Is this the ideal fitness band for most people?
583143
This may be the ideal fitness band for most people. The design of the band and UI are very elegant and functional. This does all the basics right: counts steps, reminds you to walk, monitors sleep, and has a silent vibration alarm. The great thing about the vivosmart is the unassuming display and touch interface that lets you control almost everything directly on the band.

Step counting: While I've seen step counting be off by up to 10% sometimes, it is generally quite good, and sufficient for practical purposes. The band sets an updated step goal for each day depending on your activity levels in the past days. A simply double tap and swipe on the band lets you review steps taken and steps remaining to reach goal. The "move" bar is really useful, I'v found myself getting up and walking more thanks to the move reminders. It reminds you to walk after an hour of inactivity, with a very short gentle vibrate and "move" on the display. It does not badger you to walk if you don't want to.
  You can also start recording specific activities, such as a run, directly from the band display. The band continues to count steps as usual, but it keeps a separate record of your activity, so you can monitor your running or cycling.
  Like all other bands, it does not work well with ellipticals - the physics of the motion just won't create the same profile as walking, so it is a little too much to expect step counters to count elliptical strides.

Sleep monitoring: The band does basic sleep monitoring - it records stages of deep sleep and light sleep, and amount of movement during sleep. You set a window for your night time sleep, and the band automatically knows when you go to sleep and wake up around this window. You can also manually record naps directly through the band UI if you take an afternoon nap. There is no sleep monitoring (deep/light sleep) during naps, it only records the time napped and adds it to your overall sleep hours.

Silent alarm: Silent alarms are a great feature in fitness bands - they are the best way to wake up - I find audible alarms disturbing in the morning, and loud alarms can disturb others around you. The silent alarm is great on this device - it vibrates to wake you up, and it gives you the option to turn off the alarm, or to snooze, directly on the band UI. This is VERY useful, 'cos you can snooze the alarm (or turn it off) without shaking your hand or fiddling with your phone. Just touch "OFF" on the band to turn it off, or "zzz" on the band to snooze. The only issues with the alarms are - the band only supports one alarm, and it does not work with the sleep monitor to wake you up during a light sleep window. These are potentially things that can be added through a software update, hope Garmin takes notice.

Apart from these, there are loads of things you can do directly on the band UI:
You can turn off bluetooth on the band, to improve battery life
You can initiate sync or pairing directly from the band, making these activities very easy.
You can control band display brightness directly from the band
You can change the display privacy directly on the band
You can snooze or turn off your alarm directly from the band (I know I've mentioned this one before, but I love it)

Overall I am very pleased with the features and operation of this band. It has helped me up my general activity levels, and that is a win!
984793
My physical therapist uses bands during our sessions.  Since I also have to do the exercises at home, I purchased the Phantom Fit bands.  They're great for the exercises I have to do.  I've moved up to the medium band and can tell the difference from the previous band.  I've also tried using them for other exercises and love them.  I will probably continue to use them for different exercises after the PT is done.  They come in a pouch to keep the bands together.
1642614
Since it's not exactly a cheap purchase, I read up quite a bit before purchasing the Up band from Jawbone.  I had also researched the FitBit in depth before giving the Up band a go. I've had my band for over 1.5 months. What factored into my initial decision to purchase it? I liked that the band was smaller and looked less like a fitness band than the FitBit. Now, I'm not exactly an athlete but I'm totally digging this product. Mainly because it motivates me to move more. If you are a very visual person, this might be a good option for you.

What I love most about this band is that it vibrates as an alarm. The vibration is strong enough to gradually wake me up from a deep sleep but doesn't startle me. I've noticed that my mornings are significantly more pleasant since I've stopped using the blaring alarm on my iPhone. And since I have a desk job, it's nice that I can set it to remind me to move if I've been sitting for too long.

Since the band is around your wrist, it doesn't always track your steps. For example: if you are holding a cup of coffee or typing on your phone as you walk, it won't register the steps. That's both a positive and a negative since it's likely not recording when you are just lying in bed, also. I haven't noticed tracking steps during my sleep cycle either.

