bodybugg® system Help

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FAQ

I am outside US, can I purchase the bodybugg? Why doesn't the system accept my address?
As of the moment, the bodybugg armband is only sold and can only be purchased within the USA.
Can I change the name and the username in my account? How do I change it?
You may change the name and of the account but not the username. You have to send an email to yourdoor@apexfitness.com requesting a change of your name in the account. Or you can call customer service at 800.656.2739
Can I use the bodybugg program on my Iphone?
Yes, you can use the bodybugg web application using your Iphone or Ipod Touch. You can only access the bodybugg web application by opening up the Safari browser and going to either bodybugg.com or my.apexfitness.com. Please take note that the web application for Iphone and Ipod Touch only lets you log your food and not upload data from the bodybugg armband.
If I go on vacation to another country, can I still use the bodybugg device?
Yes, you just need to make sure that the time zone should be changed. You may refer to the following steps:
  1. Log on to http://www.bodybugg.com , and enter your username and password.
  2. On the web program, click the "My Info" tab.
  3. Click the "Body Parameters" button.
  4. Select the appropriate time zone from the Time Zone section at the lower part of the page.
  5. Click "Save Changes".
  6. Connect the armband to your computer and upload data. The time zone change will take effect once upload is completed.
How do I take accurate body fat and weight measurments?
Because your actual food intake is calculated from your daily energy expenditure and weight, your accuracy in input is crucial. The numbers cannot be wrong when input is accurate because they are a function of mass changes (body fat and /or weight) based on the Laws of Thermodynamics (energy).
Weighing on your own:
In order to minimize temporary fluctuations in water weight that may skew true results, you should weigh yourself no more than once a week in the same dress, using the same scale, at the same time of day and preferably (but not necessary) in the morning before eating or drinking.
With your Fit Pro:
same as above if possible or the Fit Pro will set up a consistent measurement schedule.
Anytime you are going in the wrong direction from a weight reduction goal:
Water - occasionally due to uncontrollable circumstances you may have gained some temporary water weight and therefore at that point in time the scale may not represent your body mass change accurately. If you believe you have lost fat or weight and your scale does not confirm it, wait another week before your next weigh-in. Weight gain due to water retention will quickly subside well within a 2-week timeframe and you will receive an accurate accounting of your combined food intake and body weight. Or simply use the body fat measurement as a trend indicator.
LBM (Lean Body Mass) - You may have gained LBM since your last weigh in, off-setting a weight reduction from loss of Body Fat - this is a desirable situation but will soon subside as fat loss will surpass the LBM increase when weight reduction is the primary goal. Therefore simply use the body fat reading as the current trend indicator.
Weight gain goal
More than a quarter to 1lb gain a week may be due to water weight fluctuations. Your average weight gain over the program period will be the accurate assessment of progress and delivery of actual calorie intake.
How does the Armband measure how many calories I burn?
The bodybugg armband is a wearable body monitor developed by BodyMedia Inc. containing multiple sensors that measure motion, body heat and 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.
I just wore my bodybugg armband today at 8am but it is already showing that I have burned 900 calories already? Why is this so?
This is because the bodybugg armband resets every midnight and it starts gathering data for the next day. The data that you see there at the moment that you wore the bodybugg is your calories burned from midnight up to the time that you wore the bodybugg.
How would I know if my bodybugg is turned on or off?
To verify that the bodybugg armband is on, press the button on the armband.
For black armbands (V3), it should make an ascending tone and 2 lights for both the battery and memory. If you do not get the ascending tone, it means the bodybugg is turned off.
For gray armbands (V2 and V1), you should get the ascending tone and also the vibration. If you do not get the vibration from the armband and just the ascending tone, it means the armband is off. Before doing any activity, make sure the armband is on to make sure it collects your data.
How do I turn my bodybugg armband on or off? Does it have a switch button?
The bodybugg armband does not have a switch button to either turn it on or off. The bodybugg automatically turns on when it detects that it is in contact with your skin and automatically turns off when it detects that it is off your skin.
Why is the Armband more accurate than a pedometer?
The Armband is more accurate then a pedometer for calculating calories burned because it is "watching" your body from 4 different perspectives. A pedometer only measures steps. But we burn calories while sitting, lifting weights and stressing out. Pedometers have no way of seeing these kinds of events because they are only capable of seeing steps. In addition to measuring motion and steps, the Armband is able to see how much you are sweating, your skin temperature and the rate at which heat is being dissipated from your body. These additional physiological parameters gives the armband a more complete picture of what you body was doing, and it's level of exertion from which a more accurate estimation of calories burned can be derived.
How do I wear the Armband?
The bodybugg armband should always be worn on the back of the upper arm (the triceps) with the status button facing up. The v3 should be worn on the left arm and the v2 should be worn on the right.
Can I wear my bodybugg armband on other parts of my body like my legs?
No. The algorithm of the armband is designed that it be worn on the upper left arm for black armbands and upper right arm for the gray armbands. Wearing the bodybugg armband on other parts of the body decreases the accuracy of the armband.
How do I set my bodybugg armband to beep for reminders?
The bodybugg armband beeps when you have reminders set in the bodybugg web app. To create reminders in the web app:
  1. Go to the My Resources Tab
  2. Click on Reminders button
  3. Select reminders from drop down list
  4. Click on save changes
  5. Connect your armband and upload data thru calories burned to update your armband with the newly set reminders
How do I know the Armband is working?
Simply press the status button. Both the memory and battery button will turn green for a few seconds. If "on-body", the armband will make a firiendly chirp.
How do I log my food?
Click on the Log food button located in the left hand column. You'll have the option to log your food starting from the last time you logged food, breakfast of the current day, or breakfast of the day before. It's up to you when and how much you want to log your food as the system will work without you having to do it. However, to gain a deeper understanding of what and how much you eat, it is recommended, at least for the first few weeks of the program.
How can I edit my food log?
To view and edit your previous meal log, you may do the following steps:
  1. Log on to http://www.bodybugg.com
  2. Enter your username and password.
  3. Go to your web program, click "Specific Day", then select the date you wish to edit your food log from.
  4. Select the "Nutrition" tab below the four main buttons (Calories Burned, Calories Consumed, Body Measurements, Share My Results).
  5. Click "Edit" beside the meal you wish to modify.
  6. Click "Save Changes".
What is the difference between actual calories consumed and logged calories consumed?

