Travel Health and Fitness - Body Media

I have used one of these for a few years. This device can do just about everything you want. If you wear the device all the time, even sleeping, it will track your life. The on-line website has a calorie counter, step counter, calories in, calories burned (from the device so little ability to cheat), asses your sleep amount and quality.

This is the company that the Biggest Losers use, the Body Bug. You can also buy these through Costco for a good deal since they have a sale til March 12. What I found most motivating is when I realized how much I was NOT doing everyday. This became a real motivator. if I wear this and use it then I can see what I am doing and what I am not doing. It's has been an amazing device for me.

http://www.bodymedia.com/

I have a BodyBugg and while I haven't worn it in a while, it was VERY helpful in helping me figure out what my daily caloric outputs were so I could adjust my nutrition accordingly. I highly recommend BodyMedia's products and software!

I saw those in Costco. Did it seem accurate to you?

Costco claims they are selling them $60 off retail.

^to the android app!

It seemed very accurate in that if you go purely from a "calories in/calories out" weight loss perspective, I lost exactly the amount it projected I would in recording all my food intake meticulously and wearing the Bugg 23+ hours a day.

What was fascinating to me was to see the caloric burn patterns graphed out through the day - and how doing the same workout burned slightly differently depending if I did it early morning, midday, or evening. What was even more fascinating was to see how my "resting" burn rate changed in the hours after a work out vs. doing the same things without working out earlier.

I LOVE mine. I've had it for 4 weeks and have lost 6.8 lbs.

Like techgirl, I love seeing all the calculations, making slight tweaks to see how it affects my burn rate, etc.

The Costco closest to me had a huge display, but I didn't buy one.
I went to the other Costco in Charlotte (I was looking for stereo bluetooth headphones which neither carry) and they didn't have any!

I ordered it online (since I had to order the headphones). Apparently the version Costco sells isn't the bluetooth version that will integrate directly with the iphone/android apps, but I like doing things on my actual computer so I doubt I'll really mind. I assume the phone application will still let me track calories consumed as soon as I have an active subscription even though calories burned can't go from the non-BT armband to the phone?

The phone application is completely different than the computer. My iPhone app only shows me what I have left to complete towards my goal in the categories ie. Burned, Consumed, steps, etc.

With the iPhone you can't access your account via the internet since the OS is different. I'm not sure how it works on an Android or a BB (traded my BB after Verizon got the iPhone).

With the iPhone you can't access your account via the internet since the OS is different. I'm not sure how it works on an Android or a BB (traded my BB after Verizon got the iPhone).

Well that's dumb. With FatSecret's calorie counter app I can track what I eat online or on the web and it all syncs up. That's a free app so I figured a pay app would allow me to do the same.

Is there a monthly fee to these?

Is there a monthly fee to these?

I got one last year and it came with a 3 month subscription included. After that, it is 9.95 per month. I love mine and was just showing the printout to my new personal trainer who was fascinated also!

Is there a monthly fee to these?

Yes. Depending on where you buy the device, there may be up to one years website included. I know this was the case through Costco.

My concern would be how do we know any of the data it spits out is accurate?

The Armband contains multiple sensors that measure motion, body heat, skin temperature, and conductivity. A proprietary algorithm "crunches" the collected information and the user's personal body parameters to deliver accurate information on calories, activity levels, steps, lying down, and sleep time.

Does "proprietary" mean they won't say how the numbers are crunched?

My concern would be how do we know any of the data it spits out is accurate?



Does "proprietary" mean they won't say how the numbers are crunched?

I would think that's what it means. There is a whole Bibliography on the website with the puplished studies and most of the studies look to be published in peer reviewed journals.

They started published their data and studies around 2004. I think if something was seriously out of whack they would have been called on it by now from the sports medicine people.

So, i totally forgot to take my arm band off before going through the WTMD. I made it through without a beep!

Do you need internet access to see your calorie expenditures? I am going to be without internet for a week or so at a time for a while and I want to us something like this product.
If I need internet, does anyone know of something I can use to keep track of calories in and burned?

