BodyBugg SP Review

Small snippets about the Bodybugg SP, after wearing the unit for three-weeks;

The band is quite comfortable, much more comfortable than I expected.

The iPhone application is not a “true” sync. The unit will send foods to the server, but it is a lengthy process. The ONLY way to upload data to the server (for you to monitor on the computer) is to manually upload via USB cable. This part is time consuming, but I’ve gotten use to it.

The software does not support Google Chrome, which is my preferred internet browser. I had lots of problems before technical support determined the issue. Now I have a second firefox browser, which I find inconvenient.

The real time data displayed on the app is not entirely accurate. If you read the calorie burn on the app, then upload the data immediately afterwards the numbers will not match. Customer service said this is a known issue. They suggest I use the number uploaded by the usb cable. Be careful if you are close to your goal, because the number is always lower (50-100) than what the app reads.

The software seems a bit buggy, but appears to function correctly is you follow an EXACT protocol.

The program does not allow you to log food for the next day. This would be ideal for me to do when I have to work at the fire department, because I usually pack my meals and don’t have time to log the food.

The armband unit is NOT water proof. I’d like to know how many calories are expended while swimming, but this is not an option… other than manually entering the data.

Able to upload food via the app, but it takes a little navigating.

The online program will not allow you to record your body weight more than once a week, which seems to be logical and beneficial to OCD'ers like me. Body fat percentage can only be recorded once every two weeks.

There are lots of online tutorials and PDF files to read on the main page. Some of the stuff was reasonably beneficial.

Everyone online praised the coaching session. I had my consultation this morning and it was lame. The “coach” seemed rushed and didn’t tell me much more than I already knew. Many of the people said their session lasted 45+ minutes. I was done in less than 15-minutes.

Even with these minor flaws, I’ve been overly impressed with the unit, there again; I’m a sports technology geek. I’ve learned a lot about my calorie burn. The scale mirrors the program, which is all the proof I need to validate the product.

I’ve been concerned about the low calorie burn while cycling, but the BB coach stated the unit is not as accurate with cycling as it is with other activities because cycling is vastly done by the lower body. hmmm.....

Tip: Buy a second strap. If you are constantly sweating like me, the unit is nasty after just a couple days.

My data since purchasing the unit on June 3, 2011 (the numbers are a bit off, because it recorded the first day. I receive the BB in the mail late the first day and didn't have much of a burn and I didn't record all my meals);

Average daily calories burned: 3,927
Average daily calories consumed: 2,042
Average daily deficit: 1,884
My goals are set for;
Burn: 4,000
Consume: 2,000
Deficit: 2,000

As you can see, I’m right on target. Weight loss has been 16-lbs in 16 days since I started using the Bodybugg.

I would recommend this product, but would be cautious to recommend the SP edition to anyone not comfortable with a lot technology.