Fitness Gadgets and Gizmos

So, as I tend to do... I've been obsessing about what fitness gadget must I obtain to help me stay on track and stay motivated.  I was really torn between a heart rate monitor and some of the new systems that have been on the market for 10 years or less.  So, here are my top 3:

1. The Bodybugg SP, by Apex Fitness / $199 plus monthly subscription
2. Nike Fuel Band, which is launching Feb. 22, 2012 / $149 no monthly dues
3. Bodymedia Fit LINK, by Bodymedia / $199 plus monthly subscription

I owned the very first version of Bodybugg in 2008.  It was big and bulky and I hated wearing because it didn't fit under tight clothes.  The new one however has a slim design and is very compact.  The SP version actually syncs with my Iphone 4s or an Android phone, if you have one (poor, you...lol.  jk).  Here is the demo.  The great thing about this product it that it's extremely accurate.  It measures your calories burnt and you input your calories consumed, producing a calorie surplus or deficit.  It also measures the steps you've taken, activity time, and has a huge data base of food items to choose from.  The only downside is that the user interface seems like the same one I used 4 years ago... boring!  I also noticed when tracking food it doesn't give me a detailed list of nutrients.  It didn't even list FIBER!  Small detail, but it bugged my OCD ass.  LOL.



The Nike Fuel Band was by far the coolest and most fashion friendly!  Its a water resistant bracelet that measures calories burnt through out the day, steps taken, and gives you the time on the LED screen.  ALTHOUGH, the biggest down fall of this product is that it only gives you a general idea of how many calories you are burning because it's not tailored to fit each individual.  It's tailored for the average person.  WHO is average?  So, basically, I, being that I'm 32, 5'10 and 244 will burn a different amount of calories than my step daughter who is 13, 5'7" and roughly 140.  Although it's a great motivator and it syncs with your Iphone or smart phone as well.  I do give Nike a huge HIGH FIVE for having the best commercial.  They really know how to market and I was almost swayed but I did more detail research.  The normal person probably would just assume that the personalizing your data doesn't matter that much, but it does!  Here is the demo.

The WINNER for me is the Bodymedia Fit LINK Band.  The LINK version of this band is the only version of this brand, that syncs with your Iphone or smart phone to give you to the minute, real times results.  Look familiar?  This company is actually the makers of the famous Bodybugg.  There were a few small differences between that products that completely sold me.  One is the user interface... it's colorful and exciting and it looks more user friendly.  Secondly, on my phone or online I can actually see, not just the calories consumed, but all the nutrients (which I provided a screen shot of below after the video).  This is truly important for me to know what I'm consuming.  Third, it monitors my sleep.  It will show how effective my sleep patterns really are.  Forth, it allows you to also use a heart rate monitor while working out and you simply upload the data to the site.  Lastly, the monthly subscription is only free the first 3 months and 6.99 a month vs. 9.99 a month for BodyBugg. 





The Main Screen.... it gives you a screen shot of your daily activity, food consumed and sleep.





This was what I was talking about when I said the Bodymedia fit LINK band had a detailed nutrition list.  I LOVE THIS!

Anyone else have experience with either of these systems?  If you have experience with both please comment below.  I'd love to know first hand from someone who REALLY know because they used them.