Do you need internet access to see your calorie expenditures? I am going to be without internet for a week or so at a time for a while and I want to us something like this product.
If I need internet, does anyone know of something I can use to keep track of calories in and burned?

The body media is web based but has a watch syle monitor you can use. It will show you basic info such as steps and calories burned. You have to manually enter what you have eaten on their website to get calories in (like every other calorie counting system).


They also have a new app for iphone and android. So if you have thise service you can enyer and see your account. You will need a way to recharge the device during that week.

http://www.bodymedia.com/#

Thanks for the response!
This is going to be a dumb follow-up. I have an iphone but I will not be in cell or internet range. I assume the app will not work at all without one of those. Am I right?

I would think you need the connection to upload the data. I am not sure if the app will hold info for uploading at a later date. Probably not. You can always try calling a rep at the company. Maybe they have the technology you need.

At the worst, you can always keep a food journal and then enter the info at a later date. The website lets you do that. So when you do get internet access you can see what has happened in the time you were off-line. Might be an interesting study for yourself: see how you do with constant feedback vs how you do with limited feedback. I think the monitor will hold the info as long as you keep it charged.

Thanks again!
You're right about experimenting with the best method. I am pretty sure I do better with constant feedback. But, I'll find out if I can do well without the info readily available.
I use an app now that gives me all my info when I enter exercise and food intake. I love it! It's too bad it needs internet or cell reception.

Thanks again!
You're right about experimenting with the best method. I am pretty sure I do better with constant feedback. But, I'll find out if I can do well without the info readily available.
I use an app now that gives me all my info when I enter exercise and food intake. I love it! It's too bad it needs internet or cell reception.

With the Bodymedia all you enter is your food intake. The device does everything else. Wear it 22-23 hours a day and it will monitor exercise, steps, sleep, calories burned, etc. More acurate than a heart rate monitor or an estimate of exercise intensity.

I decided to make the switch from the BodyBugg to a Fitbit. I'm only on day two of the Fitbit but I like it better already.

My major "issue" with the Bugg was the armband... I only was consistent about wearing it in the months where I wore clothes with a sleeve (which here in Texas is about November to March). The Fitbit I can clip inside of my bra and I don't even notice it. For sleep, you wear a wristband (much more comfortable for me as a side sleeper).

Time will tell which I like better but I got the Fitbit at 24Hour Fitness just like my BodyBugg.

Because I asked all those questions, I thought I'd report back. I did outstanding without tracking calories in and out. I am attributing this primarily to an excellent steward. He never added extra fat and calories and made excellent food. I had little access to extra snacks and calorie drinks plus I worked out almost everyday. Very excited that I lost 6 pounds in the month I was gone.
I needed the tracking again as soon as I arrived home. It must be my eating habits and cooking at home!

Because I asked all those questions, I thought I'd report back. I did outstanding without tracking calories in and out. I am attributing this primarily to an excellent steward. He never added extra fat and calories and made excellent food. I had little access to extra snacks and calorie drinks plus I worked out almost everyday. Very excited that I lost 6 pounds in the month I was gone.
I needed the tracking again as soon as I arrived home. It must be my eating habits and cooking at home!

Great job :)

If anyone sees these on sale at Costco, I would love to know. My regular Costco doesn't have BodyMedia and I would love to get one with the free stuff that comes with the Costco one.

Available now on-line.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11596707&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC|111|2268|59195&N=4032552&Mo=18&No=3&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=59195&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&hierPath=111*2268*59195*&topnav=


I think there is a new version coming out soon and it will be on sale at Costco. I'll keep my eye out.

Costco online is having an after Thanksgiving sale. The Bodymedia FIT LINK has bluetooth. It includes a 12 month activity subscription and shipping included for $199.

Sale starts 11/25 and goes through 12/11.

Thank you! Can't wait.

Thank you! Can't wait.

Did you get one from Costco? My old one still works fine so can't justify the new one :(

Debating between the 2 on the website. Though I think I will go with the one with a 12 month subscription.

