treadmill

[Waves]

When walking on a treadmill, the mileage and steps do not track with my Fitbit. For instance, the treadmill will show that I have walked 3 miles, while the fit bit only shows 2.66 miles.  How do I sync the two.

[JohnnyRow · Accepted solution]

2 possible factors:

1) If you are holding hand rail, steps often are not detected because the wrist is not moving.  If that is the case, can usually get better step count by putting tracker in pocket or pinned to clothing, though losing heart rate data for that time.

If this is the issue for you I would not expect the total to be that close.

2) On treadmill, distance is calculated by multiplying number of steps times stride length.  Fitbit sets a default stride length which is usually close but not exact.

You can change the stride length.

See How do I measure and adjust stride length for my Fitbit device?

As a quicker alternative to measuring your stride length, if you are confident of the 3 mile number, you could just increase your stride length by multiplying by (3 / 2.66) to get close, and then fine adjust later as needed.