Manuals and On-Line Documentation

Where can I find manuals and on-line documents?

You can find information about BodyMedia^® FIT and get help in these documents:

Order Processing

Does BodyMedia FIT ship outside of the United States? What about Canada?

BodyMedia FIT currently ships throughout the United States and Canada with the exception of the Province of Quebec. We regularly assess regional and global demand and update our policies accordingly. Please check back for changes in BodyMedia FIT availability.

Why do I sometimes see references to NetSuite?

BodyMedia uses NetSuite for order processing and occasionally you may see the URL address line change to netsuite.com.

Can I purchase a gift?

Yes. Click the "Shop" tab and the select the "Gift" Category.

Why do I receive an error message when I try to purchase more than one Armband?

Each subscription requires one Armband and one unique e-mail address. The subscription is tied to the e-mail address used to register and purchase at bodymedia.com. If you are trying to purchase an Armband for someone else, choose the "GoWear fit Gift" offering. The "GoWear fit Gift" comes with a free month of subscription for the recipient. The gift recipient will then register with bodymedia.com and associate a subscription with their account.

Subscriptions

How do I purchase multiple Armbands?

Subscriptions to the BodyMedia FIT Activity Manager are bundled with our Armband offerings. If you want to purchase an Armband for someone else choose our Gift offering. You may purchase as many gift Armbands as you like by clicking the "add to cart" button. Clicking the "add to cart" button multiple times will add multiple gifts to your shopping cart.

What are the subscription prices and terms?

BodyMedia FIT Activity Manager subscriptions are available in 12 month, 6 month and month-to-month commitment terms. Pricing is $6.95 per month with a 12-month commitment, $9.95 per month with a 6-month commitment, or $12.95 per month with month-to-month commitment.

Can I share my subscription?

A subscription cannot be shared by multiple users. The account begins to personalize itself with the user during the first upload. The more you use the system the more personalized it becomes. If multiple people share an account the results will be skewed. The graphing and trending will also be skewed if multiple people are uploading to the same account.

Where do I update my payment information?

To update your credit card and other payment information, login and click on My Account in the top right corner of the website. On the My Account page, click Edit Your Profile under the Support heading. This section allows you to change the shipping and billing information stored in your profile. Jump to Payment Information by using the navigation bar on the left hand side.

Can I pay for my subscription yearly?

All BodyMedia FIT Activity Manager subscriptions are billed monthly. Following your commitment term, you will continue to enjoy the same low rate unless you choose to cancel your account.

Can I see all my pending subscription charges?

You can access information regarding your pending charges by clicking on the My Account link in the top right corner of the website. On the My Account page, click See All Transactions under the Billing heading. Here you are able to view all pending and past charges.

How can I find out the time remaining on my commitment or the commitment length I purchased?

You can access information regarding your monthly rate, account status and subscription term by clicking on the My Account link in the top right corner of the website. On the My Account page, click View Subscription details under the My Subscription heading. Information about your account will be displayed here including account status and commitment period.

How can I determine my subscription start date?

You can access information regarding your subscription term and account status by clicking on the My Account link in the top right corner of the website. On the My Account page, click View Subscription details under the My Subscription heading. Information about your account will be displayed here including your commitment start and end date.

How do I renew my subscription?

There's no need to renew! Following your commitment term, you will continue to enjoy the same low rate billed monthly with no committed term until you choose to cancel your account.

Can I suspend my subscription?

We currently do not offer voluntary account suspensions. You can cancel your account and reactivate a new subscription term at the desired time. Please note that an account cancellation after any free trial period but prior to the completion of the commitment period will incur an early cancellation fee as outlined in our terms and conditions.

How do I cancel my subscription?

Customer Service processes all cancelation requests. Please click here to contact us for assistance.

What happens if I cancel my subscription?

You can cancel your subscription during your free trial period or any time after your subscription commitment term has ended without a cancellation fee. If you choose to cancel your subscription you will continue to have access to your Activity Manager for the remainder of the active month. Once the cancelation is complete, you will no longer have access to utilize the Armband or gain access to your data. You can reactivate your account at any time. Your account data will be retained so it's here for you when you wish to resume the program. Any early cancellation requested during your subscription commitment term, will incur a $60 early cancellation fee as detailed in our Terms and Conditions.

