fitbit??

thinking of buying a fitbit to use for basic stuff...walking, hiking..etc. i just looked on-line and there are a fee to choose from. i read their descriptions, but would like to hear any advice you might have on which one to buy or not buy. -and do you enjoy having it??  thanks!

I like the charge hr for automatic sleep tracking and flights climbed. 

taaj said:

thinking of buying a fitbit to use for basic stuff...walking, hiking..etc. i just looked on-line and there are a fee to choose from. i read their descriptions, but would like to hear any advice you might have on which one to buy or not buy. -and do you enjoy having it??  thanks!

I believe which Fitbit to choose depends on your goals and interests.  While I have friends who are runners and want to monitor heart rate, etc,  I was strictly concerned about getting in better shape and, primarily, losing some weight.  I bought a Fitbit Charge  for $129 at Bestbuy the first week of November.   The Fitbit's tracking capability has enabled me to be diligent about two things:  my diet and getting in the daily 10K steps that seem to be the Fitbit standard.  As for diet, I cut out sweets, soda and ice cream, most fried foods (all great personal weaknesses), snacking at night, and I've engaged in portion control.  By logging the foods I eat at each meal, I know how many calories I have left to consume during the remainder of the day and I strive to come in under that limit.   With respect to getting in the steps, I try to walk as much as I can and make every effort to go over the 10K step goal each day.  Since the first week of November, I have lost about 29 lbs and have about 5 more lbs. to go to reach what I considered my weight goal.  Thus, I am a very keen devotee of Fitbit.  However, you have to know yourself and your ability to adhere to the walking regimen and the diet measures that matter.  The Fitbit isn't magic.  What the Fitbit does for me is to act as my immediate monitor and conscience...then it's all on me. 

I got a Jawbone (Up3) for Christmas. https://jawbone.com/store/buy/up3?color=sand&design=twist. My spouse found it for less than $100. The styles have a bit more to them than some of the other competitors.

My understanding is its the only one on the market where the sleep tracking is automatic - you don't have to tap the device or set the app to alert it that you're going to sleep or waking up. I love it so far, and really love the app.

I have a Fitbit One and have been using it for a few years now.  I love it.  For me the best part is that you can connect with friends who also use fitbits, and there is motivation in seeing who has the most steps (over a 7 day period).  You can also set up challenges among friends.  It also works with MyFitnessPal, which will adjust your daily calories for the day based on how many steps you've taken (I don't often use the extra calories but it makes me feel better to have them!).   You can track sleep on it as well but I stopped doing that a while ago.

I had the Charge HR; traded with my work friend for his Surge (he thought it too bid, and it is somewhat) since February. I've met my steps most days since then. It really has motivated me.

Eta: the Surge has GPS tracking which is really cool, but it drains the battery much faster.

I have the FitBit Flex. something like $85-90 on Amazon. Great for basic stuff such as you mentioned. I don't bother linking up to friends or take the challenges. I try to do 10K steps a day, track my sleep patterns etc. my walking jogging pace etc. You can track a whole lot of stuff, but after a while it's a tedious chore to input all the food, calories, water etc you've consumed. It is a good basic fitness tracker. 

Wow. I was thinking about it, but these details have convinced me that it would drive me totally insane.

i took some of your advice and purchased a fitbit and am really enjoying it. i love having that extra motivation and knowing exactly how far i have gone. thanks for the tips!

Check out the mi-band.   Same thing, but $15.