Actual calories consumed is the number of calories you actually ate derived from how many calories you burned and your body mass change (weight and body fat) over time. Because logging your food can be onerous and studies have shown that people often underestimate what they eat by as much as 15-30%, this automated way to determine what you ate is a revolutionary feature. It takes the guesswork and human error out of the equation, making calorie counting easy and accurate.

Logged calories consumed is the number of calories you logged based on what you ate.

What is Calorie Balance?
Your calorie balance is the difference between total calories burned and total actual calories consumed. Your balance will be expressed in either a deficit or surplus. If you burned more calories than you consumed, then your balance will be a calorie deficit. If you consumed more calories than you burned then your balance will be a calorie surplus. To lose weight you need to maintain a calorie deficit. Your calorie balance will show you if you have done this.
Can I use the Program if I have Dial-up?
Yes. The Program can be accessed using dial-up although it should be noted that interactivities may be drastically slower than with high speed internet connection.
If I am using a PC with a dial up connection, how long will it take to install all the necessary software?
Depending on which programs you need to install, it could take up to 15 minutes.
I use MAC with Snow Leopard 10.6, why am I prompted to install the bodybugg software each and every time I click on the calories burned?
Safari needs to run in 32-bit mode to properly install the armband. Snow Leopard runs Safari in 64-bit mode by default. Opening Safari in 32-bit mode should allow the application to function properly and not prompt for a reinstallation. To run Safari in 32-bit mode, please do the following:
    • Quit the Safari web browser.
    • Open "Finder" Icon.
    • Go to Applications.
    • Ctrl+Click "Safari".
    • Select "Get info" from the popup menu.
    • There should be a check mark next to "Open in 32-bit Mode".
    • Re-launch Safari and try to upload your data again.
What are the supported systems to run the bodybugg program?

