Using a Fitbit while holding a sparing pad?

[PerfectBlue]

Has anybody ever used a Fitbit Charge HR while holding a sparing pad. Either for boxing or Martial Arts?

Mostly, I need to know two things:

1) Will the force of somebody punching\kicking the pad while I hold it harm my Fitbit. Presuming that they only kick the pad not my wrist (G forre\Shock).

2) Would that kind of shock throw off the readings. EG, would it count somebody punching a pad while I held it as me taking a step?

Yes, I know that i can always use the other hand, but I'm interested none the less.

[Carmen324]

Great question! I was wondering the same thing... I read somewhere that we're supposed to wear the fitbit 2-3 fingers above the wrist... but even then, with the pads it doesn't feel like its placed right... Hoping someone else can give input on this.

[PerfectBlue]

It would be interesting to know what the shock\G rating of a Fitbit actually is.

I suppose that using one with sparing pads couldn't be that much worse than an intense game of squash?

[TheSmokey]

Hi,

I have been using a Fitbit Charge for about seven or eight months, and recently switched to a Fitbit Charge HR (gadget nut). My Wife uses a Fitbit Flex. We both wear our Fitbits during kickboxing, and have suffered no shock or g-force related issues (and my wife has a seriously mean rear round house kick). We wear our own hand pads for pad work (punching, round house kicks) and use the dojo shields when required for heavier body kicks that are difficult to use a small pad for (front kick, side kick, etc), as the workout demands.

My only concern is our gloves cover the Fitbit on my wrist, and I worry about the strap breaking. But it hasn't, and I doubt it will (worrier by nature).

I wouldn't wear my Fitbit during my jiu-jitsu class, though. More of a chance it could get damaged there during a throw or grappling. But that's more personal preference than personal experience.

As for throwing off readings, here's a picture of my lastest kickboxing workout (I held down the button to start an exercise at the beginning of class). Looks good to me. Starts with a warm-up (shadow boxing), stretching, holding the pads for partner, switching, holding again, switching, holding yet again, switching for the final time and a fast paced workout at the end. Stats at the end cut off in screenshot are 2048 steps, 500 calories and 43 active minutes.

Hope this helps,

Allen S.