Activity Tracker

I am new to this forum.  I had my RNY 3 weeks ago today; I'm just today feeling peppy enough to finally start moving.  There are so many different brands and models of activity trackers currently on the market, where does a person even begin to find one that will meet all of their needs and withstand the test of time?

Hi there,

I tested the nike band, jawbone, and fitbit.  i love the fitbit products.  i have the fitbit surge expensive but i exercise a lot.  if you are just starting out walking at this point there is a fitbit for around 79.00 that is a good basic tool if you have a smartphone your phone and fitbit can talk to each other.  most of the trackers are only water resistant so do not shower in them.

glad to read you are feeling much better.

Thank you for your reply.  Which Fitbit model are you referring to for someone just beginning?  I won't be doing too much walking, due to my need for a total knee replacement.  Most of my movement will be stairs and a recumbent bike.

There are definitely a lof of activity trackers out there. I love my fitbit because most of my friends have fitbits. You can add friends and you are all listed in order by weekly steps. You can also challenge each other. I am very competitive so this helps me stay on track. Also it keeps me accountable because I know others can see how many steps I have.

My daughter and I started with the Fitbit Zip because it's the cheapest. I did not want to spend a lot of money on something I was not sure I would use. The Zip has a digital display so you can see your steps without having to go to your phone to check the app. It hooks on to your clothing. I got a new one on ebay for about $40 (I think it is 59 on the fitbit site and in stores).

The next one in price is the flex. It is around 99. You wear it on your wrist, but it does not display your steps. You have to go to the app to see how far you have walked.

My daughter and I just upgraded to the Charge. They run 129 in stores. I got them on black friday for 79. You wear them on your wrist and they display your steps. It also tracks your sleep. The Charge HR is more expensive (150) and also measure your heart rate. I did not think that was important to me so I did not spend the extra money.

The One also clips on your clothing. It is around 99 and does the same things as the Charge.

The Surge is the most expensive at 250. It does more but not enough for me to spend that kind of money.

Good luck in your search!!

Thank you for taking the time to explain all the Fitbits.  So if I get something other than a FB I will not be able to hook up with my friends having a FB.  Is this correct?

Correct. You can only connect with other fitbit-ers if you have a fitbit. Ask your friends and family what they have. If many of them use fitbits and are a good support system for you, I would get a fitbit. I know some people prefer to keep their activity level private. In that case, it really does not matter. Getting active has definitely helped me get to goal and now stay here.

Good luck in your search!!

Thank you.  You have been quite helpful.  I do know that most of my friends have a Fitbit.

Did you get a tracker? Which one did you decide on?

No, I've been researching them ever since Christmas.  I've come to the conclusion that what I want doesn't exist.  At least it doesn't exist in one tracker, so that means I will have to invest in 2 trackers.

I want a tracker for biking, stairs (I'm up and down them all day long), and walking.  These are the activities that I do daily.

If you have any inkling that you'll be someone who does activities that you'll want GPS tracking for (running, walking, biking) the I recommend the Garmin Vivoactive. It's an activity tracker + GPS watch all in one.