Which mode to use

[dc111]

Should I use run mode or treadmill mode for doing stairs outside?

[Rich_Laue]

Why not, not sure if you would need the GPS active?

[dc111]

What I meant was, Which mode should i use, the run or the treadmill? Thank you.

[LZeeW · Accepted solution]

@dc111   I don't think there is a perfect answer for running stairs, because of the mechanics of running stairs.  Your stride length just isn't the same as running with your natural gait on ground.  So distance becomes tricky.

My choice would be between Workout and Run.  The con I see to workout (and treadmill) is that Fitbit will use steps x stride length to calculate distance.  Your distance will be way off.  The same is true for Run with GPS turned off.  Run with GPS on will give you more accurate distance, if you can get past the map of up and down overlapping lines.  The con to Run with GPS on is that it will probably mess up your Cardio Fitness Score.  Fitbit says your Cardio Fitness Score is best measured running on level ground.

I think you should do your own personal experiment.  Try all the different ways and see what you get.  The way I understand it, you should get the same calorie burn with each mode.  This is all supposed to be heart rate based.  If you get similar results with each different mode, then the mode doesn't matter.  If you get different results, then look at the results with your perceived exertion of your workout.  Use what feels best.

[dc111]

Thank you!! Very helpful info and I'll take you advice to test the different modes.