(Part 2) Best fitness technology products according to redditors

You could look into getting her a fitbit. That's what I'm looking into getting to help with my weight loss goals. :)

The bike pedal has a VirZoom attached to it. It's marketed towards Quest/Go users, but can be used with PC with the use of an additional Bluetooth dongle. And they do have some content for PC on Steam, which is awesome. And there's a VirZoom SDK available on the Unity Asset Store, which I'm using here.

Anyway, just wanted to share. Hoping to get something out for people to play sooner than later. Thanks a ton, k-------!

EDIT: here's the full clip

Surprised to see no one mention Polar.

I tried what others here have stated - used a Forerunner 235 on my first ultra, but forgot to charge it using the battery pack at one of the aid stations and it died 8 miles from the finish.

I switched over to the Polar Vantage M which is in the same price range as the Forerunner, but with a 30 hr GPS battery life. Started a 50-miler last month with full charge, and finished with just under half battery life (I’m slow, so it was a 16 hr time).

They also just updated their software in May, so it includes a bunch of smartphone options (which can all be turned off) if you find that useful. Overall, I seriously love this watch.

Most heart rate monitors will give you an estimated calories burned, I think. I have the Polar FT4 which is about $60 on Amazon and it's been doing its job so far!: http://www.amazon.com/Polar-Heart-Monitor-Watch-Silver/dp/B001U0OFCS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413575100&sr=8-1&keywords=polar+ft4

I can't attest to whether these work or not but I was fascinated when I saw that it existed : https://www.amazon.com/Upright-Corrector-Strapless-Discrete-Confidence/dp/B0747YHYZF

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If it does work, I imagine it would be very helpful and also interesting to see the data on your current posture.

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If anyone has tried it I would love to know what you think!

I would recommend the polar FT7 heart rate watch with strap. I have been using it since last summer and have never had a problem with it on the erg or water. Here is a link to where I bought it from, for some reason the price changes with the color options(?).
http://www.amazon.com/Polar-FT7-Heart-Rate-Monitor/dp/B00NOLTQ2U

This one's only $80.

If you want accuracy, get a heart rate monitor with a chest strap. Polar are reasonably priced and have a great range:

The FT4 is a great starter model: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Polar-Heart-Monitor-Sports-Watch/dp/B001U0OFCS/ref=sr_1_6?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1414513066&sr=1-6&keywords=heart+rate+monitor+calorie+counter

But definitely listen to u/zardozzardoz Keep track of what you eat, don't factor in exercise, unless you're running marathons and burning 2000 calories you burn very little compared to what you consume.

Growing up poor, I saw first-hand the pain of trying to lose weight with less money. Between the Herbalife-style products being marketed to you by that one aunt, to the infomercials with the weird exercise equipment that doesn't work and cost your $60 savings on your birthday, to knowing the $40/mo for a gym would be impossible on your budget, to not walking outside because that's how your one friend got mugged, it felt like you tried a million things to lose weight.

Now that I'm doing financially better, I'm testing out cheap fitness bands and programs along with CICO (and a food scale) to see what poor people would be more likely to try, since I have that experience from my past.

What they need first:

• Food scale ($20 for bare minimum scale in a dept store)
  
  
  
• Showing them where/how to get decent to good running shoes, by showing them seasonal sales. (FILA shoes in my area run $20-25/avg). Keeping it simple, since everyone knows how to walk.
  
  
  
• MyFitnessPal for calories ($0, I pick this one for a reason)
  
  
  Then they need some apps or gadgety things to make them feel like they bought something to get ahead. Or the free equivalents. I'm going by android apps since I don't know any poor people who could afford any sort of iPhone.
  
  
  Google Fit app ($0)
  
  Pros:
  
  
• Free.
  
  
• Quick download - No wait like you would have buying a fitness tracker online.
  
  
• Tracks steps in the background, no need to open up to track.
  
  
• Syncs with MFP to give calories (Add app, then set as Step tracking source)
  
  
• Auto-tracking can pick up bouts of running, biking, and walking, with maps.
  
  
• Shows you what percent of people you were more active than in your area. (You were 99% more active than people in LA last week, with 123,000 step count)
  
  Cons:
  
  
• Your auto-tracked path won't show up until 30 mins later, Google Fit needs time to "think" about your GPS path.
  
  
• Calorie timing shows to your timezone in your timeline, but calories seem to be pushed based on Google HQ time (PST). So if you are east coast, you get your 9pm-midnight calories put into the next day.
  
