Mostly Fitness Questions from a Fitbit User Looking to Switch

[Koshkaboo]

I currently use a Fitbit Versa and Fitbit Alta HR. I am, however, a longtime iPhone user. I have been interested in the Apple Watch but felt in some ways it was more limited than the Fitbit for certain fitness features. I am getting iPhone XS Max, however. I don't want to have to take a phone that large to the gym or use it when exercising. With my Fitbit using my Fitbit at the gym without my phone isn't an option. The Fitbit doesn't read heart rate very accurately during weight lifting. I use a chest strap then but Fitbit doesn't support a chest strap directly talking to the Fitbit. Instead I have to use an app on my phone which then later sends the data to Fitbit. That works...but I have to have the phone when I workout.

It has struck me that a solution to the above is to (1) get an Apple Watch with cellular and (2) have my chest strap work directly with the Apple Watch. That way I can just wear the Apple Watch when I workout and, when using the chest strap, I can just use the Apple Watch and won't have to use it with my phone.

The concerns I have are what I give up going from the Fitbit to the Apple Watch (I am aware that I get a lot of non-fitness related benefits from the Apple Watch).

So - some fairly specific questions. I have tried to research these but I am not sure how current some of the information is that I've researched.

1. Can you after the fact record a workout? For example, on my Fitbit if I went to the gym and used the elliptical for 20 minutes I don't have to tell Fitbit that I am about to use the elliptical. I can do that but I don't have to. That is -- I can wait until after I've finished and then tell Fitbit that I used the elliptical from 4:00 to 4:30 (or whatever) and it will record it as an elliptical workout. Will Apple Watch do that (I know the Apple Watch 4 can automatically recognize a workout so I'm not asking about that).

2. Can you edit a workout if you make a mistake. That is let's say I put in that my workout started at 4:00 AM when I really meant to say PM. Can I edit that or do I need to delete it and start over?

3. How does the Apple Watch do with counting steps on a treadmill? I know that Apple Watch is not as centered on steps as Fitbit is. Still -- I like to keep track. My Fitbit severely undercounts steps on my treadmill. My treadmill accurately counts them. So after the workout is over I delete what Fitbit counted and then re-enter the workout with the correct steps from my treadmill. This works but is tedious.

Is Apple Watch more accurate on steps on a treadmill (Fitbit drops about 1/3 of the steps on a treadmill)? If not, is it possible to manually enter the number of steps?

4. How does Apple determine resting metabolic rate? Fitbit uses the Mifflin St Jeor formula. What does Apple use? If its own formula, how does it compare to other recognized formulas?

5. I know that Apple Watch focuses more on active calories burned but there is a place on the phone app where you can get the total calorie burn. Does that include calorie burn during time you aren't wearing the Watch? That is -- if I take off my Fitbit to charge it for an hour, Fitbit will still count calorie burn during that hour just using the same (low) burn it would use during sleep. Is that what Apple does? For example, if I take the Watch off to sleep at night will my calorie burn include the burn while I was sleeping without the Watch is on?

6. I know the Apple Watch doesn't measure heart rate as often during non-exercise as the Fitbit does. Have those who have used a Fitbit found that they get more inaccuracy in calorie burn as a result?

Is there a way to force more frequent readings such as by telling Apple Watch that you are exercising?

7. I know you can do a complication that will show steps. Is there one for most recent heart rate? Also, is it still the case that they don't update in real time so you have to touch them to get them to update?

8. If you want to wear the Apple Watch more or less 24/7 how long would it take each day to charge?

Does anyone use two Apple Watches so you always have one to wear? This is why I use a Versa and an Alta HR. I replaced the Alta HR with the Versa for everyday use. I keep the Alta HR though and use it whenever I need to charge the Versa. Of course, that would be a much pricier option with an Apple Watch, but I was considering getting a used Apple Watch 3 just to use at night and then use the Apple Watch 4 during the day.

But if it doesn't take long to charge each day then maybe just get the Apple Watch 4.