Can I sell my Armband to my friend so that they can use the product?

A subscription account can not be shared but you can give your Armband to someone else and they can sign up for their own subscription without any additional fee. In fact, they will get the first month free automatically when they sign up. Please follow the cleaning instructions in the Armband User Guide and replace the Armband Strap before giving your Armband away.

General

Why did www.gowearfit.com change to www.bodymedia.com?

BodyMedia makes a technology platform that provides real time knowledge of your body to help you achieve your weight management goals. We shifted to www.bodymedia.com to better communicate our message and the benefits of our products. You can use SenseWear WMS and GoWear fit model MF Armbands with the new BodyMedia FIT Activity Manager located at www.bodymedia.com.

What ages are supported by the BodyMedia FIT system?

The energy expenditure measurements are validated for children, teens, adults, and seniors. However, at this time, the BodyMedia Website only allows users age 13 and over.

What BMI ranges are supported by the BodyMedia FIT system?

The energy expenditure measurements are validated for individuals classified by the BMI scale as underweight, normal, overweight, and obese (class I and II).

What other products are produced by BodyMedia?

BodyMedia offers solutions for consumers, clinicians, health clubs and researchers, and for those interested in losing weight, studying populations over time, training for a marathon, or tracking sleep patterns. If you want to Know Your Body, we can help you Change Your Life. GoWear fit, launched in November 2008, is the latest offering by BodyMedia and is designed specifically for personal use. In November 2009 GoWear fit was updated to BodyMedia FIT.

Can I use other branded devices from BodyMedia at www.bodymedia.com?

You can use SenseWear WMS and GoWear fit model MF Armbands with the BodyMedia FIT Activity Manager. You must use the same branded Display with your Armband however. Please note that it is also not possible to move your user data from one product to another.

Is the BodyMedia Armband a medical device?

This determination is dependent upon regulatory requirements in each country.

In the United States the product is FDA regulated and development follows industry standard practices for development and testing of medical devices (GMP). The product is a Class II medical device, exempt from the requirements for a pre-market notification 510(k). The product is registered with the FDA as 513(g) Number C030022, regulation 21CFR8901925, FDA Product Code IKK.

In Canada the product is not considered a medical device.

Armband and Display

How does the Armband measure how many calories I burn?

The Armband contains multiple sensors that measure motion, body heat, skin temperature, and conductivity. A proprietary algorithm "crunches" the collected information and the user's personal body parameters to deliver accurate information on activity, steps and calorie burn.

How does the Armband measure how I sleep?

The Armband contains multiple sensors that measure motion, body heat, skin temperature, and conductivity. A proprietary algorithm "crunches" the collected information and the user's personal body parameters to measure the amount of lying down time and sleep time.

Where should the Armband be worn?

The Armband should always be worn high on the triceps area of the left arm, with the sensors touching the skin, and the logo facing up.

Can I wear the Armband on my right arm? Or upside down?

Algorithms analyze the Armband data to estimate your calorie burn. Those algorithms have been written to give optimal performance when the Armband is worn on the left arm, the right way up. The "right way up" has the logo closer to your shoulder and the lights closer to your elbow. We do not recommend wearing it on the right arm or upside down. If the Armband is worn on the right arm or upside down we expect calorie burn values may show a difference of up to 8% for routine activities like resting, walking, running, household work, and road biking. The differences can be significant when using certain exercise equipment.

How do I know the Armband is collecting data?

If you're wearing the Armband correctly, it's probably collecting data. To check that the Armband is on, press the status button. You should hear an "A OK" sound; this sound confirms the Armband is collecting data.

What is the average battery life in the Armband?

The battery will last approximately 5 to 7 days before requiring a recharge.

Is the Armband waterproof?

No, the Armband is not waterproof, but it is water resistant (rated IP64.) You should not submerge or perform water-based activities, such as swimming or bathing, while wearing the Armband.

Can I wear my Armband in a Sauna?

Yes, it is safe to wear the Armband in a Sauna. However, because of the extreme conditions found in a sauna we cannot confirm the validity of the results.

How many days of data collection memory does the Armband have?

The Armband can store up to 14 days of data when worn continuously.

How long will it take to charge my Armband?

The Armband battery will go from dead to fully charged in approximately 3 hours.

Will the Display work without the Armband?