  
  Xiaomi Band 1s ($22.99, can be found cheaper on Gearbest if you can wait)
  
  Pros:
  
  
• Heart rate and step counter for dirt cheap
  
  
• Shows step progress to your goal if you lift your hand up.
  
  
• Has SMS, phone, app, etc alerts available to buzz at you to check your phone.
  
  
• Has a wake-up alarm.
  
  
• Can make some feel like they "moved up" since they now have a fitness tracker "like everyone else."
  
  
  Cons:
  
  
• No screen display, just 3 LED lights
  
  
• Overcounts a bit. Lower your exercise calorie consumption to 30-50% rather than 50-75% because of this
  
  
• App display is simpler than Fitbit's.
  
  
• Heart rate is on demand. You can get a $2.49 app called Mi-Band Tools that can let you set heart rate, specific vibration app alerts, and even a smart alarm. It works with all Mi Bands.
  
  Wokamon($0)
  
  Pros:
  
  
• Tamagotchi-type game where steps give you XP to raise alien critters.
  
  
• Syncs with Fitbit.
  
  
• Syncs with Google Fit (and through that, Mi Bands)
  
  
• Free
  
  Cons:
  
  
• No online discussion community, so you'll have to figure out the little parts of the game yourself.
  
  
  I'll test one more one day, which is the Xiaomi Band 2. Looks like it'd be a good "cheap" Fitbit Charge HR replacement with an actual screen on it. I didn't pick it first since its non-sale price is around $40, and that's a huge amount for the super-poor. Might be good for someone starting around black Friday when it goes down below $25, though.
  
  
  Its taken me so many months to research and try all this but it was worth it. Now I have a back-up plan if times ever get tough again. And I can show others that don't have much cash how to lose weight and get active without a gym membership. :)

JRE crashed this link for over a week.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07111CVJ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_76QSBbSWEWGZX

I had looked into it during the sober october podcast and pretty quickly determined it was a piece of shit. Who knows, maybe the pressure JRE put on them will inspire some quality improvements.

Garmin Instinct meets these criteria. Easy to read, affordable, lightweight, durable, and recently released (updated sleep tracking / hr sensor, etc).

However, it does lack Vo2 max, not compatible w/ HRM run chest-strap (no advanced running dynamics), and doesn't have advanced mapping.

Seems like most users are satisfied with it. I know I am.

Comes in at $300 new, or around $250 used (like new) on Amazon.

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Non-Garmin options that come to mind are the Polar Vantage M ($279) or COROS Apex 46mm ($350)

If you really want to spend some money, there's a device on amazon that seems to be what you're looking for. Seems expensive.
https://www.amazon.com/Upright-GO-Corrector-Strapless-Confidence/dp/B0747YHYZF/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=posture+trainer+device&qid=1569214590&s=gateway&sr=8-3

279.99 CDN

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07HYX9P88/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_MyP0DbEXKKMB0

MYZONE MZ-3 Physical Activity Belt

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07111CVJ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_76QSBbSWEWGZX

Amazon sells it
Scosche Rhythm+ Replacement Strap - Black Strap For Scosche Rhythm+ Optical Heart Rate Monitor Armband https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XM1F36K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_uYxOCbFDZS0YR

I've been going through the same thing recently, and have made some pretty radical changes. I have been following Weight Watchers (down 13 lbs in the past month). First I did it online, then I started going to a meeting. It's basically a simplified way to count calories. It's pretty easy, and the recipes are good and wholesome. And there are lots of quick products out there if you want a convenience food. I have also been going to the gym about 5 times a week. The thing that has really helped me stick to these thingss, is doing hypnosis. Sounds weird- but it's worked for me. Didn't work as well for my husband- he's not as easily hypnotized, but it turns out that I am. If it's something that you're interested in- I can tell you more. It's helped me cut out sweets, and get myself to the gym regularly- and really enjoying it. You listen to it at night or in the morning- or both.

I think it's good to make a bunch of changes, but don't do them all at once. Leave changes for when you plateau. Or make 1 major change a week.

-Don't let any junk food in your house. You might be able to avoid it most of the time, but not all the time.

-Don't eat out, unless it's a very special occasion. This means packing your lunch.

-Have healthy snacks ready for you so you're not tempted to get something from a coffee shop or vending machine. Leave things in your car, or your desk so you have no excuse to eat junk.

