Not measuring steps, just arm movement

[Anngf]

I cannot rely on my device to measure steps. I move my arm only and it increases steps.

[Odyssey13]

Hi @Anngf as wrist based devices, that's how the Fitbit "sees" your steps. When you walk, you need to swing the arms so the steps are recognized. For people pushing a stroller or shopping cart, the steps are reduced due to a lack of action. For those who play the drums or knit, the steps get higher. For me, it pretty much evens out, but for many, such as yourself, it bothers them. You can always remove unwanted activity. I know when I walk with something held tightly in my hand or put the hand in my pocket, my steps aren't always counted.

[RiekoC]

Hello & welcome @Anngf 

It's helpful to understand how Fitbits measure steps. This is from the How accurate are Fitbit devices page:

Why does my Fitbit device count extra steps? 

Fitbit devices have a finely-tuned algorithm for step counting. The algorithm is designed to look for intensity and motion patterns that are most indicative of people walking and running. When working at a desk, cooking, or performing other activities with arm movements, a device on your wrist may add some steps. When you’re doing activities that involve arm movement—such as working or cooking—you often walk a few steps in-between stationary periods as well, so the device tries to give you credit for those steps. For most customers, the number of extra steps added by arm-based movement isn’t significant when compared to your overall stats. For more information, see How does my Fitbit device calculate my daily activity?

This will be pretty much true for wrist worn health/step trackers. 

As @Odyssey13 mentioned, you can delete the unwanted activity using the Fitbit app. 

[HKat2]

My fitbit counts chopping/stirring/cooking as steps. I can have a really lazy day, not really go anywhere, but do loads of cooking and at the end of the day my tracker will buzz to tell me I've just done my 10,000 steps when I know that is highly unlikely, even though my settings show that I wear my tracker on my dominant wrist.

[Anngf]

Exactly. I cannot depend on it to give me an even approximate number of true steps.

Sent from my iPhone

[Anngf]

Thank you.

Sent from my iPhone