 

[Lobwedgephil]

Pretty detailed post, I can't answer many questions as I haven't worn a Fitbit since the Apple Watch, but before that I always used a Fitbit. I tested them both years ago and found the Apple Watch to be much more accurate counting steps, heart rate. My old Fitbits would have many more steps then my Apple Watch, but I am sure that has improved.

I wear my watch pretty much all day, I use it to track my sleep as well. I charge it when I shower in the morning and when I shower after a workout, for me that is enough to last and never had an issue needed to charge it besides that. Hopefully you can get more answers, but the Apple Watch blew about the Fitbit for me when I switched, haven't looked back.

 

[matrix07]

I think the best way to switch from one platform to another is to not expect the next platform will do exactly the things your old platform did. Cherish what it does and not stuck in the past. This is the method I was using when I switched from PC to Mac. It serves me really well.
That said..

1. watchOS 5 has auto detection so it will alert you to ask are you doing Elleptical, and are you finished it.
2. You can’t input manually so there’s nothing to edit.
3. I never care to check.
7. There’s a new heart rate complication on a new infograph face and it’s really beautiful. You’ll love it.
8. Form my experience it just need no more than one hour to fully charge because I’ve never completely drained it.

You can use more than one Apple Watch with no problem.

 

[Koshkaboo]

That's all good news about the charging. It sounds like I could do what Lobwedgephil does and charge in the morning when getting up and then maybe in the evening. That would work OK.

Not being to input manually is a negative but it isn't something that comes up often so not a dealbreaker.

 

[ukms]

I agree with the advice of Matrix ... don’t compare them at a granular level. Just accept the features of AW and I’m sure you’ll be very happy. Before AW I’ve used both Fitbit for step counting (I’ve never used the most recent models) and various Garmin devices for running and fitness. I’ve dipped my toe back in garmin a couple of times since but always switched back to AW. There were some features I initially missed particularly being able to view data online rather than just on mobile app but that soon diminished. Ive gone through a phase of having 2 AW because of charging but since S3 I’ve had just 1 and find a gap in my day to charge usually post workout during shower and meal.

Personally now I don’t really pay much attention to step numbers any more.

 

[buckethead]

I currently use a Fitbit Versa and Fitbit Alta HR. I am, however, a longtime iPhone user. I have been interested in the Apple Watch but felt in some ways it was more limited than the Fitbit for certain fitness features. I am getting iPhone XS Max, however. I don't want to have to take a phone that large to the gym or use it when exercising. With my Fitbit using my Fitbit at the gym without my phone isn't an option. The Fitbit doesn't read heart rate very accurately during weight lifting. I use a chest strap then but Fitbit doesn't support a chest strap directly talking to the Fitbit. Instead I have to use an app on my phone which then later sends the data to Fitbit. That works...but I have to have the phone when I workout.

It has struck me that a solution to the above is to (1) get an Apple Watch with cellular and (2) have my chest strap work directly with the Apple Watch. That way I can just wear the Apple Watch when I workout and, when using the chest strap, I can just use the Apple Watch and won't have to use it with my phone.

The concerns I have are what I give up going from the Fitbit to the Apple Watch (I am aware that I get a lot of non-fitness related benefits from the Apple Watch).

So - some fairly specific questions. I have tried to research these but I am not sure how current some of the information is that I've researched.

1. Can you after the fact record a workout? For example, on my Fitbit if I went to the gym and used the elliptical for 20 minutes I don't have to tell Fitbit that I am about to use the elliptical. I can do that but I don't have to. That is -- I can wait until after I've finished and then tell Fitbit that I used the elliptical from 4:00 to 4:30 (or whatever) and it will record it as an elliptical workout. Will Apple Watch do that (I know the Apple Watch 4 can automatically recognize a workout so I'm not asking about that).

2. Can you edit a workout if you make a mistake. That is let's say I put in that my workout started at 4:00 AM when I really meant to say PM. Can I edit that or do I need to delete it and start over?

