Elliptical

[gpj]

Are you suppose to add add activity if you're wearing your fitbit and it is tracking.  For example, if I do 45min on the elliptical, shouldn't the fitbit record calories burned?  If i add it as an activity, it seems like its double counting?

Thanks.

[Heybales]

No and no.

First, when you manually log an activity, you are asked for start time and duration, so that your calorie estimate from either a HRM, machine, or database calculated, replaces whatever Fitbit estimated the calorie burn at.

If NOT walking and running you keep whatever estimate of steps and miles you got, only calories replaced.

And the calorie estimate formula that is used is ONLY for steps, walking and running and other step based activity.

Elliptical is not, and if done in certain ways, only half your steps would be seen too, but the calorie count would be sheer luck if it was actually correct.

Hence elliptical being in the list of non-step based stuff you manually log - swimming, rowing, biking, lifting, ect.

[TCG]

I always add any activity such as using an elliptical machine or riding a bike, my flex doesn't even recognize those exercises. I can ride for an hour or use the elliptical for 30 minutes and it shows 10 minutes or less of active time.