Active zone minutes mystery?

[NiSuHe]

Hi, hello, hi... Based on advice I've read, I put my Luxe on my ankle when I use a stationary bike (because it didn't seem to be registering "steps" when I kept it on my wrist while using a bike). Today, I saw that I had more active zone minutes between 8 am and 9 am, while I was sitting around on my couch than I did between 12 pm and 1 pm, while I was on the stationary bike, Further, the active zone minutes barely moved while I was on the bike; the number stayed the same for a long time. I don't get this.

Does the Luxe not accurately measure active zone minutes when it's on the ankle? Do I need to change a setting when I move the it from my wrist to ankle? I hope not -- TBH, it's kind of already annoying enough to move it from my wrist to my ankle in the first place, so I don't also want to have to make a bunch of settings changes all the time too. I just want to leave it on my wrist and go about my business...

OH, ALSO -- bands that don't cause skin irritation and itch? I have tried the default silicone, then metal, fabric, stretchy... So far, the non-stretchy fabric causes the least -- but far from no -- irritation. 

[JohnnyRow]

Actually biking is not a step-based activity so should not expect to get steps for it.  Not all exercise involves steps.

Zone minutes are based on heart rate.  If you are wearing on ankle, you will get probably get good step count but sacrifice heart rate data, therefore zone minutes and also accurate calorie burn which is also based on heart rate.  It's up to you - are you more concerned about step count, or heart rate which determines calorie burn and zone minutes?

[NiSuHe]

Hi -- TY for replying to me.

I mean, I like the step count simply because I work at home and it can be hard to make sure to get enough steps throughout the day, so I do like seeing the number increase. But as far as more useful and important info overall, the heart rate is probably a better thing to care about. 

So, I guess that means I can leave it on my wrist then! That said, do you think I should use the spinning mode while on the bike? I doubt I'll remember every time, but is it worth it to try?

[JohnnyRow]

Spinning mode won't give you steps any more likely but it will be sure to credit you with a workout and give you a workout summary, and it will label it correctly.  Any time you use the Exercise App, you will be sure it gets counted as a workout, rather than just hope it gets auto-recognized, if it is important to you to see that you got workouts.

P.S. A lot of people face basically the same issue with treadmills, holding onto handrails so their wrists are not moving and steps are not detected.  They can leave watch on wrist and get heart rate and zone minutes and calories, or put watch somewhere else, generally in pocket and get steps but lose heart rate and associated data.  Same thing pushing baby carriage or shopping cart.

[NiSuHe]

Thank you, @JohnnyRow -- that's what I will do going forward. I appreciate your help!