Activity Trackers

The Ramzev

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Jun 14, 2010
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So the new rage is the wrist activity trackers (Fitbit, Jawbone, etc.) does anyone use these? I just ordered the Garmin vivosmart, it seems like to covers what I'd like.

I'm curious how these things work for running. I haven't worn a watch to run in a couple years, I don't want to feel any pressure for pace or distance. But I'm thinking this might be nice to keep track of what I'm doing without seeing any stats while I'm actually on the road.

Thoughts/feedback?
 
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So the new rage is the wrist activity trackers (Fitbit, Jawbone, etc.) does anyone use these? I just ordered the Garmin vivosmart, it seems like to covers what I'd like.

I'm curious how these things work for running. I haven't worn a watch to run in a couple years, I don't want to feel any pressure for pace or distance. But I'm thinking this might be nice to keep track of what I'm doing without seeing any stats while I'm actually on the road.

Thoughts/feedback?

You could run for time just run here, there, and don't look at your watch until the end...that's what I do anyways and most times I surprised myself at the results, be it pace/distance.
Try it, you'll like it:)
 
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I don't normally read threads like these, but if Ram is posting (and yes, he's a moderator), then someone needs to moderate him. sigh.
 
I absolutely need moderating, I'm thinking I should shy away from the pub for a while so I don't get in trouble right away. But then, I have a hard time staying away from any pub which explains my 175 lb frame as opposed to the 155 I was a couple years ago...;)
 
You could run for time just run here, there, and don't look at your watch until the end...that's what I do anyways and most times I surprised myself at the results, be it pace/distance.
Try it, you'll like it:)

I've tried that, I'm a bit too ocd to not look. I did put tape over it a couple times but then realized I was just more comfortable not having it at all. But I miss having the records (the ocd part).
 
I've tried that, I'm a bit too ocd to not look. I did put tape over it a couple times but then realized I was just more comfortable not having it at all. But I miss having the records (the ocd part).


I am a little OCD myself and at the beginning it was a mental fight for me because I really, really, really wanted to take a look, just a little one but I fought the urge and now I have no problem with it.
It's worth it at the end thou.
 
So the new rage is the wrist activity trackers (Fitbit, Jawbone, etc.) does anyone use these? I just ordered the Garmin vivosmart, it seems like to covers what I'd like.
I'm curious how these things work for running. I haven't worn a watch to run in a couple years, I don't want to feel any pressure for pace or distance. But I'm thinking this might be nice to keep track of what I'm doing without seeing any stats while I'm actually on the road.

I have got Garmin VivoActive and couldn't be happier with it. Works flawlessly and does exactly what you are thinking - keeping track of what you are doing.
 
I have a Garmin Forerunner 15, which is one of the most basic sport GPS watches you can get with heart monitor. It lacks connectivity with smartphones so you have to use a computer to sync it, but if that's not an issue then it's a good deal.
As for feeling pressed by the watch, you can choose whether to activate the virtual pacer and distance alarms or not.
I used to have those on, and yes, it was stressing. Now I have them off and I'm much happier while I still get my activities tracked.
The point is if you need to push yourself harder, you activate the alarms; but if you run just for pleasure, then switch then off.
Cheers!
 
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I think the app that goes with the trackers is the more important piece. Not sure about the garmin app, but I'm pissed at garmin right now because of an issue with my car GPS so I wouldn't recommend them... right now at least.

Anyway I use the fitbit and have been very happy with it, the app is fantastic and is always synced with my phone. The customer service is so far superior to garmin too. The information has been extremely useful, especially from a sleep perspective. I usually use the GPS mode when running and biking, however the tracker is smart enough to know if I am biking, running or walking when the GPS is off and records it automatically, with reasonably accurate distance for running/walking based on steps and no distance for riding. It gets smarter the more you use the GPS and syncs the steps with your natural gait from what I understand.
 
I love my Garmin, it's old but still love it.
 
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I've an old Garmin 410, it's only taken me 4 years to get the heart rate monitor to work, I ended up having to short the contacts with a paper clip to reset it. The tracking is awesome though, it's never let me down. Been looking at the Garmin 225 as the HR monitor is built into the watch.
 
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I 've the garmin 610 and am very happy with it. With te right app I can upload my training directly to my Sony Xperia, it has the ant+ build Inn. I don't have to take my telephone or other devices with me. Not having to wear the hr monitor would be Nice:) maybe when my 610 breaks down in the future.
 
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I do have a forerunner 305, I've had it for several years. This time around I was looking for a daily wear (think Fitbit) type of tracker for counting steps. Just something to keep my thinking about moving.
The Garmin Vivosmart I got is pretty cool. It does the normal step counting, but it also connects to my phone so it alerts me when I get an email, text or call. It's about the size of a fitbit so it's not too big, but the one line digital display is easy to read.
When it's on sleep mode it tells me how deeply I was sleeping.

I kinda like it even though it's not too accurate for distances, I ran ~3.25 miles it logged it as 3.8 but this isn't what I wanted it for so I'm not concerned with the distance difference.
 
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I have the Garmin Vivoactive and I love it. Bonus is how it syncs with my phone and lets me know I have incoming calls and messages. As a double bonus it helps find my phone. Garmin Connect also lets you keep track of your gear and I've added barefoot as an option, so I'll know how many miles I've done barefoot. I could go on, but I think you get the point, the Garmin Vivoactive is my favorite activity tracker. As a side note they help sponsor a professional cycling team.
 
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