3. How does the Apple Watch do with counting steps on a treadmill? I know that Apple Watch is not as centered on steps as Fitbit is. Still -- I like to keep track. My Fitbit severely undercounts steps on my treadmill. My treadmill accurately counts them. So after the workout is over I delete what Fitbit counted and then re-enter the workout with the correct steps from my treadmill. This works but is tedious.

Is Apple Watch more accurate on steps on a treadmill (Fitbit drops about 1/3 of the steps on a treadmill)? If not, is it possible to manually enter the number of steps?

4. How does Apple determine resting metabolic rate? Fitbit uses the Mifflin St Jeor formula. What does Apple use? If its own formula, how does it compare to other recognized formulas?

5. I know that Apple Watch focuses more on active calories burned but there is a place on the phone app where you can get the total calorie burn. Does that include calorie burn during time you aren't wearing the Watch? That is -- if I take off my Fitbit to charge it for an hour, Fitbit will still count calorie burn during that hour just using the same (low) burn it would use during sleep. Is that what Apple does? For example, if I take the Watch off to sleep at night will my calorie burn include the burn while I was sleeping without the Watch is on?

6. I know the Apple Watch doesn't measure heart rate as often during non-exercise as the Fitbit does. Have those who have used a Fitbit found that they get more inaccuracy in calorie burn as a result?

Is there a way to force more frequent readings such as by telling Apple Watch that you are exercising?

7. I know you can do a complication that will show steps. Is there one for most recent heart rate? Also, is it still the case that they don't update in real time so you have to touch them to get them to update?

8. If you want to wear the Apple Watch more or less 24/7 how long would it take each day to charge?

Does anyone use two Apple Watches so you always have one to wear? This is why I use a Versa and an Alta HR. I replaced the Alta HR with the Versa for everyday use. I keep the Alta HR though and use it whenever I need to charge the Versa. Of course, that would be a much pricier option with an Apple Watch, but I was considering getting a used Apple Watch 3 just to use at night and then use the Apple Watch 4 during the day.

But if it doesn't take long to charge each day then maybe just get the Apple Watch 4.

After wearing an Ionic for almost a year (and other Fitbits before) I had almost the same list of questions before switching. Ended up just switching without knowing most answers and figuring things out as I go. Not using steps as my main metric daily and looking at active calories instead of total calories are the two biggest changes. Been wearing my S3 now for a couple of weeks and while there are some things I miss about the Fitbit system - overall I like the AW and Health system just as well.

1 - you can add workouts from the past directly into the Health app, but they do not seem to grab any HR or other data like Fitbit does.
2 - not that I can figure out
5 - not that I can find so this in turns make your question 4 irrelevant. I have not found any total calories burned within the Activity app (maybe another does it and can put the data into the Health app)
6 - not really no
7 - yes though not a instant one like the Ionic. On my S3 it shows the last reading and I think you can touch it to update.
8 - I charge it during showers and drinking my morning coffee.

 

[Koshkaboo]

Thanks that is useful. I have found from research that you can get a total calories burned (including the resting) on the iPhone activity app. That should be sufficient.

The biggest thing that I haven't been able to find is what method Apple is using the calculate resting metabolic. You have to have that to calculate both resting and active calories. Apple says it uses Age, gender, height, weight. Well, yes. But the point is that there are a variety of different formulas that are used to take that data and come up with resting metabolic rate.

For example, Fitbit uses the Mifflin St Jeor equation and says my BMR is 1265 a day. Everything Fitbit calculates for my calorie burn is based upon that baseline.

On the other hand, the Harris-Benedict equation would say my BMR is 1351.

So there is a big difference between the two. There are other formulas that determine this but those are the main two.

I have looked and can't find anything that says what equation Apple is using.

 

[Deguello]

Well, BMR from any formula is just a starting guess. It is exceedingly unlikely that your BMR matches any formula. If no one knows what Apple uses -- and it doesn't seem like anyone does -- it might even be a proprietary formula.

Really, though, for most purposes it doesn't matter. As much as that pains me. What matters is that the measurement (or calculation) is precise. Accuracy is far, far less relevant. As long as the device gives a precise answer, it's usable.

