Importing HR Data Into FitBit - Any 3rd Party apps yet?

[adammiarka]

It is my understanding that FitBit has released a new API which would allow access to both read and write heart rate data

https://wiki.fitbit.com/display/API/Fitbit+API

My question is has any 3rd party app (RunKeeper, DigiFit, MapMyFitness, etc) been updated to write HR data to a FitBit account?   As nice as the Charge HR is for measuring resting heart rate, I have issues with it trying to keep up during a more intense workout.   Supplementing another app that could write heart rate data to my account would help get a better picture from day to day.   

[SunsetRunner]

That article was updated 2 days ago and says "coming soon". It has not yet been released. As to the 3rd party apps, you would have to specifically ask them. Fitbit has no control over it. They justy make the API available.

[kaligirl2]

I have sent a request to Jim McAndrew (jim@syncsolver.com) asking for heart rate to be added to Sync Solver.

I'm specifically interested in seeing my heart rate during zero balance massage and meditation (consider both preventative medicine...)

[kaligirl2]

@adammiarka - I have a Surge, so not sure what the Charge HR can do, but have you tried logging a workout? I've logged walking, shoveling snow, meditation, massage, etc. and get a great graph of heart rate.

[adammiarka]

Hi @kaligirl2 

Yes, I logged workouts everytime I tried to get good readings.   I even switche the HR sensor to always on during these, but it was still an issue.  

The problem is that the Surge and Charge HR are not accurate for me at all and was looking to go back to supplement heart rate data with something that is more accurate (chest strap, Mio, or Scosche Rhythm+).   The idea would be you use another app to log your workout, then import it, with heart rate data, in to your FitBit account.   This would be the best of both worlds as the heart rate during exercises are not accurate.   

[adammiarka]

Going to push this thread back up again.   Has there been any 3rd party apps released that will push heart rate date into FitBit?   I beleive they opened their API to allow for this, but it's surprising that I can not find any apps that take advantage.  

[Fzara2000]

Maybe try Moto Body?

I have a moto 360 smart watch and they just added third party integration into their app.  I know moto body counts steps, heart rate, etc. but i'm not sure if the third party syncing with Fitbit works yet.

[ghoover11]

Base Runner, I agree with you.  I bought the Surge on Black Friday and use it for interval weight training, treadmill, running and walking. Even though I am all in on Fitbit, I would like the option to use a chest strap for data on my interval weight training, since Surge's results fluctuates too much.  Or I could use a 3rd party app that would transfer heart rate data to the Fitbit app. Nothing against Fitbit, but I would just like the option of a more accurate reading on some of my exercise since the Fitbit app is my primary.

I think Fitbit should strongly consider providing the option for chest strap data to go directly to the Fitbit App, or buy and retool a third-party app to provide this service. Thanks, I'm a huge fan of Fitbit and request a spiff for all the promotion and marketing that I have done for Fitbit:) Oh, and I would like to thank Fitbit for helping me lose 30 lbs and leading a much more active and healthy lifestyle.

[maisy06]

I found out by accident that my polar chest strap works with the Fitbit app, I wanted to compare the chest strap with the charge hr and afterwards I found both workouts on the Fitbit dashboard. I love my polar h7 so I'm pleased it works with Fitbit, I think the polar data syncs with my fitness pal and then my fitness pal data is sent to Fitbit.
The only problem I have is I'm not sure if i should take the charge hr off when using the polar strap.
When I used both together it showed both workouts on the dashboard but I think only one set of calories were included in calories burnt.
When I used just the polar but kept the hr on (not in exercise mode) only the polar exercise was shown on the dashboard. It still records steps though which is good when doing a step workout.

[tastybrew]

A workout synced through MFP but aren't the HR values for both activities the same - from your Charge HR?

[maisy06]

Yes, it is just the calories that are synced through my fitness pal, the heart rate data is from the Fitbit. It's a shame there is no way to bring the heart rate data over from the chest strap but at least the calories are brought over. in my workout today I noticed the charge hr lost the heart rate at least 3 times when I checked it so at least I know the chest strap was working the whole time.