Cardio fitness score

[Crazybrownmom]

I have used a fitbit charge for over 3 years. My cardio fitness score does not improve even though I workout more, have decreased my 5K time by over 11 minutes, increased muscle tone and decreased my weight. Seriously frustrates me! It says I can better it by more workouts and decreasing weight. It says it can give me a more accurate number if I record runs. It stays between 29 and 33. Went up to 33 as a solid number but 2 days of stress and lack of sleep and went back to range with center at about 29..... I think I am done with this tracker as it is mote frustrating and not very reliable!!!! Anyone else with this issue?!

[JohnnyRow]

For the runs, are you using connected-GPS and starting from the tracker rather than from the phone app? Actually, not sure about starting from tracker instead of app, but know only one of them affects fitness score.

[Crazybrownmom]

Both app and on tracker. No GPS on Charge 3. My app is connected to my Fitbit app.

Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

[JohnnyRow]

Even though the tracker does not have GPS, you can connect it to phone's GPS, which requires taking phone on run.  That is necessary to affect fitness score.  I think it correlates heart rate to speed as measure by GPS.  At the moment I forget where you set that, maybe on phone app where you select exercise choices.  If you can't find it or somebody else hasn't explained yet, I will try to check that later this evening.

[Crazybrownmom]

Yes. It connects with my running app for GPS.The Fitbit app connects with the running app. Also tracked on my charge 3. They combine data. That was my understanding. Also what it seems to do. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

[WavyDavey]

From Fitbit's help section on cardio fitness:

How do I get the best cardio fitness score during runs?

If you're running with GPS, try the following tips for the best estimate:

• Go for long runs (at least 10 minutes long) on flat terrain.
• Complete multiple runs to help improve accuracy.
• Run at a faster pace if you’re able to do so. You don’t have to run at maximum speed but higher-intensity runs provide a more accurate estimate.

[Crazybrownmom]

Thank you. I read that. I have done that. My point is it is not accurate. I have recorded runs. Half hour or longer. With GPS. I have bettered my times. Not my cardiac fitness score. Thank you though. 

Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

[JohnnyRow]

You said it connects with your running app for GPS.  That sounds like you are using a different running app, that connect to Fitbit, rather than just recording it with Fitbit.  Is that the case?  You have to be recording it with the Fitbit app, not some other app linked to fitbit.

[Crazybrownmom]

Both on the device and a seperate app that connects to the fitbit app. The charge 3 does not have GPS. Gets the info from the seperate app that meshes with the fitbit app. The device records runs but does not have GPS on the charge 3.

Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

[JohnnyRow]

We're not understanding each other.  I know the Charge 3 does not have GPS.  But you can have the Charge 3 connect directly to your phone's GPS (connected-GPS) without using a separate app, and that is how to get fitness score updated.

[Crazybrownmom]

My GPS on my phone does connect with the Fitbit app. It reads location on my workout. I think maybe my elliptical workout with the high resistence has been making my pace seem much slower.  It shows my pace at 28 min per mile. Thank you for your help. You made me look closer at the app and previous stats. I realized this when I was looking at that. Thank you for being patient with me. 

Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

[JohnnyRow]

I think you should be very proud of all the progress you have made, whether or not it is reflected in the Fitbit fitness score.  I don't think that would be enough to get me to abandon it, but we are all different.