Any Fitness Tracker for Kids?

[JamesSonger]

Hi;

I intend to buy a gift for my little cousin this december (He's 13), I have been looking around for the right activity tracker to get him (I am sure he would love it); but I am yet to find one that really make sense to me. 

I read something about kids fitness tracker; (here) they recommended some; but i'd like a first hand recommendation from those that have gotten one for their kids. I am more interested in something that would motivate the kid to be more active without seeing fitness as a "burden" sort of.

[WendyB]

I see several on Amazon. I would look there and read the reviews it could help make your decision

[Mukluk4]

Kid tracker for a 13 year old seems like a waste as he/she will outgrow it rather quickly.  A fitbit or the like would be a better long term item.

[JamesSonger]

Thanks... I just wish there is something that can be used as a "starting point" motivation for kids under the age of 14. I checked amazon but the ones I saw on there are not really great. Maybe I would wait till next year and get something different this year.

Thanks though.

[Heybales · Accepted solution]

Good call.

Because the basic formula's used for metabolism and exercise calorie burn are for adults - not kids' bodies.

So the math would be all off, and if calories started being a concern and it badly influenced eating habits - worse time to start that is as a kid.

Now a general pedometer just to show steps, with no attempt at calorie burn for the day, perhaps just for the walking aspect - might be useful.

Not as bad encouraging more activity - though that can go awry too with someone with body dysmorphic problem.

[JamesSonger]

Yes, that's true. Calories intake and usage should not be a concern for kids; except when their BMI is fairly above normal. I concur that a pedometer will do. 

Thanks.

[Atomic77]

I would think if your going to get a kid a fitbit I would go with a zip its the cheapest and most non complicated one that they make. I don't have kids or a tracker yet so I would not know much about it.

[JamesSonger]

Just seeing this... Thanks though.

[Shrinking]

I just bought my daughter a Flex today. Yay for Mothers Day sale! The problem we are having with pedometers is they keep falling off. At $6 each, that gets expensive fast.

[ahirschi]

How does your daughter like her flex?  My kids want one but I am worried about the wristband not staying on.  We also have the same problem with pedometers always falling off.

[adamlove]

@Shrinking and @ahirschi and everyone having problems with fall off of their devices, i would advise you get a fastener from amazon as soon as possible.

Hope this helps.

Regards

AdamLove

[ahirschi]

We did, thanks.  My kids love their fitbits.  They are so much more active which in turn makes the reat of their fitbit friends now active because who wants to be beat by a 7 year old.  


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