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Nordic walking

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‎08-21-2019 07:03

‎08-21-2019 07:03

Will using hiking poles or walking sticks change the step count?

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‎08-21-2019 11:47

‎08-21-2019 11:47

Yes because you are holding on to something. It needs to see the arms swinging

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Wendy | CA | Moto G6 Android

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‎08-22-2019 09:51

In response to WendyB

‎08-22-2019 09:51

Actually, I don't think this is correct, because when I'm pushing a grocery cart I put my Fitbit in my purse or pocket (no swinging) and it counts my steps just fine. I was wondering about over-counting using the walking sticks, since there would be a "bump" when my foot goes down and another when my pole hits the ground. But since I originally asked I've walked the same route twice, once with and once without the sticks, and I do seem to get roughly the same step count. But if anyone knows for sure I'd like to know too.

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‎08-23-2019 05:35 - edited ‎08-22-2022 10:41

In response to KathyMT

‎08-23-2019 05:35 - edited ‎08-22-2022 10:41

@KathyMT  My "inner engineer" is always fascinated by questions like yours.  They make me get out and do experiments!

 

I also got similar step counts on my marked path with and without my hiking poles.  "Phantom" steps do happen for everyone throughout the day.  Some steps are missed under the right conditions.  But your tracker is not a mechanical step counter.  It has an accelerometer.  It measures acceleration in three dimensions, then "decides" what is a step and what isn't.

 

I'm sure you are concerned about double tracking steps.  It certainly didn't happen for me.

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Laurie | Maryland, USA

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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