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Charge 5 won't track my distance accurately when on a treadmill

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‎04-14-2023 22:41 - last edited on ‎04-15-2023 05:32 by Fitbit Moderator

‎04-14-2023 22:41 - last edited on ‎04-15-2023 05:32 by Fitbit Moderator

Hey all,

I have a charge 5 and it’s super inaccurate when using my peloton tread. My most recent workout logged 4.02 miles on the tread and 3.36 on the Fitbit! I’m using the treadmill setting for the Fitbit, no GPS.

Anyone else experience such a huge discrepancy and/or figure out any fixes?

TIA!

 

 

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

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‎04-15-2023 05:37 - edited ‎05-26-2023 06:22

In response to LZeeW

‎04-15-2023 05:37 - edited ‎05-26-2023 06:22

Hi there, @haris7. Welcome to the Fitbit Community Forums. Thanks for the details provided in your post about the issue with your Charge 5.

As @Heather-S and @LZeeW has mentioned, if you are using the Treadmill exercise mode on the Charge 5 it will use the Walking Stride Length and not the Running Stride Length for calculating distance from the number of steps. This will cause the distance to be off substantially. So, if you are running on the Treadmill/Elliptical, it is better to use the Run exercise mode, assuming you have correctly set up the stride lengths for Walk and Run. However, keep in mind that it is important that your arms swing freely in order for the Charge 5 to count steps, and not held next to the body.

Also, please note that your Fitbit device may not detect the number of steps if your arm is not moving. If you walk with a normal arm swing on the Treadmill/Elliptical, it should count the proper number of steps and calories. Take a look at the article: How does my Fitbit device calculate my daily activity? 

Maria | Community Moderator, Fitbit


Was my post helpful? Give it a thumbs up to show your appreciation! Of course, if this was the answer you were looking for, don't forget to make it the Best Answer! Als...

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‎04-15-2023 03:51 - edited ‎04-15-2023 03:51

‎04-15-2023 03:51 - edited ‎04-15-2023 03:51

@haris7 No, that sounds about right. I have a Peloton tread and even when I had a non-Peloton treadmill, it is always like that. You can try adjusting your stride length in the app to see if it'll close the gap, but the Fitbit will never match the tread. Even when I've worn an Apple Watch, it never matched the treadmill distance either. 

 

Fitbit Stride.JPG

 

See this Help articles for more info:

How does my Fitbit device calculate my daily activity?

Heather | Community Council | Eastern Shore, AL
Want to discuss ways to increase your activity? Visit Get Moving in the Lifestyle Discussion Forum.
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‎04-15-2023 04:47

‎04-15-2023 04:47

@haris7   A moderator recently gave this explanation.  The treadmill shortcut uses your walking stride length.  If you run on your treadmill, she recommended using the Run shortcut with the GPS turned off.  This might help close the gap.

Laurie | Maryland
Sense 2, Luxe, Aria 2 | iOS | Mac OS

Take a look at the Fitbit help site for further assistance and information.

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‎04-15-2023 05:37 - edited ‎05-26-2023 06:22

In response to LZeeW

‎04-15-2023 05:37 - edited ‎05-26-2023 06:22

Hi there, @haris7. Welcome to the Fitbit Community Forums. Thanks for the details provided in your post about the issue with your Charge 5.

As @Heather-S and @LZeeW has mentioned, if you are using the Treadmill exercise mode on the Charge 5 it will use the Walking Stride Length and not the Running Stride Length for calculating distance from the number of steps. This will cause the distance to be off substantially. So, if you are running on the Treadmill/Elliptical, it is better to use the Run exercise mode, assuming you have correctly set up the stride lengths for Walk and Run. However, keep in mind that it is important that your arms swing freely in order for the Charge 5 to count steps, and not held next to the body.

Also, please note that your Fitbit device may not detect the number of steps if your arm is not moving. If you walk with a normal arm swing on the Treadmill/Elliptical, it should count the proper number of steps and calories. Take a look at the article: How does my Fitbit device calculate my daily activity? 

Maria | Community Moderator, Fitbit


Was my post helpful? Give it a thumbs up to show your appreciation! Of course, if this was the answer you were looking for, don't forget to make it the Best Answer! Als...
Best Answer
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