Fitbit vs Polar FT7 Heart Rate Monitor for Weight Loss

Updated on December 30, 2013
M.T. asks from Naperville, IL
7 answers

I have about 20 pounds that I want to lose and I'm having a hard time doing it. I do exercise about 4 times per week. I asked for the fitbit for Christmas and I got it, however my husband also bought me the polar FT 7 monitor and says he thinks it will help me reach my goal better. I'm not sure which one to keep. anyone have either of these and how beneficial have they been for you?

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E.T.

answers from Albuquerque on

I have the Fitbit and it's nice... but it's really just a pedometer. It's not really going to help you lose weigh unless you're trying to track how much you walk.

1 mom found this helpful

A.C.

answers from Huntington on

I have researched both of them but I have the Polar FT. My understanding is that people love the fitbit because it is small and easy to always wear, however it is mainly a pedometer. If you ride a bike, do zumba, do yoga, etc, the readings will be incorrect. It is measuring steps taken. The Polar FT heart rate monitor is probably less comfortable to wear than a fitbit, but it is not bad at all. My battery lasted for an entire year. The watch is cute and easy to work. It holds the last 10 training files which record how long you worked out and what you burned. It is really accurate. One day I wore it all day and was so surprised at how few calories I burn- I have a desk job- it made it really clear why I was not losing weight, even with a daily workout.
If I were you, I would use both. The fitbit is a great tool for motivating you to continually keep on the move, walk a bit more each day, and you can always wear it. The Polar FT I mainly just wear during workouts rather than throughout the day and it is a great way to make sure I am burning x calories, see which workout dvds are a better "use of their time", and also just increase my heartrate- try to get it higher during a run.

1 mom found this helpful
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B..

answers from Dallas on

I have had a fitbit since May. I like it. It does give me info and helps me maintain a good active pace when I walk.

But, darn it, you still have to do the work!

Kind of like those jeans that say, they instantly slim you. I've had mine on for three days..nothing. Weak lol.

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S.B.

answers from Kansas City on

Well, a friend of mine got a fitbit for Christmas and she's already almost lost it twice because it won't stay clasped. On the upside, it survived the washer and dryer.

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B.D.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I would recommend that you exchange the Fitbit for a Polar Loop and use it in conjunction with the heart rate monitor. (I believe they are compatible.)

I do NOT recommend the Fitbit. Both my husband and I had one. He lost his numerous times. I had better luck keeping it attached to me. The demise of BOTH of them was when they went through the washer as they are not water resistant.

I contacted Fitbit and the best they would do for me was offer me one at 50% off. I was insulted after how much money I had already given them. The darn thing wasn't even 6 months old!

The Polar Loop is water resistant and can even be used to track your activity in a swimming pool. It also is the same price as the Fitbit. I was able to get a deal on my husband's through Dick's Sporting Goods and was able to use a $20 off $100 coupon.

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D.N.

answers from Chicago on

I have a friend that has the Fitbit. She loves it since it helps her make sure she is active and meeting her goal. She also uses a heart rate monitor. They are different so maybe keep both? I would use them both if I had them.

M.W.

answers from Chicago on

Wow, this is all helpful to me too! I just got for Christmas what I realize only tracked steps taken even though it said it tracked calories burned. I was considering a Fitbit but looks like what I have already functions like a Fitbit. I will look into the Polar FT7.

For now I'm doing Insanity workout and tracking my progress on MyFitnessPal.com. I think a heart rate monitor will give me a more accurate count on the calories I burn.

Thanks for posting this! Perfect timing!

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