How do you account for using a weight vest on alternate days of walking?

[MaryEllen]

I use a weight vest on alternate days when walking for fitness?  How do I account for the variable weight?

[slysam]

I probably wouldn't account for it. I did a test of following a walking workout dvd once without a weighted vest and once wearing the vest (weighted to 9 pounds). Without logging anything or changing any settings, fitbit credited me higher for the weighted vest walk even though the distance covered and step count were pretty much the same (the weighted it did count slightly more steps but it wasn't enough to add to the distance or average pace stats). The weighted version did have a higher calorie burn estimate and a higher activity level. I think impact is part of what fitbit uses and wearing the weighted vest added more impact to the activity. That is the only difference I could think of. I did the experiment because I seem to recall that it seemed easier to earn very active minutes when I weighed a bit more. Also I notice it credits me a bit higher for impact activiites and lower for non-impact. I guess my point is it will probably credit you a little higher anyway as you will be heavier on your feet wearing the vest (assuming you walk otherwise the same speed, etc). It may underestimate the extra exertion, but overestimating calorie burn can be a problem if you are trying to lose weight (or maintain) and are eating exercise calories (I do eat activity calories--but just prefer a conservative estimate). If you have a good hrm, you might be fine to manually log whatever it credits you. Another option is to use a walking calclator and enter your distance, your stats (especially weight including the vest) and see what estimate it gives. I notice logging weight loss that a few pounds here and there makes a very gradual difference in calorie burn totals so it would really depend how much weight you are adding and how fast/slow you are walking.