fitbit flex | review | THE KLACKNERS

3.27.2014

fitbit flex | review

I heard of Fitbit a couple of months ago via another blogger (I can't remember who!!) and had to check it out. I'd been thinking about investing in some sort of fitness tracker but I always get overwhelmed by  the multitude of options. Can I get an amen? Seriously, there are so many different brands, and each brand has a few versions of their trackers. How is a girl supposed to choose?

My friends will be the first to tell you that I take a long time to make decisions when it comes to spending larger amounts of money. Hence the fact that it took me two months between when I heard of Fitbit and actually purchasing the product. I like to know the facts, the pros and cons, and I always read a few reviews and comparisons between that product and other brands' products.



In this particular case, I found that the features of the Fitbit Flex were all that I personally needed. It seems to be just as well-made as the other options out there, but with a less expensive price tag! And I love me some less expensive price tags.

SO WHAT EXACTLY DOES THE FITBIT FLEX DO?

The Fitbit Flex tracks your steps, distance traveled, your active minutes, and your calories burned. I did read a comparison review that said Fitbit's data seems to be generous when it comes to steps/distance and calorie count. However, I walk/run in my neighborhood, and I know the route I have to go that makes a mile and the Fitbit registers that mile correctly.  So I'm not sure that particular review is correct in this case.  Also, the Fitbit counts all of your calories, not just your active ones. It counts the calories you burn while sleeping, sitting still, etc. Check here for more info about the accuracy of the Fitbit Flex and here for info on how Fitbit tracks calories.




Active minutes are earned while doing cardio workouts and higher-intensity activities like jogging or running. Activities that aren't primarily step based, like lifting weights, have a much lower impact on your active minute count.

People have asked me what the point is of wearing a tracker like this if I already know how much I workout everyday. One of the great things about a fitness tracker is that you can set goals for yourself. In a way, it's a little like having a personal trainer living on your arm via a colorful band. :) I like being able to see what I've done everyday, if I've reached my goals, or if I need to do a little extra to exceed that day. I think it helps you keep yourself accountable.

Your stats are very easy to track via an app on your phone (which is what I use) or through your account on Fitbit's website. the Flex's band has five little lights that help you track your progress at any given time throughout the day. You simply double tap the band for it to light up. You have reached your goals when all five lights are lit.



Additional features include logging the food you eat/your calorie intake and logging how much water you drink. This has been really helpful to me and one of my favorite parts of having this Fitbit. I've actually really enjoyed tracking my calories (p.s. i hadn't logged all of my calories in the picture above. I promise I eat more than 0 calories a day!) I've never worried about my calorie intake before, and I'm not tracking it now because I'm trying to loose a lot of weight.  I just want to be more aware of what i'm eating and putting into my body, and this feature helps me do that.

One final feature I wanted to note is the silent alarm. I have a really difficult time waking up in the morning and frequently don't hear my alarm the first time, So I set two or three each morning. excessive, I know. With the Fitbit, you can set a silent alarm so that your band vibrates to wake you up. Since using it, there hasn't been one morning where I've missed my alarm! It is the best! I mean, I'm still super annoyed that it's time to wake up, but I'm awake nonetheless. :)


Okay okay, but is it comfortable? I think so! I wear it all day, and I sleep with it on so that I can track my sleep and utilize the silent alarm. It doesn't pinch or irritate my skin and it's never fallen off. Fitbit also offers this band in several colors, so you can customize it to your liking. I couldn't say no to this colorful trio pack. I'm obsessed with the teal!

Long story short, I would definitely recommend the Fitbit Flex. I know there are other products out there, and it's really all about finding the one that has all the features that you need. If you are looking for something that has all the basics, is well made, and is reasonably priced, this is it.

Do you use any kind of fitness tracker? Tell me about it!

| note: this review is in no way sponsored by fitbit. i just like the product and wanted to share it with you! | 
Amy said...

my brother has the fitbit flex (i think) and they are all being recalled!!! :( he isn't taking his back haha something about it potentially causing a rash for certain people, he hasn't had the issue so he is keeping it and he LOVES IT. he talks about how he competes with his friends mom on steps! hilarious!

Megan McIlvaine said...

they are actually recalling the Fitbit Force. it's a bit larger and has a screen display. some people are apparently allergic to the exposed metal on the Force, so they are recalling and redesigning! :) the Flex doesn't have any exposed metal, so they haven't had any issues there. yay!

Robyn Black said...

my dad uses the fitbit force i think - but it's very similar! :) he showed me everything it tracks and i thought it was really cool! definitely want to try out one of the fitbit trackers! :)

Amy Dawn Bishop said...

This looks interesting! It would be awesome to have a way to track all of that! Thanks for doing a review!
http://www.lovelydoesit.com

Betsy Gettis said...

My boyfriend has a wristband like this! I can't remember which one, but funny story…he was also looking at it for a while before he bought it, and woke up one morning to discover that he somehow ordered if from Amazon in his sleep…he didn't remember doing it! Luckily, sleep shopping is not a trend with him. :)

Jess Elyse said...

I might definitely look into this! If I had the money, I totally want a Polar HRM Watch. But, I like all the things that you can track and keep up with using this. And by comparing prices, this is much cheaper. I don't necessarily need HR (although it's important to know) and this one fits more of what I want to know! Thanks for the review! Definitely considering. :)

Megan McIlvaine said...

yeah girl! i really have enjoyed having mine! glad the review was helpful :)

Megan McIlvaine said...

bahahaha. i seriously laughed out loud at this! he bought it in his sleep!! it was meant to be ;)

Megan McIlvaine said...

no problem! i've been using my for two weeks and so far so good. still loving it!

Megan McIlvaine said...

yeah! two of my coworkers have the Force...they didn't send theirs back during the recall because they haven't had any skin irritation issues with theirs. haha.

Robyn Black said...

ha! my dad didn't either! they announced the recall like two months after he got it and he was irritated but then decided to keep it since it didn't bother him!

Chelsea said...

I've head such good things about this one!

Katy said...

Thank you for doing this review! I've been debating on getting one, but heard all kinds of reviews. Thank you!

Megan McIlvaine said...

i've been using mine for about 3 weeks and am still loving it!!

Megan McIlvaine said...

i definitely recommend it if you're looking for something that covers the basics! i haven't had any issues with mine.

Jenna Secrist said...

I'm definitely going to talk my husband into getting me one! I don't think he'd mind for me to lose the 10 pounds I've gained since our wedding. ;)

Ashlea McDonald said...

Hi! I found this post as I was researching possibly buying a FitBit FLEX for myself. Do you still use it and love it?? I'd love to know! :)

Meg McIlvaine said...

I do! I wear it every single day and still love it! I think for tracking the basics, it does a great job. I know Fitbit has created some newer fitness trackers that have some extra bells and whistles, but I haven't tried any of them. :)