and like Grant, I hate buying new clothes ...  (when I do go out to buy something new, I end up buying the same pair of trousers 3 times, which my wife hates because other people will think that I'm always carrying the same pair..., women  ::)).

I walk somewhere between 18 and 25 km every day at work, most of the time while pulling or pushing something along, so going for a walk in the evening is not going to help ...

Anyway, I already made up my mind that I'm not going to start right now, because I know I'll probably lose some weight, but at the end of this month there will be at least two special dinners (Christmas and New Years eve), so all the efforts will be in vain.  No, I'm going to start on Januari 1st, here are a couple of things that helped me lose 12 kg about 4 years ago:

- no more daily piece of chocolat
- no more mayonnaise
- less potatoes/meat
- instead eat more vegetables
- eating one plate, instead of 2 or 3 (it helps when you stop eating for 5 minutes or so during a meal, you'll eat less)
- start drinking more water (I don't drink alcohol or things like Pepsi/coke/limonade, I'm already drinking water most of the time, but I should force myself to drink more).
- get on my mountainbike again, and if I can't go for a ride outside, at least get on the hometrainer every other day
- start to run for like 15 to 20 minutes every other day, but I'll have to watch my back (my lower back is not what it used to be ...)

And last but not least, try to chance how I feel, the last couple of years have been quite hard, my boss is trying everything he can to make my life miserable, so I've been feeling quite depressed, so I started to stay up very late, sitting in front of the tele, eating all kinds of unhealthy stuff, and end up sleeping 4 hours or less before I had to get up to go to work again, it's so bad that I can't sleep more than 5 hours anymore, even in the weekends ...  And this must stop now  >:(.

So, I'm going to try to get at least 6 or 7 hours of sleep (even try to build it up to 7 or 8 hours), and instead of lying in the couch watching the tele, get on the hometrainer while watching tv.  Try not to let the situation at work get me down so much. 

And here's something that helped me the last time I lost my 12 kg:

- Set goals, goals that are doable, for example, when I lose my first 4 kg, I'm going to reward myself by getting myself a new Leatherman.  And when I've lost the next 4 kg I'm buying myself a new SAK, ...  (any excuse to get a new tool is a good excuse right  :D).

Anyway, I'm going to bookmark this topic, and januari first I'll post my current weight and the weight that I want to reach here  ;).

Edit: Hopefully others will join ...  :dwts:
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on December 12, 2015, 01:10:47 AM
I find it helpful to have set goals and to see how close I get to achieving them.  I think I'm going to do what I usually do when it's time to start losing weight and cut back on everything. I find that eating more or less what I always do, but in smaller quantities usually helps me get back to about the 190lbs range.  That's still 15 to 20 lbs more than my ideal weight, but it's more tolerable than being over the two hundred mark, at least in my mind.

I'm going to start posting my daily steps and weight here on the forum.  Whoever wants to join in is entirely welcome.  :-D

Def
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: Etherealicer on December 18, 2017, 12:00:32 PM
Unless it gives you electric shocks if you've been inactive too long or eaten too much cake, it's probably not worth it.
Nah... it should insult people in public places, so you have to run :D

I had a phase where I put everything into a database... In the end I spend more time tracking my activity than being active and that seems pointless too...
I sorta have to eat my own words (at least that won't make me fat)

I got a step-counting watch mid-August (it has no app as the app is linked to my wives company challenge and that one has run out). When I got the watch, I decided to do 15k steps on a workday (exceptions are the days I go fencing) and 20k on the weekend/holiday day. Ever since I started I achieved my daily goal with the exception of one day when I went to see Star Wars (I did run out of time at about 12.8k). It commonly means that I have to do a 1h - 1.5h walk in the evening to achieve my goal.
While I don't measure my weight, I will have to punch a new hole in  my belt soonish, meaning I will have lost about 2.5cm of circumference.

So, a watch alone cannot make you loose weight, but it can make you do more exercise.
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: ThePeacent on December 18, 2017, 07:52:17 PM
well, during the last year and a half I've gained 25 kg (that's about 50 pounds), mainly due to medication and change of habits, and after my last doctor visit I decided that I'm going to start taking measures after Christmas (the holidays are a horrible time to start taking a new dietary behavior and lifestyle changes, due to all the meals, family get-togethers etc.) for once.