The band charges quickly when needed. I'll plug it in for 30 minutes and it's got another ten day charge to it. I usually do this when I shower because I don't want it to get wet (even though it is waterproof - just to be safe). Syncing is easy and quick. I do notice that the cap cover rotates a little after a while so it would be helpful if Jawbone included an extra cap with the product.

Overall, I'm very happy with my purchase. I don't go to the gym but I live in a commuter city so I'm still really active. It's nice to see the visuals and it encourages me to move more. I walk an average of 5 miles a day! Who knew?!

If you are an athlete, the FitBit might be a better option for you, if you are looking to track calories and all that jazz. But for the average person, give this band a go!

UPDATE: It's been almost four months since I purchased by Up band and I had to request a replacement. The button which switches from sleep to awake mode was stuck. The band still worked but the alarm would vibrate seven or eight times before I could switch it off. The customer service team was GREAT! I was able to correspond via email and they sent a new band out the same day. Overall, I still think the Up band is a great product and I'm really excited to continue using it.
3603209
I have nothing but good things to say about the band 2, keeps me focused on working out, the heart rate monitor is the most accurate I've tried thus far  (and I've tried them all).
371011
Previously I have used resistance bands typically given out by physical therapists. These are cut off a roll of material and usually require you knot them to for most exercises. They come in a variety of color-coded resistance levels. The Synergee Band loop (12") is made from much thicker material and as a result does not curl up on itself and seems much less likely to stretch with repeated usage. I have mainly used the middle three bands (green, blue and black) in the exercises I do daily to strengthen my lower body. The range of resistance between the lowest (yellow) and highest (red) should prove adequate for most people but the very athletic. A small brochure comes with the package giving examples of six exercises five of which focus on the lower body. Since the bands are rather short, upper body work requires some imagination  like finding something to hook the band over to do biceps, triceps, pecs, etc. The bands come with a small carrying case into which they can be neatly folded and stored.
3091198
The stretch band is what sold us. If you have a small wrist, this is the best type of band to deal with that, if you don't want a leather strap.

Even though the fit was pretty good, we still took it to a jeweler to remove a couple of links. Then, perfect fit!

As for looks, it appears more expensive than it is. The two-tone metal has a nice "muted" look to it, nothing too brassy or shiny. Other points: it has an easy-to-read face, it's easy to set, and it keeps great time.

All in all, a good purchase, especially for the price.
4710083
On the whole I dig it.  The only problems I have with it are the following: it is not accurate for HIIT/Crossfit training as it does not respond quickly to spikes in heart rate thus it under reports on the actual amount of calories burned during a workout.  Also, inactivity stamps are lame.  If I exceed my daily activity goal by a margin of 100% or more on some days (yes that happens nearly everyday) I don't need my watch to buzz at me and tell me it's time to move.  I workout two to three times a day everyday.  I do not need my watch to bug me about moving.  I move a lot and if I want to rest for an hour or more I don't want to be bothered by my "smart' watch to move.  Compared this to the FitBit Blaze and this one, though it's not 100% accurate, is way better than the FitBit piece of trash.  Just take it all with a grain of salt, don't become a slave to your smart watch.
88414
My fitbit blaze was bulky on my wrist...I can't yet speak to long-term quality (just arrived today) but the woven nylon band is so much more comfortable for my smaller wrist (however for larger wrists-folks, there are plenty of notches (I'm wearing mine on the  3rd notch out of 12)...Its looks sporty (which is my style and therefore great!) My fitbit blaze seems to fit perfectly in the band which is critical (or course!)
619225
I've had this almost a year, and have had no problems so far.  I've taken it hiking, swimming, to the gym, and in the shower constantly.

