Sorry, this page is WILDLY out of date. I'll try to update it soon?
Information from February 2015
My sister recently gave me a spare FITBIT FLEX she had lying around. I had recently decided that I needed to get some exercise as I have been just sitting in front of the computer way too much lately.
I really liked the way the device tracked my steps and gave me numbers to see how I was doing. The only problem was that the FLEX is a wrist device and I had to wear it on my dominant hand which was giving me wildly inflated step counts. I decided to get a device that I could attach to my belt and see how things went. I did some research and ended up with the FITBIT ONE, a tiny device that I clip to my pants pocket. I've decided to create this page with a little bit of information on what to look for and what to expect and some links to reviews on the various devices available.
What are "fitness trackers"?
At their most basic a fitness tracker is simply a device to count steps. More complex devices add an altimeter to measure climbs and stairs and a heart rate monitor to measure pulse.
Of course the old time mechanical Pedometer would count steps as well. But you had to log the values yourself. The modern fitness tracker will sync with your computer and the data is then displayed in an app or on a website with graphs and charts and lots of fun stuff. For example, the FITBIT dashboard shows a graph of my steps throughout the day, my step total, and estimate of the distance I have walked, how many "very active minutes" I have had and an estimate of the calories I have burned. You can even connect with friends who have FITBIT devices and see how you are doing in comparison and send them CHEERS, TAUNTS or even messages. Depending on the device it may display numbers for stepcount, distance and calories. I can see if I need just a few more steps to hit my step goal for the day.
Some things I've noticed that you should consider.
-If you go with the wrist band style you are generally good to go all day and even at night. You put on your device after you shower and leave it on until the next time you shower.
The FITBIT FLEX was so light that I forgot I had it on. Of course the fancier units with Heart rate monitor are a little heavier but no more so than a large watch.
The main disadvantage to these devices is that you generally move your hands about during the day and it is much easier to get false readings.
MAKE SURE you have set your software for DOMINANT/NON-DOMINANT hand if it allows this, so the software can try to take that into effect.
The clip on style is better for those of us who cannot wear a wrist style tracker or those who want the best accuracy (NONE OF THEM ARE PERFECT).
I found that mine works great clipped to my belt, clipped to my pants pocket and even does well clipped to my shirt pocket or jacket.
HOWEVER, you have to transfer the device whenever you change your shirt/pants/etc. If you are the forgetful type, this is NOT the way to go!
Where to buy:
FUTURE SHOP carries FITBIT / GARMIN / GRIFFIN / IHEALTH / JAWBONE / JAYBIRD / MISFIT / MUSE / MYKRONOZ / PAPAGO / POLAR / RUNTASTIC / STAMINA / STRIIV
STAPLES carries Fitbit / Garmin / Geopalz / HoMedics / Jawbone / Misfit Wearables / MyKronoz / PAPAGO! / Polar / Qardio / Runtastic / Stamina Products, Inc.
LONDON DRUGS FITBIT / GARMIN / IHEALTH / JAWBONE/ STRIIV / SYNC / TIMEX
Various REVIEWS (to find more reviews try a search with "fitness tracker review 2015)
fitness trackers review 2015 - TOPTENREVIEWS.COM
Find the right fitness device - ENGADGET
Fitness Tracker Reviews - MENSFITNESS.COM UK
Please feel free to email me with any questions you have about fitness trackers.
I am not an expert by any means but I will do my best to get you an answer.