Activity trackers for small wrists

[Becky]

After all the problems I've had with my back, I've been getting out for a walk every day. I want to gradually increase my activity level, so I was thinking that an activity tracker that links to my phone would be useful. I don't need anything fancy, just something that tracks my steps each day and logs it on an app.

The problem I've had is that my wrists are really small (14cm / 5.5"). I tried Ian's old Fitbit and it just looked ridiculous - on the smallest notch it stayed where it should, but it stuck out either side of my wrist which was weird and uncomfortable. The issue is that it has a long flat bit in the middle which is inflexible, so even though it technically goes down to a small diameter, I am a human and whilst my wrists may be scrawny they are not 2D.

I've had a browse through the range on Amazon, but it's difficult to tell from the photos whether I'd have the same problem as with the Fitbit.

Has anyone got any experience with activity trackers that they'd recommend? Any help much appreciated!

 

[nivrip]

Could you wear some sort of thick bandage or dressing on your wrist to take up the slack? Not ideal, maybe, but a temporary measure till you find the answer?

Or just put loads of weight on.

 

[Becky]

Or just put loads of weight on.

 

[Becky]

Lol, funnily enough Fitbit have just announced that they're bringing out an activity tracker for kids, maybe that's the solution here??!

https://www.fitbit.com/ace

 

[Taffycat]

@Becky - I was just wondering whether you have considered a Fitbit Clip, so that you don't need to wear it on your wrist at all? You can get them for the Fitbit Alta and Fitbit One (probably others too, I should think. Might be a neater alternative for you. Here

 

[Becky]

Thanks for the suggestions @Taffycat, it's a good fall back plan. I have had a pedometer in the past that had a clip, but it got in the way quite a lot / I'd forget to put it on. I think I need to go and try on some options somewhere, I guess somewhere like Currys would be a good place to start.

 

[muckshifter]

Or just put loads of weight on.

 

[V_R]

I always thought they looked a bit odd at the best of times, I've seen someone at work with what looks like quite a small one, will ask them what it is....

 

[floppybootstomp]

The problem I've had is that my wrists are really small (14cm / 5.5").

Blimey, dems is skinny wrists!

I thought I had skinny wrists so I just measured their circumference thinking I bet mine are skinnier but they're not, my wrist circumference is 6.2"/16.5cm.

As for these fitness monitors, never heard of 'em, haven't a clue what they're all about.

I do a lot of walking and a moderate amount of cycling so I figure I get enough exercise. I would actually like to gain a little weight but I remain stubbornly at a steady ten stone.

I have never been to a gym in my life and I have no intention of doing so, just by way of mentioning

 

[V_R]

I always thought they looked a bit odd at the best of times, I've seen someone at work with what looks like quite a small one, will ask them what it is....

Apparently its just a generic no name one from Amazon, about £20. But its not as small as I thought, in fact on inspection its much the same as any other by the looks of it. Sorry.

 

[Becky]

As for these fitness monitors, never heard of 'em, haven't a clue what they're all about.

Some of them are pretty fancy nowadays! They do all sorts, but I just need something that tracks how many steps I do so I can make sure I'm steadily increasing my activity.

Apparently its just a generic no name one from Amazon, about £20. But its not as small as I thought, in fact on inspection its much the same as any other by the looks of it. Sorry.

Ah no worries, thanks for checking. Did they say it was any good? I've seen quite a few generic brand ones on Amazon, and given I don't need bells and whistles I was tempted to get one (assuming I can find a small one).

 

[V_R]

Well I don't have a basis for comparison but she has no real complaints. Mind you I think this is her first one, and she isn't too tech savvy so it could be complete garbage!

That said for ~£20 it might be worth a punt if the size isn't too big?

 

[Becky]

That said for ~£20 it might be worth a punt if the size isn't too big?

Yeah that's what I was thinking. There's a watch from the same company as our robot vac that looks fairly good (it's called the Mi Band), and it's only £23. I'm hoping that it has been designed with small Asian wrists in mind, and therefore might stand a chance of fitting!

 

[Becky]

I GOT ONE

Went for the Fitbit Flex 2 - it's pretty basic, doesn't have a HR monitor or anything, but it does everything I need and I fitted my wrist - hurrah! Tried one on in Currys / PC World but ended up getting it from Argos because they had a better range of colours (I would have been stuck with Lavendar otherwise). It was £50, and would have been £40 if I wanted to get a blue one. I went for black because it goes with everything.

Just had a quick look on Amazon and you can get all kinds of accessories for it. The tracker itself is very small, so it is easily hidden - there are bangles, necklaces, all sorts of things. Good for if you want more of a decorative look I guess!

It's charging at the moment, but I'll tell you more once I've actually used it.

 

[V_R]

Yay! Nice one.

 

[Becky]

Thoughts so far on the Flex 2...

Cons:

• No time read out, so can't be used as a watch.
• Strap doesn't have a traditional watch fastening and is difficult to click in place.
• Fitbit app seems to have borked my phone (notifications are all out of whack... not sure if it's the app or whether I inadvertently messed something up).

Pros:

• Reminds me to get up and move if I've been inactive over the past hour.
• Easy to use, does exactly what I wanted.
• Long battery.

Overall I'm really pleased! I took some photos to show you the original problem and how the Flex 2 fits...

This is Ian's old Fitbit on me - it's on the tightest setting and you can see how it sticks out either side:

This is the Flex 2 - far better:

 

[nivrip]

No need to put loads of weight on now, Becky.

 

[Becky]

No need to put loads of weight on now, Becky.

Well that's certainly good news for my back - I don't think it would take the strain!