We support the following systems:

  • Browsers Supported for Windows(32-bit)
    • IE6
    • IE7
    • IE8
    • FireFox 2
    • FireFox 3
    Please note: that 64-bit browsers are not supported at this time and are not yet compatible with Adobe Flash
  • Browsers Supported for Mac(32-bit)
    • Safari 3 is no longer supported. It is recommended that you upgrade to Safari 4.
    • Safari 4
    Please note: that 64-bit browsers are not supported at this time and are not yet compatible with Adobe Flash
  • OS Supported
    • WinXP (32 bit)
    • Vista (32 bit and 64bit)
    • Windows 7
    • Intel-based Mac 10.5 (Leopard) (32 bit)
    • Intel-based Mac 10.6 (Snow Leopard) (64 bit)
    New versions may not be supported at the initial time of release (ie: Java 6 Update 18)
  • Java Supported
    • Sun Microsystems Java Plug In version 1.5 or greater
  • Other
    • 256 MB RAM or higher
    • Internet access (high-speed strongly recommended)
    • Internet settings: allow cookies, pop-ups and JavaScript
 
 
Will Pop-up Blockers affect the Program?
Yes. Certain pop-up blockers (For Example AOL pop-up blocker) must be disabled to allow for Updating Data, Logging Food, etc.
When the USB Drivers are installing I get an Add New Hardware Wizard. What is this and what should I do?
It is a program necessary to properly install the USB Drivers onto your PC. Click next through the wizard until complete. If you are an XP user, the wizard will appear twice for the armband, and twice for the wireless communicator.
Does the bodybugg package contain cd installer?
No. The bodybugg package does not have any CD installer. All the necessary software will be downloaded online.
I am getting "could not write .init file command" when uploading. How do I fix this?
This happens when you plug in the bodybugg armband to the computer and it is still on body. Reboot the armband first and upload afterwards. To reboot a black bodybugg armband(V3):
  1. Make sure bodybugg armband is unplugged from the computer and off your arm.
  2. Press and hold the button on the bodybugg for 20 secs.
To reboot a gray bodybugg(V1 or V2)
  1. Make sure bodybugg is unplugged from the computer and off your arm.
  2. Remove the battery of the armband.
  3. Press and hold the button of the bodybugg for 20 secs.
  4. Release the button and place the battery back into the armband.
How do I allow cookies, pop ups and java script in Firefox?
For mozilla firefox 3.5
  1. enabling cookies = tools -> options -> privacy -> set firefox "will remember history" -> click OK
  2. disabling pop up blockers = tools -> contents -> unclick block pop-up windows
  3. enabling java script = tools -> contents -> ensure that enable java is ticked
For mozilla firefox 3.0
  1. enabling cookies = tools -> options -> privacy -> tick "accept cookies from sites" and ensure that "keep until" is set to "they expire"
  2. disabling pop up blockers = tools -> contents -> unclick block pop-up windows
  3. enabling java script = tools -> contents -> ensure that enable java is ticked
I'm having problems uploading data. I get an error message. What should I do?
a. I get to around 50- 89% and then get an error message that says that there is a problem uploading the data. In order to correct this issue, you may review the steps below:
  1. Attempt to use a different USB port/cable.
  2. Restart Internet Explorer.
  3. Log on to your bodybugg® account and try to upload. If you still get the error, proceed to the next step.
  4. Clear Java Cache by going to Start > Control Panel > Java > Temporary Internet Files > Settings > Delete Files > OK.
  5. Restart Internet Explorer, go to your bodybugg® program, and try to upload again. Proceed to the next step if the same error occurs.
  6. Reset Internet Explorer settings by clicking Tools > Internet Options > Advanced tab > Reset under "Reset Internet Explorer Settings".
  7. Restart Internet Explorer.
  8. Click Tools > Manage Add-Ons > Enable or Disable Add-Ons (applicable for Internet Explorer 7 only).
  9. Select each Java add-on under the "Sun Microsystems Inc." heading, then click "Enable".
  10. Click "Close", then restart Internet Explorer.
  11. Go to your bodybugg® program, and attempt to upload.
If the above steps do not work, please call Technical Support at 866-314-9423 or send an email to support@bodybugg.com b. After I click next, I get an error message that says that the system had an error communicating with the armband, giving me a list of possible reasons why I got the error message.
  1. Make sure that armband serial number matches the one displayed on the error message
  2. Check Bodybugg armband when plugged into the computer (the Bodybugg armband should blink on the battery light to indicate that it is charging)
  3. Try using another usb cable
  4. Try using another usb port
If problem persists, please call Technical Support at 866-314-9423 or send an email to support@bodybugg.com
I have a V1, is it still compatible with the new computers?
The gray bodybugg V1 is not compatible with Windows Vista (32-bit and 64-bit) and Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit), and Mac operating systems.
Can I just use my Digital Display and no longer subscribe online?
