Garmin Vivofit Review 2015

Hello, today we will be reviewing the Garmin Vivofit fitness tracker. We will be going over many of the device’s features. We will then discuss what the benefits of those features are and how they can help you achieve your fitness and lifestyle goals. This review will also talk about any of the shortcomings of this wristband and compare it with other fitness wristbands in its class, like the Fitbit Flex and Jawbone UP24. We will also learn about what current users have to say about this device.

Overview, Critique and Comparisons

The Vivofit is part of a growing range of lifestyle, activity and fitness trackers in the market today. The device allows a user to track their calorie intake, activity level and sleeping patterns. These devices come with the ability to synchronise user readings to a dedicated app on a smartphone, tablet or computer. This information can provide the wearer with the insight necessary to allow them to make decisive and long-term changes to their overall health and well-being.

The Garmin fitness wristband comes equipped with a digital display allowing you to monitor your progress through real-time statistics. It also tells the time, just like a real watch! This is one benefit which sets it apart from its nearest rivals on the market today. By comparison, the UP 24, which features no display, while the Flex, which only provides a simple analog system for keeping track of progress. Although all three can be connected to smart devices or computers where meaningful stats can be viewed, only the Vivofit provides a visual interface.

Another big difference is that the Garmin has a long-life battery which only needs changing once a year. The UP24 and Fitbit are charged at the powerpoint, a recharge lasting from between five and eight days, depending on the device and usage. The Vivofit is also unique as it provides an inactivity feature, which is pretty neat and will definitely keep you on your toes and headed for your daily targets and lifetime goals!

So far we’ve talked about how wonderful the Vivofit is and don’t get me wrong – this is a great device, but it does have some drawbacks which you should be aware of that may influence your decision-making. Firstly it’s prone to syncing issues and its Bluetooth connection is not super-fast either. Although it has a display, it is not back-lit, which means use in low-light conditions can be compromised.

The Garmin app is not in the same league as those of the Flex or UP 24, in fact it’s pretty basic. If you’re after a worry free experience here, I would definitely go with one of other brands. But if you need the ability to monitor your stats on your hand, without resorting to viewing it on a smartphone then the Vivofit is the one for you. Same with heart rate, only the Garmin provides this feature, with its optional heart rate monitor.

What are Some of the Features?

• Move Bar – Motivates you to be active throughout the day by displaying a red move bar after one hour of inactivity. Additional segments light up for every 15 minutes of inactivity. Just walk for a couple of minutes to reset.
• 24/7 Wearable – Stylish, comfortable and water resistant2 wristband that is always on and ready to go.
• Long battery life – Stays on for more than a year without having to change the battery. Easy-to-read display – View the time of day and your stats right on your wrist.
• Achieve your goals – Vivofit learns your activity level and assigns a personalized goal each morning. Count calories – Records calories burned throughout the day including base metabolic rate.
• Monitor your sleep – Set the sleep mode when you go to bed to track the quality of your rest.
• Learns your activity level and assigns a personalized daily goal
• Displays steps, calories, distance; monitors sleep
• Pairs with heart rate monitor for fitness activities
• 1+ year battery life; water-resistant
• Save, plan and share progress at Garmin Connect

How do these Features Benefit You?

Personalised Daily Goals

The tracker monitors your current activity level, and sets you a goal for the day. It’s a stretch but certainly attainable. Bit by bit, as you clock various milestones in you progress, it will guide you towards a remarkable transformation in fitness and lifestyle. To keep you motivated the Garmin Connect online fitness community provides virtual awards and a way to keep score of your progress.

It Tells the Time and Tells You When to Move

It’s been shown that long bouts of inactivity, such as being desk bound lowers the body’s ability to lose fat, as the enzymes necessary for that are reduced. This trend can be reversed by taking frequent activity, such a short walks throughout the day, if only you can remain motivated, or even remember! The Vivofit is your constant companion and guide here. After just an hour of inactivity visual cues remind you that it’s time for a stretch and a walk.

Keeps You Moving

As you progress the device has some additional features built-in to keep you on your journey to better health. By bundling it with an optional heart rate monitor (HRM), the Garmin can keep track of your cardiac activity, to provide you with more accurate information, which you can use in a number of fitness activities, such as a during a cross-fit class. To keep you going you can share your stats with other users, family and friends. Organise contests and gain online badges and rewards. It’s been shown that by sharing this data with others you can obtain your fitness goals that much sooner.

Your Constant Companion

There’s no need to take it off.  The battery can last up to a whole year. The wristband is also water-resistant.  You can wear it in the shower, or run out with it in the rain, it’s hassle-free. While you rest the built-in sleep mode will monitor your sleep and provide the insights needed to fine-tune your rest and active periods.

Get Synced!

You can connect online with a touch of a button, either from your PC or a compatible mobile device, for an in-depth view of your progress. Join with other users on the Garmin online community. Set goals and achieve virtual rewards as you reach new milestones.

Conclusion

The Garmin Vivofit provides the tools to improve your total wellbeing on a daily and lifelong basis. It gives you the motivation to get active and stay active, entrenching small changes into lifetime habits. Also it’s the only fitness wristband that sets an individualised daily target and reminds you when it’s time to start moving!