-stop eating at night. Set a time for yourself- like not eating after 9pm.

-if you can stand it, find a healthy breakfast meal and a healthy lunch meal, and eat the same thing each day. If you find that you're losing weight while eating a certain way- have fewer variables.

-Tell someone that you're doing this- maybe find someone else to do this with. It's very motivating to have someone to go through this with. And share tips and recipes.

-Make a big pot of soup every week. Something with broth, protein and veggies. Very filling and low in calories.

-Get a pedometer. This is a very good one. http://www.amazon.com/Omron-HJ-112-Digital-Pocket-Pedometer/dp/B0000U1OCI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1268589711&sr=1-1
Just slip it in your pocket and make it a competition with yourself. I'm a competitive person, so to put things in that perspective is really helpful for me.

Good luck! And let us know how it goes!

https://www.amazon.com/Scosche-RHYTHM-Heart-Monitor-Armband/dp/B00QSRQ0R6/ref=pd_bxgy_121_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00QSRQ0R6&pd_rd_r=YB6SN08KRMDEQCAKFA7M&pd_rd_w=gDp8w&pd_rd_wg=DTPwD&refRID=YB6SN08KRMDEQCAKFA7M&th=1

>"...Counting steps is for old women."

No, it's not. It's an effective tool for tracking your activity. Here's the one I have.

Price is $199.99

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HYX9P88/

Pockets

• Phone Case - Magpul iPhone 5 Field Case
  
  
• Knife - Benchmade Mini-Griptillian
  
  
• Handkerchief - Fifth&Brannan Charcoal Pocket Square
  
  
• Bottle Opener - New Belgium Globe - Got this for free after a tour there, and it's lived in the small pocket of my jeans ever since.
  
  
• Lip Balm - Burt's Bees
  
  
• FitBit - Fitbit Ultra - Probably going to be replaced by a newer Fitbit soon.
  
  
• Pen - Fisher Cap-O-Matic Space Pen - I will buy this pen over and over.
  
  
• Wallet - Saddleback ID Wallet in Tobacco
  
  
• Gum - Orbit Sweet Mint - It's unbelievable how much of this I have chewed.
  
  
  
  Keys
  
  
• Biner - Nite Ize S Biner Ahh
  
  
• USB - Kingston Digital DataTraveler 8GB - Contents change daily. Mostly client software.
  
  
• Light - FOURSEVENS Mini 123/ML - Throws a ton of light for how little room it takes up.
  
  
  
  
  That's pretty much it. Any questions feel free.
  

The pedometer is a great idea. I got one a couple of months ago - it truly helps. This one is sold on Amazon and 1600 people bought it and liked it enough to comment on it!

https://www.amazon.com/BodiMetrics-Vibe-Sleep-Fitness-Monitor/dp/B01N6FUNNG/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1550785439&sr=8-2-fkmr0&keywords=pulse+oximeter+02+vibe

Yhis watch helped determine I had Obstructive Sleep Apnea https://www.amazon.com/BodiMetrics-Vibe-Sleep-Fitness-Monitor/dp/B01N6FUNNG Monitors your O2 while you sleep. Has an app. Also can use it when you walk or exercise.

> un braccialetto o meglio orologio per monitorare il sonno

Mi Band 3 e vai sul sicuro.
La trovi su Amazon a €29,99

I've started walking and hiking again as a way to take off weight, and now I'm obsessed. I'm lucky to live in a part of the country that's in the Appalachian Mountains, so no matter where I walk, it's a nature walk. I started charting everywhere I go with a site that lets me draw on Google Maps, and I never take the same route twice.

I'd like a pedometer, so I can track my distance as well as my route.

Same here. Watch comes off and I use a Wahoo Tickr Fit. It's great.

A separate monitor will continuously track your heart rate and be more accurate, and so much of the metrics on the bike rely on it.

If I were in your position, I wouldn't push hard on running right now. I'd start with a serious walking program. It will be easier to stick to, you'll make progress fast, and, perhaps most important, it's going to be a lot easier on your knees.

I'd get a pedometer (specifically this one), start shooting for an average target of 10K steps a day and then kick the average up by 500 steps every week or so. You'll drop a bunch of weight and build some basic stamina - both of which will serve you well when you start running later on. Also, it'll help reassure you that you're moving in the right direction more than setting overly ambitious targets, failing, and having dark moments of the soul like yesterday's.