The Armband and Display need to be used together. However the Display will work as a wrist watch without the Armband.

I just received my Display and started wearing it today. Why is there information displaying for yesterday?

The Armband keeps track of the Display information for today and yesterday. If you've already been wearing the Armband, and then get a Display, the Armband already knows the correct values to send the Display.

Do I have to wear the Armband all the time? What happens if I take it off?

The Armband will fill in calories for any time you were not wearing it. (That data will be an estimate based on your body parameters and your previous activity.) But the more you wear the Armband, the more accurate your values will be.

Can I wear the Armband for workouts only?

The system is designed to be worn all day. You can wear the Armband during workouts only, in which case for best results we recommend wearing it for at least 10 minutes before and after your workout.

Is it possible to mute the sounds on the Armband? What about the Display?

You are not able to mute the audio on the Armband. The Armband will make sounds when the battery or memory are running low, when a reminder goes off, or when you press the status button. On the Display, you can mute the button-press beep by holding down the light button until "beep off" is displayed. However you will still receive audio notification when you achieve your targets.

How often is the Display updated?

The Display receives your Armband data once per minute while synchronized with the Armband. All data (calories, steps, activity, etc) are updated at the same time.

I've noticed a slight difference in the values for calories, activity and steps between my Display and the Activity Manager. Is this expected?

The Activity Manager runs complex statistical algorithms that take the Armband data and compute your calories. In addition, historical data personalizes this calculation even further. If you have a Display you will have seen up to the minute calorie values displayed. The Armband contains a miniaturized set of algorithms that can calculate calories and send them directly to the Display every minute. The full power of the web server is required for the most complete analysis of your Armband data, and small differences can occur in the calories between the Display and the Activity Manager. Wearing the Armband UPSIDE DOWN is the leading cause of Display/Activity Manager mismatch. If you wear the Armband on the left arm the 'right way up,'' with the logo toward your shoulder and the lights toward your elbow, the daily calories shown on the Display and the Activity Manager will match within 5%, usually within 1%.

What are the Armband operating temperatures? I live somewhere very cold!

Minimum and maximum operating temperatures are 40°F to 104°F (5°C to 40°C). When the temperature outside falls below 40°F, the Armband should still function correctly if it is on your arm, and you are wearing appropriate clothing for the temperature.

I have sensitive skin, should I wear the Armband?

Analysis and post market surveillance indicates that the risks of using the product are extremely low. No significant health risks have been identified. The most frequently reported health risk, occurring in less then 1% of users, is a mild to severe skin irritation resulting from wearing the Armband. Following proper wear and cleaning instructions often resolves this issue. If irritation continues, discontinue use and consult a physician. Follow all instructions regarding how to properly wear and clean the Armband to minimize the chance of irritation. If you have a known metal allergy consult your physician prior to using the product. Read the instructions provided and all cautions before using the Armband. To reduce the risk of skin irritation, be sure to dry the Armband and your arm thoroughly before wearing the Armband.

I have a known metal allergy, should I wear the Armband?

For all known skin sensitivities and metal allergies, please consult a physician prior to use of the Armband. A list of Armband and strap materials is provided below.

What materials are used in the Armband?

Armband: ABS, polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane, 304 grade stainless steel Stainless Steel #304 content includes: Chromium 18%, Nickel 8%, Manganese 2%, Silicon 1%, Carbon .08%, Phosphorous .045%, Sulfur .03%
Armband Strap: Nylon, polyester, Lycra (no latex content) or polyisoprene, polycarbonate (frame on the 'mini' model only), thermoplastic polyurethane, silicone

How do I help ensure a comfortable wearing experience?

Clean and dry the back of Armband and the upper arm daily prior to wearing especially after sweating or when it becomes noticeably moist or dirty. This will help prevent dirt and moisture from getting trapped between the sensors and skin. Instructions for proper cleaning of the Armband can be found in the user guide that came with you product as well as the Help section of the Activity Manager.
Avoid wearing the Armband excessively. To reduce potential for skin irritation, wear the Armband for a maximum of 23 hours per day. The Armband can also be worn a little higher or lower on the arm to minimize reactions rather than repeatedly wearing the Armband in the exact same location.
Do not use moisturizers or lotions in the areas where the Armband makes contact with the skin. This may increase the chance of irritation over prolonged use and affect the performance of the sensors. Chemicals found in sunscreen and insect repellant can be particularly irritating to the skin under the Armband and may even degrade the Armband and Armband Accessories.