Costco online is having an after Thanksgiving sale. The Bodymedia FIT LINK has bluetooth. It includes a 12 month activity subscription and shipping included for $199.

Sale starts 11/25 and goes through 12/11.

Looks like 20 MIR on this so 179.

I finally received mine. I have the Link armband with a 12 month subscription. Perfect time to start. I can see calorie intake to expenditures at Christmas. Should be interesting!
I just need to be able to open the thing. Which has not been easy. Love all the plastic packaging.

Just got the BodyMedia FIT from Costco. On day 2.5 of wearing it. Of course, the novelty hasn't worn off yet (and I'm sure it will), but today I decided to walk to stores to run errands rather than drive. I've also found myself taking the stairs at places where I'd normal take the escalator/elevator. Yesterday I met all of my fitness goals, today I exceeded the moderate/vigorous activity targets & step target by about 3 pm.

My goal is to lose 14-18 pounds, so we'll see how I do.

BTW, on sale via Costco.com for $179 through mid-January.

Just got the BodyMedia FIT from Costco. On day 2.5 of wearing it. Of course, the novelty hasn't worn off yet (and I'm sure it will), but today I decided to walk to stores to run errands rather than drive. I've also found myself taking the stairs at places where I'd normal take the escalator/elevator. Yesterday I met all of my fitness goals, today I exceeded the moderate/vigorous activity targets & step target by about 3 pm.

My goal is to lose 14-18 pounds, so we'll see how I do.

BTW, on sale via Costco.com for $179 through mid-January.


One of the great things about the BodyMedia was that it gave me an incentive to be more active in everyday ways. Like you, I wanted to make sure and make my goals so I walked, took stairs, was in general more active. With the BodyMedia you are accountable to yourself but have a real way to see what you have actually done, as opposed to convincing yourself you have done stuff.

Just got the BodyMedia FIT from Costco. On day 2.5 of wearing it. Of course, the novelty hasn't worn off yet (and I'm sure it will), but today I decided to walk to stores to run errands rather than drive. I've also found myself taking the stairs at places where I'd normal take the escalator/elevator. Yesterday I met all of my fitness goals, today I exceeded the moderate/vigorous activity targets & step target by about 3 pm.

My goal is to lose 14-18 pounds, so we'll see how I do.

BTW, on sale via Costco.com for $179 through mid-January.


In the Costco coupon booklet 1/5 - 1/29/12, it shows the BodyMedia Fit for $149.99 ( $20 off $169.99).

I stopped wearing my body media band a while ago. It was too obvious when I was wearing it. There are many other products out there that do the same thing but are smaller and don't require a monthly fee.

FitBit (http://www.amazon.com/Fitbit-Wireless-Activity-Sleep-Tracker/dp/B005PUONIK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325364440&sr=8-1) is one example. I haven't tried it though.

In the Costco coupon booklet 1/5 - 1/29/12, it shows the BodyMedia Fit for $149.99 ( $20 off $169.99).

Hmm...haven't gotten my coupon book yet. Does it show as in-store or online only? My local Costco doesn't seem to stock it.

I stopped wearing my body media band a while ago. It was too obvious when I was wearing it.

It probably does lead people to wonder if you're wearing a SCRAM bracelet...

I stopped wearing my body media band a while ago. It was too obvious when I was wearing it. There are many other products out there that do the same thing but are smaller and don't require a monthly fee.

FitBit (http://www.amazon.com/Fitbit-Wireless-Activity-Sleep-Tracker/dp/B005PUONIK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325364440&sr=8-1) is one example. I haven't tried it though.

I did the same. I bought my BodyBugg three years ago but I switched to Fitbit five months ago and have not looked back.

The Bugg was great at the gym and when I was wearing something covering it. But I like wearing sundresses and live in a hot climate. I got tired of the strapmarks and tan line and having people always ask about it.