For those that missed this deal, don't pay full price at the studio.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QSRQ0R6/?coliid=I1G8M0TYVAIL2N&colid=1X4OTFWXA40Q&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

There's a unit VZfit: if you've an exercise bike.

I use it daily, limited "games", but really motivating.

https://www.virzoom.com/

https://www.amazon.com/VirZOOM-Cycling-Entertainment-System-Oculus/dp/B07SJW687J/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=vzfit&psc=1&qid=1572932517&sr=8-1

I use an HRM Tri. I mostly run and bike with the occasional swim. I figure it's worth an extra $20-30 to have the waterproof capability. The HRM Tri fluctuates in price quite a bit. It was down to $78 just 4 days ago on Amazon. If you can wait, set an alert on camelcamelcamel or SlickDeals and you can pick one up for not much more than the Red model.

Seconding/thirding Amazon!

Scosche Rhythm+ Replacement Strap - Black Strap For Scosche Rhythm+ Optical Heart Rate Monitor Armband

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XM1F36K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_9scTQcgGMIVNo

Is there a way to see what "version" of HRM-RUN you are buying? It is my understanding it has minor updates yearly?

For example, can you tell which year this is?
https://www.amazon.ca/Garmin-010-10997-12-HRM-Run/dp/B01708T7NA/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=hrm+run&qid=1554643521&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Below are what I have. Got them based on a lot of research and reviews. Great combination. Work flawlessly.

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Schosche HRM

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Urbanears Hellas Headphones

I use the Garmin Tri. In case you run, you'll get run dynamics, and if you swim it's waterproof. The chest straps are the more accurate you can get.

I have this pedometer on my Fun Things wishlist. I want to keep track of my steps and maybe get up to 10,000 a day.

Thanks for the contest. :)

I have this . It’s not a real Fitbit but does a great job for $30. It doesn’t link up with MFP but will show me calories burned in its own app called “VeryFitPro”. The most calories burned I ever had is when I worked at Amazon and was walking like 30,000 steps a day. But besides when I walked THAT much I agree, burning 2000 calories is a lot in a sedentary day

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B019Z5UZ8M/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1453474658&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=Mi+band+1s

I bought the Wahoo Tickr Fit, it's am armband style and works really well both in terms of accuracy and with DDPY

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B078GRMFSN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Honestly I would just go based off reviews on Amazon. I bought this one:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001U0OFCS/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Yes you will be fine do a little bit of cardio on lift days, I only said you will effect your gains because I think you had 1 hour of swimming which is intense cardio.

Get a o2 sensor and monitor your levels - something like this: https://www.amazon.com/BodiMetrics-Vibe-Sleep-Fitness-Monitor/dp/B01N6FUNNG). This can substantiate the sleep study, but if it doesn't.... Some of the newer CPAP-Bi-Pap machines actually need no "adjusting" as they auto-adjust, negating a sleep clinic for that.

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See whats happening to your body first. Just because no apenia, does not mean your lacking o2 when sleeping (I have both apenia and a lower resting o2 level - and low T)

Fitbit Ultra is probably your best bet. Not a full watch, but displays the time and tracks plenty of other things too http://www.amazon.com:83/Fitbit-Wireless-Activity-Sleep-Tracker/dp/B005PUONIK

I'd suggest springing for the HRM-TRI, regular HRMs are ~$40 on Amazon, HRM-TRI is ~$120, $80 difference and you get running dynamics and heart rate in the water.

As for the colors, man, it even seems inappropriate in casual attire, but I'll be ordering this Flat black strap on Amazon to try to subdue the watch, I'll try to upload/dm you pictures if/when I get it to give you a better idea of what it might look like.

I got mine yesterday, turns out it was $120 off, but if you don't want to drop $450, try the used ones on Amazon, then send it to garmin to have it refurbished for $110. The cheapest this moment Link is $280 with shipping, and it looks proper, but even if you get it refurbished, it'll still only run out to $390, saves you half as much as an HRM-TRI costs.

This is the best advice. I've had my polar for around 5 years now, it doesn't do some of the fancy stuff the new ones do, but it does what I need it to do.

http://www.amazon.com/Polar-FT7-Heart-Rate-Monitor/dp/B00NOLTQ2U

I can personally back up all the suggestions on the DC rainmaker article. The easiest and cheapest solution would be to try the Polar heart rate strap, which you can buy without their HR monitor.