Click here for more information on wearing the Armband.

I have noticed my skin gets irritated when I wear the Armband, what should I do?

Following proper wear and cleaning instructions often resolves this issue. If irritation continues, discontinue use and consult a physician. Follow all instructions regarding how to properly wear and clean the Armband to minimize the chance of irritation. If you have a known metal allergy consult your physician prior to using the product.

What is the proper way to clean the Armband and Display?

You should always clean and dry the Armband and Display if they become noticeably moist or dirty.

To clean the Armband and Display: Gently wipe the skin side of the Armband and Display with a soft cloth or towel moistened with mild soap and water. Wipe with a clean damp cloth to remove any remaining soap. Use a dry, soft cloth or towel to completely dry the Armband before wearing it. Never use solvents to clean the Armband!

To clean the strap and wing: Hand wash with mild soap and warm water, rinse, then air dry. Machine drying may affect the performance and lifespan of the strap.

The Armband may need to be disinfected occasionally. Wipe the entire Armband with a soft cloth dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Allow the Armband to dry for 5-10 minutes before wearing it. Always disinfect the Armband and replace the strap prior to use by others.

BodyMedia FIT Activity Manager

I forgot my user name or password. What do I do?

If you've forgotten your user name, please contact Customer Service.

If you've forgotten your password, click on "I forgot my password" and you will receive a hint. (If you do not know the answer, a link and instructions for changing your password will be automatically sent to the email address we have on file.)

I want to change the name and e-mail on my account. What do I do?

Login into your account with your current email/password. Select the "MY ACCOUNT" button that is located at the top right corner. On the My Account page please select "Change Email/Password" under the Settings section. Follow the on screen directions and remember to select the "Save" button before leaving the page.

How can I add activities that I did when I was not wearing my Armband?

If the Armband was off-body for a minimum of 30 consecutive minutes, choose the "Edit Off-Body" option under the "Calorie-Burn" drop down menu. Here you can add activities during the times when you were not wearing the Armband. Off-Body activity occurring during your sleep hours, as entered in your user profile, can not be added.

How can I track nutrition?

You can track your nutrition by using Day Estimating, Meal Logging or Nutrition Assessment. You have the flexibility to choose the method that matches your lifestyle. Meal Logging allows you to record each meal, every day, viewing details about micronutrients and macronutrients. You are able to compare daily caloric intake vs. the calories you burn that day. The Nutrition Assessment allows you to assess three days of caloric intake and use that average to guide your goals, avoiding the need to log each meal, every day. Day Estimating allows you to input your caloric intake total on a daily basis; it's especially helpful if you record consumption details outside of the Activity Manager. You can select the default nutrition method by setting your preference on the Settings Tab.

Will I lose data if I switch my default nutrition method?

No, you are free to switch between methods without worrying that you will lose any data.

How often should I complete a Nutrition Assessment?

It is recommended to complete one when you are updating your goals and targets, or when you need some feedback on not achieving your desired goals. You may complete a Nutrition Assessment as often as every 3 days.

When I finish my assessment, will my goals and targets be automatically updated?

Completing an assessment will not automatically update your goals or targets.

Can I print or export my Nutrition Assessment?

No, not at this time. However, when using Daily Food Logging you are able to print and export detailed food log data.

Why can I only select certain days to fill in for my Nutrition Assessment?

When completing a Nutrition Assessment you may only log food for one of the last 7 days.

How many past nutrition assessments can I see at one time?

You have access to the 5 most recent assessments you have completed.

What is "Sleep Efficiency"? Why don't I have 100%?

Ifyou wear your Armband while you sleep, it calculates "sleep efficiency." This is the ratio between sleep time to lying down time. Adult efficiency levels are typically in the 80% to 95% range, and decrease with age.

Are days Midnight to Midnight?

Your calories are counted "daily" from midnight to midnight. However it makes more sense to report on your sleep mid-day to mid-day because sleeping usually spans midnight. For example, the sleep reported on Wednesday is from mid-day Tuesday to mid-day Wednesday, covering one whole night of sleep.

What is BMR and how do you use it?

