Are fitness trackers worth the money

[Kyra]

I have a friend who loves his fitness tracker...but he also likes to complain how sometimes it doesn't work very well. He says that it records steps even when he doesn't take steps...so wouldn't that mean that it is recording he's exercising even when he's not...how can that possibly be beneficial for weight loss?

[bruceH]

They can be. It all depends on whether or not you use it regularly and if you buy a good one. Just like everything in this life, you get what you pay for. If you truly think that a fitness tracker could be of great use to you, don't settle for the cheapest one on the market. I know we all have budgets that we need to think about, but sometimes it's worth it to save and spend a little more. Having a crappy fitness tracker is likely to only frustrate you and turn you off these devices.

[Maggie]

I think they are. Especially if you just want something to do the basics. Where i think they get a little ridiculous is all those devices that have like a million functions. Just find a tracker that ticks off all the main boxes of what is important to you and you should be good. I wouldn't worry about getting all the bells and whistles unless you're someone who really cares and/or likes tech.

Also, remember that there is a difference between waterproof and water resistant...if you're going to be swimming get water proof not water resistant!

[Kyra]

I think they are. Especially if you just want something to do the basics. Where i think they get a little ridiculous is all those devices that have like a million functions. Just find a tracker that ticks off all the main boxes of what is important to you and you should be good. I wouldn't worry about getting all the bells and whistles unless you're someone who really cares and/or likes tech.

Also, remember that there is a difference between waterproof and water resistant...if you're going to be swimming get water proof not water resistant!

Thanks. These are the tips I can live by. I'll keep this in mind when I look for my step counter. Appreciate the advice Maggie :)

[anne]

Thanks. These are the tips I can live by. I'll keep this in mind when I look for my step counter. Appreciate the advice Maggie :)

Just want to throw my two cents in, since I just ranted about this on another thread about fitness trackers, I'm not really a fan of these devices. Unless you actually engage in a lot of physical activity like swimming or high intense aerobics that involve a lot of arm and leg flapping, I'd recommend just getting a free app for your phone. It will track steps, help you keep track of your calories, heart rate, etc....why bother spend the money on yet another device when you're likely already paying a fortune for you phone?

[tracy1976]

Just want to throw my two cents in, since I just ranted about this on another thread about fitness trackers, I'm not really a fan of these devices. Unless you actually engage in a lot of physical activity like swimming or high intense aerobics that involve a lot of arm and leg flapping, I'd recommend just getting a free app for your phone. It will track steps, help you keep track of your calories, heart rate, etc....why bother spend the money on yet another device when you're likely already paying a fortune for you phone?

I get where you're coming from but a fitness tracker that you wear and a phone are really not the same thing. It's kinda like saying, you already own books so why bother get an eReader or an app that allows you to download and read books via your mobile device. The answer is convenience and better features.

[brightstar]

I get where you're coming from but a fitness tracker that you wear and a phone are really not the same thing. It's kinda like saying, you already own books so why bother get an eReader or an app that allows you to download and read books via your mobile device. The answer is convenience and better features.

Couldn't agree more. It's not the same. A fitness tracker is worth it. The trick is to get one that is the right choice for you. If you're, only tracking your steps, for instance, you might just want a pedometer (step counter) which is much cheaper than getting a device that has all the extra bells and whistles and comes with a higher price tag.

[Kyra]

Couldn't agree more. It's not the same. A fitness tracker is worth it. The trick is to get one that is the right choice for you. If you're, only tracking your steps, for instance, you might just want a pedometer (step counter) which is much cheaper than getting a device that has all the extra bells and whistles and comes with a higher price tag.

Thanks brightstar, I've actually been looking into cheaper models because you're right in that I don't know if I want to spend over 100 bucks on something I don't even know if I'll like or wear!