Step counting? I don't think so...

[Sunni_Day]

https://yoyoliving.com/2019/09/30/my-mini-cycler-is-proving-my-fitbit-can-be-useless/

Do you walk on your hands or feet?

[emili]

I think people might be leery of clicking on links without context. Maybe explain a bit more about your point and question. 

[Odyssey13]

Using a mini cycle - or a stationary under the desk cycle - wouldn't add steps. No hands moving.

[Dominique · Accepted solution]

Steps are only one of the metrics tracked by Fitbit. When engaging in a physical activity, you’re doing it for a number of reasons (e.g. to burn extra calories for weight loss, to improve your stamina, your strength, your bone health etc.) that do not necessarily translate into steps. For instance, when I spend 45 minutes in my home gym lifting weights, I hardly get any steps at all, but it was not my goal to begin with.

With your mini cycler, you should look at things like your average heart rate during your cycling session, the calories Fitbit says you burned, compared to what would have happened while doing the same things (e.g. sitting at your desk), but not cycling.

My guess is working at your desk standing (instead of sitting) would in fact be more challenging (and rewarding) than using an under-the-desk mini-cycler, even if that wouldn’t give steps either.

[Rich_Laue]

Most people that use a mini cycle are not stepping and do not want pedal rotations counted as steps. As explained above, while the fitbit is mounted on the arm, it looks at arm motions, and has no idea that the feet are moving since the arm is stationary.