I have friends who ask me what the catch is with the Fitbit... after all, it's cheaper, free to use online (no expiration), smaller, and more discrete. Frankly, I don't see one. I loved my BodyBugg but if I were in the market today, there is no way I'd spend MORE money for something that is more obtrusive, has less battery life, and isn't any easier to use.

Maybe I'm missing something?

I did the same. I bought my BodyBugg three years ago but I switched to Fitbit five months ago and have not looked back.

The Bugg was great at the gym and when I was wearing something covering it. But I like wearing sundresses and live in a hot climate. I got tired of the strapmarks and tan line and having people always ask about it.

I have friends who ask me what the catch is with the Fitbit... after all, it's cheaper, free to use online (no expiration), smaller, and more discrete. Frankly, I don't see one. I loved my BodyBugg but if I were in the market today, there is no way I'd spend MORE money for something that is more obtrusive, has less battery life, and isn't any easier to use.

Maybe I'm missing something?

The Fitbit simply tracks movement and extrapolates everything from that. The Body Media tracks more than movement and has peer reviewed articles. But the FitBit may be a good choice. It really only guarantees a 95% accuracy for tracking how many steps have been taken.

[QUOTE=chgoeditor;17722646]Hmm...haven't gotten my coupon book yet. Does it show as in-store or online only? My local Costco doesn't seem to stock it.
QUOTE]

The coupon reads - Online and also available at your local Costco warehouse. Item # 426987. Includes 6 mos Activity Manager subscription and extra strap. Free shipping.

The Fitbit simply tracks movement and extrapolates everything from that. The Body Media tracks more than movement and has peer reviewed articles. But the FitBit may be a good choice. It really only guarantees a 95% accuracy for tracking how many steps have been taken.

I wore both simultaneously for a week and the margin between devices was about 2% difference - and it oddly fluctuated back and forth between the two as to which had a higher read on various measures (steps, distance, caloric burn).

I can see the BodyBugg being a better fit for a hardcore athlete looking for specific performance measures during their workout... but for the average "looking to be healthier" person, I would think there would be a higher long-term compliance rate for something non-obtrusive. I got tired of constantly being asked about it. (I remember having to answer a ton of questions at the Jan '09 SIN DO about the big black strap around my arm... and all the odd looks I got from locals.) But I guess for a guy, it wouldn't make a big difference unless he were prone to wearing tank tops or really tight clothing. ;)

And for travelers, the other plus is not having to take it off at security (which I seemed to always have to do with my Bugg).

[QUOTE=chgoeditor;17722646]Hmm...haven't gotten my coupon book yet. Does it show as in-store or online only? My local Costco doesn't seem to stock it.
QUOTE]

The coupon reads - Online and also available at your local Costco warehouse. Item # 426987. Includes 6 mos Activity Manager subscription and extra strap. Free shipping.

Ah, then it's a different package. The one I just purchased didn't include the extra strap but did include a 12 month subscription to the Activity Manager.

I did the same. I bought my BodyBugg three years ago but I switched to Fitbit five months ago and have not looked back.

The Bugg was great at the gym and when I was wearing something covering it. But I like wearing sundresses and live in a hot climate. I got tired of the strapmarks and tan line and having people always ask about it.

I have friends who ask me what the catch is with the Fitbit... after all, it's cheaper, free to use online (no expiration), smaller, and more discrete. Frankly, I don't see one. I loved my BodyBugg but if I were in the market today, there is no way I'd spend MORE money for something that is more obtrusive, has less battery life, and isn't any easier to use.

Maybe I'm missing something?

If so I am missing the same thing, I prefer the Fitbit too.

^
Plus 1

OP here:

The New York Times has had a few (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/05/technology/personaltech/devices-to-keep-track-of-calories-lost-or-gained.html?ref=technology) pieces (http://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/09/c-e-s-2012-the-adventure-begins/) recently talking about BodyMedia, FitBit, etc.

It sounds as if there are a few devices that offer similar functionality, and it seems to be a growing field. After 2+ weeks of wearing mine, I have to say that it's really helped me do a better job of getting active. I had a few injuries that really sidetracked my workout routine in 2011, and I've been getting back on track since mid-November. The BodyMedia Fit gives me that little extra boost: Have I walked 10,000 steps today? Have I gotten 30 minutes of vigorous activity? Have I gotten an hour of moderate activity? How many calories have I burned today?