I had the Garmin soft heart rate stap and both my wife and I had massive problems in the winter. We changed to the Polar stap and had 0 issues after that: http://www.amazon.com/Polar-Soft-Strap-Medium-XX-Large/dp/B007XCLU66?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

DC Rainmaker also suggests using electrode gel if you have issues, I found it helped when using the garmin HR stap, but because the polar resolved our HR reporting issues we haven't really used it.

If you are looking to replace your HR monitor, and are using a Garmin watch, my wife and I have had success with the new Garmin HRM-Tri, which is made of a different material than the soft heart rate straps. There is also a model strictly for running that is slightly cheaper http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-HRM-Run-Black-Red-Size/dp/B01708T7NA/ref=sr_1_11?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1462547828&sr=1-11&keywords=garmin+hr+monitor

THROW THAT WISH LIST OUT THERE

• Sumo Omni
  
  
• [Nike+ SportWatch GPS]
  (http://nikerunning.nike.com/nikeos/p/nikeplus/en_US/commerce/menhf=10002%5E4294967132%5E4294965464&t=Men%27s%20Watches%20and%20Fitness%20Monitors#/ll=en_US&ct=US&pid=406329&cid=102201&pgid=431911&p=PDP)
  
  
• Logitech G930
  
  
• ASUS 23" LED Monitor
  
  
• Samsung Internal Blu-Ray
  
  
• PS3
  
  
• Skyward Sword
  
  
• Super Mario 3D Land
  *Mario Kart 7
  
  
• Supra Cuttler Size 8.5
  
  
• FitBit
  
  
• Star Trek Blu-Ray
  
  Just like Link said, just gift ideas.

i really like this food journal

of course you could go for this dvd/bluray

maybe a pedometer?

I actually meant Zwift, not Strava. Theoretically you could probably use Zwift running on an elliptical.

All you need in that case would be your computer or tablet, a run pod (which sends data to the game from your foot) and an ANT+ or Bluetooth receiver if the pod isn't compatible with your computer. Zwift Running is free to use (cycling is $15 a month)...so you'd actually move around the virtual world. I assume you'll be slower on an elliptical but should still move.

Actually just looked it up...looks like foot pods don't work well with it. Wonder if you can use a Garmin watch to simulate a run.

Look at the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 or 3 or at the Fitbit Flex 2. They are lightweight. Look like a wristband and will sync your notifications with Android.

Not sure which monitor you have but I have this band and it works just fine.

Scosche Rhythm+ Replacement Strap... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XM1F36K?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

This. Myzone MZ-3 tracker. Evidently not the cheapest version of fitness tracker.

Thanks. This seems to be a good budget option.

Is there any place currently selling Garmin 45? Amazon says it will get it in stock in 1 or 2 month


Gotta admit though after searching zwift footpod on amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Zwift-RunPod/dp/B07KKM714S

These multiple negative reviews makes me hesitant

The chest straps work fine under water, but you have to get one like the Garmin HRM Swim (more targeted to pool swimmers) or the Garmin HRM Tri and pair it with something like the Garmin Fenix 5. None of these will give you a live reading, but the devices will sync when you're out of the water and end your workout to give you a plot of your workout intensity.

The wrist-based HRMs are fine when you're out of water, but they rely on light, so they don't perform well under water.

Edit: I apparently just gave bad advice: According to the Garmin Support page on using a heart rate monitor strap while diving, their straps are rated only for depths up to 5 ATM.

Garmin HRM Run with Running Dynamics. Great on a compatible watch for the extra data.
Garmin 010-10997-12 HRM-Run Heart Rate Monitor Strap, (Red/Black) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01708T7NA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Ib.NBb9ZP1Y7S

I have this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Polar-FT7-Heart-Rate-Monitor/dp/B00NOLTQ2U

I love it. It's not too chunky on my wrist. The only problem with it and I think you would run into this with any wrist worn HRM is that when I do Thrusters or anything that requires me to bend my wrists (front rack position) I sometimes turn off the monitoring because my wrist bends back and hits the off button on the side.

Get one of these. It's extremely cheap and well supported and does exactly what you're looking for and more. It pops off the band like this and it has 30+ day battery life.

I have not found one that links to a PC

My wife uses the garmin vivofit - synched to an ipad.

I use this low cost one

I also sync to her ipad.

The best way to block connections from your syncing device (android or ios) is with a host file on your router or pi-hole.

I also have both the garmin software and the my tracker blocked from accessing location data.

Is it this one?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XM1F36K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_GxA1Cb7BS0Z78