Fitbit vs garmin?

[herbgeek]

so I found out today that my company's $300 fitness reimbursement can be used for fitness trackers. So I have to buy one by the end of the year to take advantage of that. I have tiny wrists, and so want a narrow/small fitness tracker. I've whittled it down to 2 models: Fitbit Alta HR and Garmin Vivosmart.

I like the Fitbit styling and colors better, but the Garmin has an added oxygen sensor, for which it charges $30 more.

Any opinions on either? (I did read the fitbit thread from earlier this year.)

[KayLR]

I have a VivoFit that I like very much. It has all that I personally need on it, i.e., simple functions. It was also much less expensive at the time compared to the FitBits. That being said, I did not have a company reimbursement. If I had, I may have opted for the FitBit.

[Teacher Terry]

I had 2 Fitbits that didn’t last a year.

[KayLR]

Just to add on that VivoFit---you don't have to worry about them dying and needing recharging all the time. The batteries last a bit longer than a year I've found.

[ToomuchStuff]

So you have to allow the company access to your activities for your gym membership to be covered? (trying to understand)

[herbgeek]

So you have to allow the company access to your activities for your gym membership to be covered? (trying to understand)

No. You can use the money for a gym membership, personal trainer or fitness tracker.

For the fitness tracker, they just subsidize the purchase price, with the idea that you will be more active, and being less of a burden to the medical system.

[catherine]

I had 2 Fitbits that didn’t last a year.

My Fitbit is going strong at 18 months--same with DH.

My DD wanted a Fitbit to track heart rate, steps and sleeping, and she also wanted something smaller than the Charge 2, so I got her the Alta HR, and she really likes it. I know nothing about the Garmin, so I can't speak to which is better.

I'm sure you can do this with any fitness tracker, but I really like the interchangeable band thing. I have a few rubber ones in different colors, but I also bought a silver/metal band ($7.40) that is better when I'm working with clients.

[JaneV2.0]

I find this trend fascinating and kind of disturbing--micromanaging every bodily function every minute of the day--and maybe, eventually, sharing one's whole medical dossier with an employer.

Proud to say I didn't incur excessive medical costs for my employer, sluggish and contrary though I am. (I could have easily paid 30 years worth out of pocket if I'd had to.)

[catherine]

I find this trend fascinating and kind of disturbing--micromanaging every bodily function every minute of the day--and maybe, eventually, sharing one's whole medical dossier with an employer.

Proud to say I didn't incur excessive medical costs for my employer, sluggish and contrary though I am. (I could have easily paid 30 years worth out of pocket if I'd had to.)

I admit, I love my Fitbit. I was telling DD and her SO how it's actually strange: before I had a Fitbit I'd wake up and say, "I had a great sleep!" Now I check my Fitbit to see if I had a good sleep by checking the time slept in deep sleep, light sleep and REM.

But, being a data geek, I find it fun and insightful.

[JaneV2.0]

I can generally tell I slept well when I wake up in the same position as when I fell asleep.

[Gardenarian]

I have a Fitbit charge 2, no problems. I even dove into the lake (twice!) This summer and forgot to remove it, but it keeps on ticking.
For my particular exercise program and health issues, it is a big help

[Gardenarian]

Oh, and if you use reading glasses I would opt for one that has a larger display. I wouldn't want to have to look for my glasses whenever I check the time.