I really feel physically horrible and mentally distressed with how I am now.   :cry:

I encourage you all and I'd be glad to give and receive support in a thread with other members, be it for weight loss, better dietary choices, improved lifestyle habits, exercise or personal health challenges we pursue. :salute:

Thanks for always being so nice and helpful!
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on December 18, 2017, 09:34:59 PM
I am seriously considering a Bowflex machine.  I would probably use fitness equipment more if I didn't have to leave the house to do it.

Def
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: dks on December 18, 2017, 09:51:03 PM
Stop drinking alcohol and sugary drinks, get some more outdoor hobbies you enjoy and actually will follow through, eat more salads and fruit, cut down on meat/cheese/fat, eat less. Get more action/activity :) indoors too.

As motivation, I was reading that  the weight loss also results to a  proportional "equipment" length increase.  Make sure you do not lose too much weight.
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on December 18, 2017, 10:58:20 PM
I don't drink much alcohol or sugary drinks any more.

Salads and fruit are probably not likely to happen, any more than I'm likely to cut down on meat or cheeses.  :P

Def
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: mrynnr on December 19, 2017, 01:26:09 AM
Hmm I’m thinking of making a multitool Fitbit group. Who wants to join? Haha


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on December 19, 2017, 03:28:22 AM
I'd be in but I don't have a fit bit.  I use my Samsung Gear as a fitness tracker.  I suppose I could look and see if it is compatible with the fit bit challenges.....

I think Detron has a fit bit as he and Megan used to be part of a group.

Def
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: Kev D on December 19, 2017, 11:00:22 AM
I've bought a Fitbit Alta HR for my mum for christmas. She's been going to slimming world for a while now and has lost 2 1/2 stones so far, so now wants to boost it by walking more and wants to track it.
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on December 19, 2017, 02:56:17 PM
That's great Kevin!

Don't tell Megan, but she is also getting a Fitbit this year for Christmas.  I got her the Blaze to replace whatever one it was that I got her a couple of years ago.

Def
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: Etherealicer on December 20, 2017, 10:00:31 AM
I've bought a Fitbit Alta HR for my mum for christmas. She's been going to slimming world for a while now and has lost 2 1/2 stones so far, so now wants to boost it by walking more and wants to track it.
My friend lost over 80 stones... well, technically he didn't loose them, they were removed from his gallbladder and are now safely stored in a plastic tube.
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: Etherealicer on December 20, 2017, 10:15:01 AM
Not a fan of the fitbit family... they are not waterproof :ahhh
I like the look of the Samsung Gear Fit2, but that one does not appear to be waterproof either.

So now I'm down to Garmin Vivoactive HR, one of the very few that also can track swimming.
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: mrynnr on December 20, 2017, 11:15:25 AM
Not a fan of the fitbit family... they are not waterproof :ahhh
I like the look of the Samsung Gear Fit2, but that one does not appear to be waterproof either.

So now I'm down to Garmin Vivoactive HR, one of the very few that also can track swimming.
They came out with the ionic...
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: Syncop8r on December 20, 2017, 12:08:26 PM
If you can, I think exercising with a friend is a better idea.
How about some weights as well since you already walk lots at work?
And avoid low-fat foods as they are invariably high in sugar.
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: Etherealicer on December 20, 2017, 03:18:20 PM
Not a fan of the fitbit family... they are not waterproof :ahhh
I like the look of the Samsung Gear Fit2, but that one does not appear to be waterproof either.

So now I'm down to Garmin Vivoactive HR, one of the very few that also can track swimming.
They came out with the ionic...
The ionic is rather large, fairly expensive (as it is a smarsmurfch and not just an activity tracker) and has not that good reviews. No, if I'm going fitbit, it would rather be the Flex 2, although not showing time is a bit of downer. But to be honest, I'm really undecided at the moment as to what I want.
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on December 20, 2017, 06:38:52 PM
Not a fan of the fitbit family... they are not waterproof :ahhh
I like the look of the Samsung Gear Fit2, but that one does not appear to be waterproof either.

So now I'm down to Garmin Vivoactive HR, one of the very few that also can track swimming.