My main concern with the watch is switching over from Fitbit and losing years of tracking data, but maybe it won't be so bad with a slightly modified approach.

 

[Koshkaboo]

I have actually had mine tested so I do know my BMR. It is actually quite close to the Mifflin St Jeor formula (within 10 calories per day so really, really close). If that is what Apple is using I am happy enough.

As for whether the actual number matches you have a point. However, I use the calorie burn data plus MFP food data to determine if I am in a calorie deficit. It isn't exact, to be sure, but I don't want my calorie burn data to be off by a bunch. Basically I can currently use Fitbit calorie burn data off the shelf, so to speak, and don't have to adjust. I am not sure how that will shake out with the Apple Watch.

As far as losing years of tracking data, I won't lose that. I regularly export my Fitbit data so I have that.

 

[canyonblue737]

1. Can you after the fact record a workout? For example, on my Fitbit if I went to the gym and used the elliptical for 20 minutes I don't have to tell Fitbit that I am about to use the elliptical. I can do that but I don't have to. That is -- I can wait until after I've finished and then tell Fitbit that I used the elliptical from 4:00 to 4:30 (or whatever) and it will record it as an elliptical workout. Will Apple Watch do that (I know the Apple Watch 4 can automatically recognize a workout so I'm not asking about that).


YES, it will do so under watchOS 5

2. Can you edit a workout if you make a mistake. That is let's say I put in that my workout started at 4:00 AM when I really meant to say PM. Can I edit that or do I need to delete it and start over?

You can't manually enter workouts in the app. It has to be something the watch recorded and you can't modify it. It does have some decent logic in there so if you lets say start a workout and cancel it 30 seconds later it won't count it. I think you can download 3rd party workout apps that allow you to manually enter a workout and then have that sent to Apple Health and the Apple Watch although I don't use that.

3. How does the Apple Watch do with counting steps on a treadmill? I know that Apple Watch is not as centered on steps as Fitbit is. Still -- I like to keep track. My Fitbit severely undercounts steps on my treadmill. My treadmill accurately counts them. So after the workout is over I delete what Fitbit counted and then re-enter the workout with the correct steps from my treadmill. This works but is tedious.

I find Apple Watch is very accurate on a treadmill, even compared to Garmin watches etc. It does calibrate itself on your outdoor runs so it will get better on the treadmill once you have done some outdoor runs. Nothing is exact on a treadmill short of some high end footpads like Stryd (which works with Apple Watch if you want one)

Is Apple Watch more accurate on steps on a treadmill (Fitbit drops about 1/3 of the steps on a treadmill)? If not, is it possible to manually enter the number of steps?

It does not drop 1/3rd of steps, it is very close.

4. How does Apple determine resting metabolic rate? Fitbit uses the Mifflin St Jeor formula. What does Apple use? If its own formula, how does it compare to other recognized formulas?

I don't know but I found it close to Fitbit and Garmin, I think its certainly not "way off" and more than good enough to use with an eating plan in MyFitnessPal or LoseIt etc.

5. I know that Apple Watch focuses more on active calories burned but there is a place on the phone app where you can get the total calorie burn. Does that include calorie burn during time you aren't wearing the Watch? That is -- if I take off my Fitbit to charge it for an hour, Fitbit will still count calorie burn during that hour just using the same (low) burn it would use during sleep. Is that what Apple does? For example, if I take the Watch off to sleep at night will my calorie burn include the burn while I was sleeping without the Watch is on?

You can see total calorie burn AND active calories on the watch. It will still add resting burn while not wearing the watch. It won't use movement from your iPhone when the watch is off however which is a bummer as that could make everything seamless when charging. Try to charge during fairly inactive times if accuracy of daily calorie burn is important to you.

6. I know the Apple Watch doesn't measure heart rate as often during non-exercise as the Fitbit does. Have those who have used a Fitbit found that they get more inaccuracy in calorie burn as a result?

