The bodybugg system, often mistakenly referred to as "body bug" or "bodybug," is an armband device that connects to a computer and website that tracks the number of calories burned and consumed throughout the day. It is marketed and sold extensively by the fitness chain, 24 Hour Fitness.
How Does the Bodybugg Exercise and Calorie Counter Work?
After getting the device, follow the steps to install the web-based software and connect the bodybugg device to the computer with a USB cable. The software will ask some questions to figure out the number of calories it believes the user should eat. The web-based software requires the installation of Java as well.
After configuring the bodybugg for the first time, it's time to wear it on the upper arm. Except while wearing a sleeveless shirt, it's difficult for others to tell that the user is wearing the armband device.
It's best to wear the device during the entire day, including during sleep, in order to improve accuracy of the number of calories burned. If the owner does not wish to wear the armband while in bed, the number of calories burned during sleep can be estimated.
The number of calories burned is estimated by the device by the following:
- motion (built in accelerometer to count the number of steps and other motions)
- skin response (when the user is more active, the skin becomes electrically conductive)
- thermometer (used to measure the user's temperature)
The armband is powered by one AAA battery. It needs to be changed approximately once per week.
Weight Loss With the Bodybugg
Weight loss involves burning more calories than are consumed via food. In order for the system to know how many calories are consumed, food data must be entered onto the bodybugg website. The device is not capable of figuring out what food was put into the user's mouth. However, any diet will work with this device. The food logging into the website is actually very user friendly and easy to do. Nevertheless, it's up to the user to be accurate as to how much food is consumed. For example, did that piece of chicken weigh three ounces or five ounces?
Throughout the day, the bodybugg measures the amount of physical activity. Obviously, exercise will greatly increase the number of calories expended during the day, providing an extra motivation to go to the gym.
Periodically, the user needs to weigh herself and input that number onto the website. A goal weight and timeframe are also needed to calculate the amount of calorie deficit needed per day. After doing all weight calculations for the week, the program lets the user know accurate the food log was.
Disadvantages of the Bodybugg
The price of the bodybugg is the biggest drawback. The initial cost of the device starts at $199. It comes with a free 12-month subscription to the bodybugg website, which is required to manage the data from the device. After the initial free bodybugg subscription, the cost is $9.99 per month.
Another disadvantage is that without the optional digital watch, it's not possible to monitor the number of calories burned on-the-fly. The cost of the watch is $79.99.
The final disadvantage is that the calorie count is not totally accurate. The manufacturer estimates that the calorie estimates are 90% accurate.
Despite the expense and shortcomings in the bodybugg, the device is overall an excellent tool for dieters to track their caloric expenditure throughout the day in order to make the diet and exercise changes that contributes to weight loss.
Those who already have the device should proceed to read about the specific steps for bodybugg weight loss.
Dieters interested in related articles may also want to read about low carb running as well.
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