Fitness Reviews By Haley / 10 years ago Share Tweet Pin Share BodyMedia Fit Band Reviews: the LINK Armband Weight Management System BodyMedia LINK Armband Weight Management System is the same armband that’s featured on the show The Biggest Loser andhas been endorsed by Jillian Michaels. It is “wearable technology” proven to help you keep track of daily activity and give you the information you need to lose weight and get in better shape. The system tracks how you move (and not just when you move), expend energy, eat and sleep. You will learn how your body is functioning so you can make better choices to feel your personal best. 1. What Does the BodyMedia Band Do? This device is worn around your upper arm and measures your activity level all day – and night. It monitors how many steps you take and how many calories are burned accordingly. For example, it can distinguish between the number of calories burned running up stairs verses going down stairs. It also can tell how much and how well you sleep by monitoring excessive movements and how long you are lying down, among other ways. Studies have shown that this is the most accurate fitness and sleep monitor on the market. The monitor is giving you over 90% accurate information which really empowers you in making fitness and nutritional choices. The difference is because the sensors are directly touching the body so the armband can measure much more than simply movement. For a small device that fits on your upper arm, this equipment is packed with information collection abilities. It is able to capture over 5000 data points per minute. Its sensors within the armband are able to detect body temperature, sweat, and even the heat that leaves your body. Correlating the information allows it to calculate how much you’re working with different activities based on your personal information such as body size. Even better is that the data that’s gathered from the monitor can be read seamlessly by smartphone or Bluetooth-enabled tablet. The armband wirelessly transmits the information to your app and then you can track the information and see your progress over time. 2. How To Retrieve Data the Band Tracks To be clear, in order to display data, the armband needs to connect to an Activity Manager online, which requires a low monthly subscription (6.95/mo.) When you compare the cost “food clubs” (like NutriSystem), it is not a big deal in my opinion. And the amount of information they provide (and it’s all about you!) is sick. No other apps can let you pick a point out of the day and see how many calories you burned right then (that spin class was SO worth it!). 3. How to Use the Data When you are in the Activity Manager you can do some interesting things. First, as you continue to log in your foods the app gains a memory of them. It helps you come up with recipes using food you like. Tell the app you want to lose ten pounds – it will tell you how to do it, giving you your own plan. For example, choose 2 lbs./week and voila, how many calories to burn, how many to consume, and what date you will reach the goal. You can also use the app to record what you eat so that it can keep track of the calories you consume. You simply log into the app on your phone — it’s easy to import nutritional data from apps like MyFitnessPal* — and add your info into the Activity Manager. You’ll also get useful feedback from the FIT coach on how to burn more calories or reduce consumption. A lot of people love this to the point of setting all kinds of goals for themselves: another half-mile, a smaller cafe mocha…it all adds up. After analyzing all of your date, the software will make some suggestions for changing your food intake, activity level, or sleep quality. This feedback isn’t generic – it’s based on your individualized information. BodyMedia LINK Armband Weight Management System The battery life for this armband is about four to five days. Charge the battery with the included USB cord. You’ll just need to pay attention to the battery life monitor. You will also need to remove the armband when you shower. But other than a low battery or water conditions, you can wear this armband all of the time. Most customers who have purchased this monitor report that it’s comfortable and can be adapted for a wide variety of arm sizes. They also feel the data is very accurate, and more importantly, using the armband has helped them make good decisions toward their weight loss and/or fitness goals. If you’re ready to make a change, or even learn more about how your body is performing with your current level of nutrition and physical activities, the BodyMedia LINK Armband Weight Management System can help. You’ll definitely learn more what you’re eating, how you’re sleeping, and how many calories you burn. The app is compatible with Sparkpeople, Runkeeper and MyFitnessPal* too. 4. Pros and Cons Pros: Most accurate to date Progress tracking (with subscription) Custom FIT Coach Activity Manager Compatible with popular and helpful apps Cons: Some people complained of a burning sensation on their arms. It is recommended to be sure the skin is completely dried after showering before putting on the armband. Monthly subscription required to track data. Although it’s less than $7/month some users didn’t like that. Other devices have progress lights built in; with the Media band you need to log on or open the app to check progress. Note: The company is now owned by Jawbone, so there will likely be some changes. Jawbone has been credited with better sleep and food tracking so this can only improve future versions of the armband. 5. How Does the BodyMedia Armband Compare with the Fitbit wristband? There are a few differences. The Fitbit doesn’t require a monthly fee, true. But it only is able to monitor movement, not the degree of difficulty so cannot accurately measure calories burned. The band is slimmer and is worn on the wrist verses on the upper arm for the BodyMedia armband. The Fitbit does have a silent alarm to wake you without bothering your partner. An aside here: how many people care about not waking their partner? I would use it, instead, by setting it to go off hourly or whenever to remind me to get up and move around. The Fitbit is more social. The company encourages motivation by earning badges and fosters a strong online community The Fitbit is waterproof Both products shine in their ability to help people get motivated and take an interest in their health. *MyFitnessPal is a free app with a database containing over 3 million foods. It’s a cinch to log meals, and they have a free barcode scanner and online community. Also recommended: the Withings wi-fi scale. It’s a real scale with wi-fi that syncs with MyFitnessPal. If you want to really be accountable. 🙂 Withings Wireless Scale WS-30, Black More Uses for BodyMedia It helps people with sleep apnea. From the National Institute of Health: “…is a reliable method for determining sleep in patients with OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea)…” The company is working on ways to help diabetics As well as remote elder care and more More Reviews CNet Article by Danny Sullivan Weighty Matters