I was worried about this but it seems to haven't had any impact on calorie burn as if you starting moving a lot more it starts sampling more frequently.

Is there a way to force more frequent readings such as by telling Apple Watch that you are exercising?

Not really practical.

7. I know you can do a complication that will show steps. Is there one for most recent heart rate? Also, is it still the case that they don't update in real time so you have to touch them to get them to update?

I don't use this but I think its not a "live view" but the last sample etc.

8. If you want to wear the Apple Watch more or less 24/7 how long would it take each day to charge?

About 45 minutes. I do it when showering in the evening then wear it for sleep tracking. I never run low. I have about 65-75% at night when I charge if I do a 30-45 min run.

Does anyone use two Apple Watches so you always have one to wear? This is why I use a Versa and an Alta HR. I replaced the Alta HR with the Versa for everyday use. I keep the Alta HR though and use it whenever I need to charge the Versa. Of course, that would be a much pricier option with an Apple Watch, but I was considering getting a used Apple Watch 3 just to use at night and then use the Apple Watch 4 during the day.

Not sure.

But if it doesn't take long to charge each day then maybe just get the Apple Watch 4.

 

[Koshkaboo]

Thanks, canyonblue737. Exactly the type of feedback I was looking for. I do plan to wear at night but, for know, I will work on tracking it while showering or if I am just sitting at my desk. That looks like it will be adequate to allow me to wear it for sleep tracking at night.

I did go ahead and order and it is scheduled to deliver week of 10/12...hoping it will get here a little earlier than that.

 

[canyonblue737]

Thanks, canyonblue737. Exactly the type of feedback I was looking for. I do plan to wear at night but, for know, I will work on tracking it while showering or if I am just sitting at my desk. That looks like it will be adequate to allow me to wear it for sleep tracking at night.

I did go ahead and order and it is scheduled to deliver week of 10/12...hoping it will get here a little earlier than that.

yeah i basically always have a little downtime in bed before turning in so I just charge it when i shower and then, done in 30-45 minutes since I am only down to 65-75% at that time of day. I use AutoSleep which is amazing, it is just like your Fitbit in you don't have to do anything for it to record your sleep (and it is just as accurate or better) and then has an app on iPhone that shows a million graphs. It is even smart enough to take in consideration the movement of your iPhone so even if you are pretty still but suddenly pick up your iPhone in the night to use it there is no doubt you are awake etc.
[doublepost=1537403549][/doublepost]to add even more info since you seem like a data geek like me... Apple Health (the app on your iPhone) WILL total your walking steps / calorie burn among all your devices that send data to it and even set a priority for that data. this is just like Fitbit does with their many products. Apple Watch *always* has priority for data but if you take it off and place the Apple Watch on a charger and then go mow the yard with your iPhone in your pocket you WILL get the steps recorded and Apple Health WILL combine the step totals for the day. When two or more sources provide Apple Health data for the same period of time it will use the priority system to determine which data to use for that time. Sadly unlike Fitbit this "master" total in Apple Health is *not* sent back to the Apple Watch so the watch itself will only show what it recorded. However if you want to see a master total and use the iPhone (or Garmin band etc.) when not wearing the Apple Watch (like you do with your Versa and Alta HR) you can at least use the Apple Health app. Fitbit is the ONLY major company that does NOT send data to Apple Health so you are out of luck there (they want to keep people on their platform only.)

 

[Deguello]

I have actually had mine tested so I do know my BMR. It is actually quite close to the Mifflin St Jeor formula (within 10 calories per day so really, really close). If that is what Apple is using I am happy enough.

As for whether the actual number matches you have a point. However, I use the calorie burn data plus MFP food data to determine if I am in a calorie deficit. It isn't exact, to be sure, but I don't want my calorie burn data to be off by a bunch. Basically I can currently use Fitbit calorie burn data off the shelf, so to speak, and don't have to adjust. I am not sure how that will shake out with the Apple Watch.

As far as losing years of tracking data, I won't lose that. I regularly export my Fitbit data so I have that.

I get that, but BMR varies even for the same person and the MFP food data has margins for error.