The Blaze is rated to 30m for waterproofing, at least according to Best Buy:

https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/fitbit-fitbit-blaze-smart-fitness-watch-small-plum-fb502spms-can/10406411.aspx?

ower Type Battery Powered
Battery Life (Typical) 5 Days
Charging Time 2-3 Hours
Charging Method USB
Other Features
Classification Unisex
Alarm Yes
Designed for Sports & Fitness Yes
Water Resistance 30 m
Dust Proof Yes
Number of Physical Buttons 3

Def
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: Mechanickal on December 20, 2017, 07:14:27 PM
Not a fan of the fitbit family... they are not waterproof :ahhh
I like the look of the Samsung Gear Fit2, but that one does not appear to be waterproof either.

So now I'm down to Garmin Vivoactive HR, one of the very few that also can track swimming.

The Blaze is rated to 30m for waterproofing, at least according to Best Buy:

https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/fitbit-fitbit-blaze-smart-fitness-watch-small-plum-fb502spms-can/10406411.aspx?

ower Type Battery Powered
Battery Life (Typical) 5 Days
Charging Time 2-3 Hours
Charging Method USB
Other Features
Classification Unisex
Alarm Yes
Designed for Sports & Fitness Yes
Water Resistance 30 m
Dust Proof Yes
Number of Physical Buttons 3

Def
30m is something that alot of people get fooled with.
It's basicaly no better then splash/shower proof...
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: JP on December 20, 2017, 08:07:56 PM
I can help you Grant. Anytime you need motivation just message me and the insults/motivation/can do spirit will spam your inbox!  >:D

I am also well north of 200lbs when I should be around 180lbs. As I get older the extra weight is noticed on the joints.
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: Don Pablo on December 20, 2017, 08:15:37 PM
If you can, I think exercising with a friend is a better idea.
How about some weights as well since you already walk lots at work?
And avoid low-fat foods as they are invariably high in sugar.
:like:
A few hundred grams of weights on your limbs, I wonder if theres any "catch" though?  :think:
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: ToolJoe on December 24, 2017, 01:33:45 AM
If you are looking for something similar to a FitBit, I got Mrs. TJ an activity tracker yesterday that was very reasonable. It was an off brand but seems to be pretty good quality. It goes all the usual count steps, activity, has time, etc. Looks like you can link it up to an app too.


Also, I try to avoid soda and sugary drinks if possible. I try to drink unsweetened iced tea if possible. In the morning, I am going to try switching to honey instead of using sugar in my tea every morning. The toughest part is trying to find something halfway decent nutrition wise at some restaurants. Mrs. TJ and I went to Cheesecake Factory for our anniversary last night and some of their pieces of cheesecakes have upwards of 1000 calories.   :ahhh  Needless to say, her and I split one piece.
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on December 24, 2017, 06:05:17 PM
Happy Anniversary to both of you!   :tu:

I am happy with the fitness options in my Samsung for now, and I am hoping Megan will be happy with her Fitbit.  The neat thing about the Fitbit isn't the hardware itself (although it is pretty cool on it's own) it's the network that really sells them.  They have access to this huge Fitbit community where you can track your progress against others as well challenging your friends in addition to just keeping track of your metrics. 

I am ok with the Samsung stuff because I have no friends and if I were to get competitive it would probably be all consuming for me.... and probably very unhealthy.   :facepalm:

Def
Title: Re: Thinking about a Fitbit- advice?
Post by: Kev D on September 27, 2019, 12:21:34 PM
I picked up a Fitbit Charge 3 last Sunday after learning from my friends wife that it tracks sleep on the app.  My sleep pattern seems awful to me so got one to see how bad I am.

So far so good. I swapped the rubber strap out for a nylon band straight away because I don't like rubber straps.  It's so light I barely notice I'm wearing it so when it vibrates if I reach a goal, it scares me every time.  Battery life is good, it took an hour to charge and after 5 days its at 25% even with me playing with it a lot because it's new.  Screen protectors for it are junk, I tried 3 different ones and water got under all 3 the first time I washed my hands.  The app could be better. If you want to set the Fitbit to 24 hour clock you have to do it on the website and can't do it on the app, but it does let you set alarms, switch watch faces, etc.

The step counter is a bit sensitive and it counts steps sometimes while I'm sat working, not sure yet if I can adjust that.

It's tracking my sleep which is why I wanted it and although I'm only sleeping for an average of 5 hrs 45 mins, when I am asleep it's restful apparently, so I guess I need to figure out how to sleep longer.