A. No. While the Digital Display serves as a real time display of the data from the armband, it does not replace the bodybugg web application itself. The armband needs the application for basically two reasons:
  1. to unload the data from the armband and transfer it to the server(this is required because the bodybugg armband will only hold up to 14 days worth of data).
  2. to reconfigure the armband with the account's information such as the body measurements, goals and targets, as well as the timezone (in this sense, the bodybugg armband needs to be refreshed with the settings of the account as often as possible, at the very least once a week). The Digital Display will not sync with the armband if the bodybugg armband is memory full and not configured with the account's setting.
The time in my Digital Display watch is off no matter how I adjust it. How do I change the time?
The time in your Digital Display reflects the time zone set in the bodybugg program. If your Digital Display is not synced to the bodybugg, you can manually adjust the time in the digital display. However if it is synced, it will always show the time in your web application.
To change the time zone in the web application:
  1. Log on to http://www.bodybugg.com and enter your username and password.
  2. On the web program, click the "My Info" tab.
  3. Click the "Body Parameters" button.
  4. Select the appropriate time zone from the Time Zone section at the lower part of the page.
  5. Click "Save Changes".
  6. Connect the armband to your computer and upload data. The time zone change will take effect once upload is completed.
Can I make my Digital Display time in 24-hour format?
No. As of the moment, Digital Display only shows 12-hour format.
How do I turn on/off the tone of my Digital Display?
Press and hold the light button until the screen shows "beep on" or "beep off".
How do I sync my bodybugg armband and Digital Display?
To synchronize your Digital Display to your armband, please do the following:
  1. Upload data from your armband at http://www.bodybugg.com.
  2. Put on your armband, wait for it to turn on (for a v3, it will make a beeping sound; for a v2, it will make a beeping sound and will vibrate).
  3. Make sure that the Digital Display is within three feet from the armband.
  4. Reboot the Digital Display by pressing all four buttons on the watchface simultaneously for five seconds. Once the buttons are released, the device should make a long beep followed by a message on the screen that shows "DD 121".
  5. Press the "Mode" and "View" buttons at the same time. The device should display, "HELLO", then "PRESS ARMBAND BUTTON TO SYNC".
  6. Press the armband button for five seconds. If successful, the device should display, "WELCOME TO BODYBUGG" followed by your name.
As a reminder, other wireless devices, such as cordless phones and wireless Internet routers, may interfere with the Digital Display.
I am having problems syncing my Bodybugg armband with my Digital Display.
If synchronization failed, the Digital Display will show either of the two messages: "armband not found" or "armband not setup":
  1. If Digital Display shows "armband not found" - replace battery of Digital Display. This is a possible indication of low battery on Digital Display. if problem persists please call Technical Support at 866-314-9423 or send an email to support@bodybugg.com
  2. If Digital Display shows "armband not setup" - please call Technical Support at 866-314-9423 or send an email to support@bodybugg.com
When the USB Drivers are installing I get an Add New Hardware Wizard. What is this and what should I do?
It is a program necessary to properly install the USB Drivers onto your PC. Click next through the wizard until complete. If you are an XP user, the wizard will appear twice for the armband, and twice for the wireless communicator.
How do I edit an incorrect meal?
Go to My Resources Tab
  1. Click the Custom food button
  2. Click on the name of the food that you want to edit
  3. Update the ingredients
  4. Click save recipe
How do I edit an incorrect body measurement?
Only Fit Pros are capable of editing reported body measurements. If you are a Fit Pro, you may edit an incorrect body measurement by going to "My Info > Measurements" and clicking on a specific line item.
How do I edit my activity?
To edit your reported physical activity, click on the "Calories Burned" button in the lower left sidebar of the "My Results" tab. Select the date of the activity that you would like to edit. Click on the "Edit Activity Log" button above the graph. If there is any remaining "off-body" time that has not been accounted for, you may report it here.
Does the bodybugg show my calories burned even if I am not wearing it?
Yes. The bodybugg system takes account of not only the calories that you burn while wearing the armband but also for the time that you are not wearing it. This is because the bodybugg device knows that every minute of everyday we are burning calories and this need to be taken account of for a fuller calculation of one's calories burned. In instances that you did not wear the armband equal to or exceeding 30 mins, you will be prompted to manually input the activities that you performed when you upload your data and the system will calculate the calories that you burned for those activities.
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