I meant I'll be "losing" the data because it might not be applicable after i switch from Fitbit.

If you have MFP and Fitbit info, you should be able to sort out pretty quickly how far off Apple is from Fitbit esitmates.

Ive even thought about wearing both for a week or so to see how they compare on calorie count. I want to have a pretty fair idea of how my TDEE translates.

 

[canyonblue737]

and let me keep going as someone who came to apple watch from garmin and fitbit...

the single most genius thing about fitness on the apple watch is the MOVE ring. try to get yourself out of the mindset of 10,000 or whatever number steps you target on your fitbit. steps are great but everyone knows that 10,000 steps walking around your house isn't the same as 10,000 steps run for 10 miles followed by a day laying in bed. further everyone hates on fitbit when you lift, or ride a bike, or swim you either don't get the proper credit or have to manually enter the workout... but it STILL doesn't count toward your step total, and all the "awards" are based on steps. steps are not = to health, movement is. enter the apple watch move ring, a system where apple watch calculates the calorie value of your movements and activity outside what your body would burn normally just by being alive, ie. "active calories." by learning what makes your strong and healthy (and apple watch helps you figure this out) you create a personal target where your vacuuming, running, biking, swimming, yoga, rowing or whatever all contribute to the sum total of your health. steps for me are dead, you can see them buried in a list on the watch or even get a 3rd party app that lets you create fitbit like targets and awards for them... but for me and most of us apple watch users its all about closing the rings.

 

[iFan83]

I bought the AW3 after owning the FitBit Versa and the AW3 is a much better fitness and health tracker, FitBit Versa just isn’t that good... Although FitBit sleep tracking is outstanding!

 

[Koshkaboo]

Ive even thought about wearing both for a week or so to see how they compare on calorie count. I want to have a pretty fair idea of how my TDEE translates.

Oh, I am definitely going to do that. I do want to see that comparison so I can adjust. I do realize that none of this is exact in terms of calories burned or eaten...just want to be as close as possible

and let me keep going as someone who came to apple watch from garmin and fitbit...

the single most genius thing about fitness on the apple watch is the MOVE ring. try to get yourself out of the mindset of 10,000 or whatever number steps you target on your fitbit. ........ but for me and most of us apple watch users its all about closing the rings.

Yes, this was a big factor for me in deciding to go for the Apple Watch. Steps are not a great goal for me. I have a knew problem so I can't walk huge numbers of steps. I can't run at all. I do have a treadmill and can use it some. But, I also have an exercise bike and I do strength training at the gym. And, I have a pool and swim. So it will be nice to have other things counting toward my goal than just step based activities. I think this will be far more motivating for me.

 

[Deguello]

and let me keep going as someone who came to apple watch from garmin and fitbit...

the single most genius thing about fitness on the apple watch is the MOVE ring. try to get yourself out of the mindset of 10,000 or whatever number steps you target on your fitbit. steps are great but everyone knows that 10,000 steps walking around your house isn't the same as 10,000 steps run for 10 miles followed by a day laying in bed. further everyone hates on fitbit when you lift, or ride a bike, or swim you either don't get the proper credit or have to manually enter the workout... but it STILL doesn't count toward your step total, and all the "awards" are based on steps. steps are not = to health, movement is. enter the apple watch move ring, a system where apple watch calculates the calorie value of your movements and activity outside what your body would burn normally just by being alive, ie. "active calories." by learning what makes your strong and healthy (and apple watch helps you figure this out) you create a personal target where your vacuuming, running, biking, swimming, yoga, rowing or whatever all contribute to the sum total of your health. steps for me are dead, you can see them buried in a list on the watch or even get a 3rd party app that lets you create fitbit like targets and awards for them... but for me and most of us apple watch users its all about closing the rings.

Steps are my jam, though. I lost 125 pounds by paying attention to intake and steps.

It’s going to be a hard transition to something less concrete. I know what I have to do to hit 20K steps, so I can just duplicate that, but it will take me awhile to think of things outside of steps.