BMR stands for Basal Metabolic Rate, and is the number of calories someone would burn in a 24-hour period if they were completely at rest, but not sleeping. It is the measure of the total energy used by the body to maintain the body processes necessary for life.

BMR is influenced by a number of factors, including age, weight, height, gender, and fitness level. There are a number of classic equations used to estimate a person's BMR, and a similar measure Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR). The Activity Manager does not directly use BMR or RMR to calculate your calorie burn, although they are used indirectly.

What is BMI, and how do you use it?

BMI stands for Body Mass Index, and it's calculated by dividing a person's weight (in kilograms) by their height (in meters) squared. The BMI equation is the established method for classifying healthy and un-healthy body weights, and is the basis of the medical definitions for people being underweight, normal, overweight and obese. It is promoted and supported in the USA by the Centers for Disease Control (the CDC), and internationally by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The BMI scale is not perfect, particularly for people who are at the extremes, and people who work out and build a lot of muscle. The classifications "underweight, normal, overweight, & obese" are defined and fixed for adults, while children and teenagers have their own classifications that change over time. The Activity Manager does not directly use BMI to calculate your calorie burn, although it is used indirectly.

What are METS and AVG. METS?

The energy cost of an activity can be measured in units called METs (metabolic equivalent). 1 MET is the energy expenditure for everyone "at rest". Two people resting will burn different amounts of calories, but they both burn 1 MET.

You can think of METS as a multiplier of calorie burn. You burn 1 MET when you are at rest, and an activity that takes 3 METS burns approximately 3 times as many calories. Mild exercise (such as walking at a leisurely pace) increases energy expenditure to approximately 3 METs, while vigorous activity might require 6 METS.

The Online Activity Manager shows you calorie burn and "AVG. METS", this stands for "Average METS". Calorie burn is individual to you, while METS can be compared between people.

Can I adjust the thresholds for my moderate and vigorous activity levels?

Yes, you can adjust the thresholds to match your lifestyle and goals by setting your preferences on the Resources Tab.

I have reached a goal and would like to set a new baseline weight value.

We are working on adding a mechanism to do this. Until that feature is released, you can effectively do this by navigating to your registration date on the Summary Tab and adjusting the weight value. This will modify the baseline used in the system. The same can be done for the waist circumference value.

Technical Requirements

PC Computer requirements:

PC with USB Port
Windows XP (32 bit), Windows Vista (32 bit and 64 bit)
256 MB RAM or higher
Internet access (high-speed strongly recommended)
User with administrative rights to computer
Internet Explorer 7.0, Internet Explorer 8.0, Firefox 3.0 and Firefox 3.5
Internet Settings: allow cookies, pop-ups and JavaScript
Required Plug Ins : FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader and FREE Adobe Flash Player

Mac Computer requirements:

Mac with USB Port
Mac OS X v10.5 on Intel platform
256 MB RAM or higher
Internet access (high-speed strongly recommended)
User with administrative rights to computer
Safari 4.0
Internet Settings: allow cookies, pop-ups and JavaScript
Required Plug Ins : FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader and FREE Adobe Flash Player

Is BodyMedia FIT compatible with a Mac?

Yes, a Mac running with an Intel processor is required to run the BodyMedia Armband Drivers. You can easily check your Mac to make sure your system will be compatible by performing the following steps:

In the Finder, choose "About This Mac" from the Apple menu.
Look at the Processor line to see which kind of processor is in your Mac. If the line includes Intel, the BodyMedia Armband Drivers will work on your system.

What Internet browsers can I use with the Online Activity Manager?

You must use Internet Explorer 7.0, Internet Explorer 8.0, Firefox 3.0 or Firefox 3.5 on Windows. You must use Safari 4.0 on Mac OS X. Using other internet browsers may result in problems using the site.

The Activity Manager will not work with Internet Explorer 6.0. You must upgrade your Internet Explorer to access the Activity Manager. You may upgrade your internet explorer here.

Can I use the Activity Manager if I have dial-up internet connection?

Yes, the program can be accessed using a dial-up internet connection. It should be noted that interactions may be drastically slower than with a high speed connection.

At what radio frequency does the Armband operate?

The Armband operates at 2.4 GHz.

Contacting BodyMedia

You can contact us through the Support & Help section of our Web site: www.bodymedia.com.

Last updated: February 2, 2010

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