I'm the overachiever, goal-oriented person. For someone like me, if you draw a line & tell me to stay above it, I will. If there's no line, I may waiver. The body sensors give me that line & tell me whether I'm on track to meet my goals.

I've told some friends about it, and it's amazing how many have asked questions, want more info and later circle back to tell me they talked to their doctor/trainer/etc. about it. (Since it's a bit obtrusive, I feel as if I have to mention/explain it when it's visible under my clothing!) I was on a conference call with a friend yesterday & she even asked me, "Are you doing laps around your house again to get in your 10K steps?" (Yes!)

One of the schools in my home town has given 5th graders (I think) the fit bit as part of their physical education. Interesting.

One of the schools in my home town has given 5th graders (I think) the fit bit as part of their physical education. Interesting.

I think it's a great idea, particularly if they view reaching specific goals (10K steps, etc.) as a game. I do a lot of work with a local non-profit that has a focus on healthy lifestyles. We team with Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children, which has a 5-4-3-2-1-Go! message (http://www.clocc.net/partners/54321go/):

5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day
4 servings of water a day
3 servings of low-fat dairy a day
2 or less hours of screen time a day
1 or more hours of physical activity a day

We've found that if we can teach the message in a fun way, kids have a ball...and don't even realize they're changing their life for the better.

. We team with Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children, which has a 5-4-3-2-1-Go! message (http://www.clocc.net/partners/54321go/):



That is awesome.

I'm inching ever closer to buying a fit bit/body media deal......the more I hear the more I want one.

If so I am missing the same thing, I prefer the Fitbit too.

^
Plus 1

I love my Fitbit Ultra. It just clips to my shirt during the day, and onto the cloth wrist band at night. It does everything I want it to do and helps me stay on track.

+1 ^^

I love my Fitbit Ultra. It just clips to my shirt during the day, and onto the cloth wrist band at night. It does everything I want it to do and helps me stay on track.

+1 ^^

How does it track "normal" body movement vs things like weight lifting? Would it track me walking around the house different than me doing plyo (jump training)?

Without heart rate type measurement I've always wondered how it would verify intensity level.

How does it track "normal" body movement vs things like weight lifting? Would it track me walking around the house different than me doing plyo (jump training)?

Without heart rate type measurement I've always wondered how it would verify intensity level.

That's been my question re. the FitBit, too. I understand that the BodyMedia measures increases in body temp & perspiration in addition to movement. But from the sounds of it, the FitBit doesn't have any skin-to-skin contact, does it?

That's been my question re. the FitBit, too. I understand that the BodyMedia measures increases in body temp & perspiration in addition to movement. But from the sounds of it, the FitBit doesn't have any skin-to-skin contact, does it?

My understanding is that it is a factor of the accelerometer readings over a measured time period.

I have to manually enter activity for things like weight lifting, yoga, etc. But you can do a "start/stop" track for the activity itself and then adjust the type of activity and it will recalibrate the reading on the software for that activity.

I wore the Bugg and the Fitbit simultaneously for a week and the difference in calorie read averaged 50-100 calories difference a day (or 2-4%). And it varied as to which read higher.

I have to manually enter activity for things like weight lifting, yoga, etc. But you can do a "start/stop" track for the activity itself and then adjust the type of activity and it will recalibrate the reading on the software for that activity.

I wore the Bugg and the Fitbit simultaneously for a week and the difference in calorie read averaged 50-100 calories difference a day (or 2-4%). And it varied as to which read higher.

Did you have to enter weight lifting/yoga manually on both? How much weight lifting/yoga type exercises do you do during one of these days?

I'm still on the fence but I lift 3+ hours week, 90 minutes of yoga, couple spin classes etc and if entering manually seems no better than guessing that I'd do without the fitbit.....I was hoping these would read hear rate among other items.