The band gets a lot of comments too.
2999515
these fitness bands are great. We bought a xiaomi band and the Jawbone up3 at the same time. After 1 day we decided to return the Jawbone. The mi band was just as accurate and more comfortable at 1/4 the price. The sleep tracking seemed to be a little better on the Mi band too. the only reason it inst 5 stars it because the App selection inst the greatest. You get the basic info you need but cant select the heart rate testing increments. There is not much support for 3rd party apps. Great band for the cost.
4206300
I bought it from BestBuy for $99 plus $20 warranty.  I think it's a great value comparing to all others.  It has all the smart watch functions I ever would use anyway but best of all, it is a fitness band and it does a great job for just that.  I have been very skeptical about smart watches in general and think Apple watch is a complete waste (I have a friend gave me two Apple watches as gifts and I refused them). I don't think I would spend $249 for MS Band 2. But for $99, it delivers more than what I had expected.  I read a lot of reviews here on Amazon before my purchase.  I love this band and kudos to Microsoft.
20642
These bands are the best fitness equipment money can buy.  They can be used at home, in the gym, at the park and anywhere you have enough space to pull them.  They can be used as additional gym equipment or your only gym equipment.  Must buy.
2892845
I'm using it daily.  I like that it syncs to the computer.  That is where I track my fitness (rather than the smartphone).  Other pluses are it is water resistant, affordable, and does not require recharging all the time (real plus if you like camping or backpacking).

However, it really does need the heart rate band sold separately.
4905517
I really like my Vivofit. I wear it all the time. I do think the move bar starts too soon. ( Before an hour of inactivity). It does get me motivated though, which is what I need. It's nice looking, light weight & easy to use. I do not have the heart rate monitor. I also use the sleep tracking mode as it gives me an idea of how much restful sleep I get.
752332
This band is everything I needed. I wear it everyday including during my workouts and haven't been disappointed.
442862
I am reviewing the red band, which is 2lbs - 15lbs. I own many bands and they are super beneficial to your workouts. either to use at beginning as a warm up, use as an assistant during lifts, use as extra resistance at the peak of the lift, use at the end for a burn out. Bands are awesome. I have been happy with this band. I will own many more and use them during most all of my workouts in one of the ways I listed above.

  1. Incredibly Cost-Effective
Resistance bands are inexpensive and can be purchased for under $10. Even more extensive kits, which may include DVDs and other exercise equipment, can be found for under $40, including Kathy Smith's Stay Firm Upper Body and Core Kit, which comes with a "figure 8" resistance tube that is specifically designed to challenge your core muscles.

  2. Adaptable for Multiple Fitness Levels
Whether you're a beginner or an expert, resistance bands are for you. They come in a variety of resistances, including light, medium and heavy, and you can further adjust the intensity of your resistance-band workouts by giving the band more or less slack. You can even use multiple bands at once to increase the challenge.

  3. Used with Familiar Exercises
You can often use familiar strength training moves with resistance bands, which means you don't need to learn a complicated new routine. For instance, resistance bands can replace the weights you use for biceps curls, or can increase the intensity of your push-ups.

  4. Whole-Body Exercises
Resistance bands can be used for a comprehensive, full-body workout that challenges virtually every major muscle group in your body.

  5. Save on Storage Space
Resistance bands take up virtually no space to store them, which means you can use them at home even if you have very little extra space. When your workout is done, simply stash them in a drawer until your next session.

  6. Excellent for Travelling
Resistance bands are lightweight and easily portable. You can stash them in your suitcase when travelling and use them to get a good workout right in your hotel room.

  7. Add Variety
Your muscles quickly adapt to movements you do often, which is why adding variety to your workouts is key for challenging your muscles. Resistance bands can be alternated with free weights and exercise machines for ongoing variety.

  8. Easy to Use Alone
It's not a good idea to lift heavy weights without an exercise buddy, but resistance bands can be safely used on your own. They're ideal for exercising any time, at home or on the road.

  9. Can Be Combined with Other Equipment
Resistance bands are so versatile that you can even use them along with weights, allowing you to get the benefits of two types of exercises at once.

  10. An Effective Workout
Resistance bands are incredibly simple, but they're also extremely effective at working your muscles. Additionally, resistance-band training can help you boost stamina, flexibility, range of motion and more.

I received these bands in exchange for my fair and honest review.
3590492
I've literally had it for 5 minutes and I am above the moon thrilled with it!
I'm a huge fitbit junkie and have had 4 different watches plus the scale. I try to only by genuinely real fitbit accessories but couldn't find a band that they offered that I actually liked. I figured I would try and off-brand and I am obsessed. It's the perfect combination of sporty and class!