Cheating in a Challenge

[gwengreen]

Would most people considered it cheating if a person in a fitbit challenge wears the fitbit on their ankle and bounces and taps their leg/foot all day long?  I consider that cheating...just wondering what other people think. 

[Cali13]

Definitely cheating and to what point?  You might win the challenge, but you are not doing yourself any good.  No health benefits.

[Stephen1227]

gwengreen, I agree completely with Cali13.  While challenges can be fun, I don't worry about step counts of people I don't know--only mine and those of my spouse and very close friends--all of whom don't cheat.  And I know I earn my steps, which helps me stay motivated and working toward better fitness. Just keep doing your best, and feel good about the results.  People who gain steps falsely cannot really feel good about their totals.  If they do, they are indeed wasting their time and cheating themselves. Keep stepping!

[Bert27]

But didn't that great NewYorker cartoon say "you can lie to me (spouse), you can lie to your trainer and you can even lie to your yourself.  But you can't lie to your Fitbit."

[Emzor]

I don't understand how anyone who cheated their way to a win could ever call themselves a winner? Why someone would do this just to win a fitbit challenge? I do the Workweek Hustle a lot with my fitbit friends and I think we all love it because it keeps us motivated.  As awesome as it feels to win, it's about getting the motivation to get more steps! I would actually remove anybody that cheated like that because obviously they aren't taking their fitness seriously!

[emili · Accepted solution]

I think I would ask them. In fact I know I would. They might be wearing their fitbit on the ankle for a very real reason, even though it isn't recommended. And I bounce and move my foot when I get annoyed and can't let my frustration out- so every ten minutes at work. They may not even realize they are doing it. I completely understand how that could make everyone in the challenge angry, but let this person explain. Of course after you bring it to their attention they continue on, well that would probably be the end of our "friendship". No enough time in the day for that crap.

[Stephen1227]

I wouldn't bring it up.  Better to keep the peace. It's their loss. I think challenges should be fun, and never result in anger or resentment.  Not worth it. 

[WendyB]

I would just not invite them anymore.

I some times  tap my foot and dont really realize. But I dont wear it on my Ankle either.

I also would npt ask them about it. It could cause problems.

[Stephen1227]

Good point Wendy.

[Stephen1227]

emili, I've thought about and re-read your response.  You make some valid points.  If someone is more competitve (I am not very competitive) and getting honest steps in,  someone getting credit for unearned steps while in a challenge could be upsetting to others in that challenge.  I also think that if it makes someone feel better to confront or ask the person about it, they should.  We all all different.  We have to do what we think is best.  No right or wrong here. Peace.

[Maura-CA]

I would definitely consider it cheating, but mostly cheating themselves!  The devices are not made for ankles and having to "rig" them to be worn there seems "sketchy" from the start.

Fitness can't be their primary goal, if they want to get a high step count by tapping their feet.  I'd be afraid that if I counted on that for my steps - other parts of me might get rather LARGE from sitting!  😞

That being said, I prefer to be in challenges with people who are playfully competitive, for the right reasons and results. 

[WendyB]

@Maura-CA Exactly. I have been in many challenges where it is so boring I never except again. I like challenges where people talk exchange ideas and cheer others on.

[WendyB]

@gwengreen I also think how close are you too this person? How did you find out?

That tells me you are close and in that case I would speak up, They might get mad but if they are a true friend they  would understand.

If you don't know then say Nothing and don't invite anymore. It really needs to be your choice as what you decide to do

[emili]

@Stephen1227- well thank ya. I have gotten very spunky over the last few years- lol. I think you are probably one of the nicest people on the boards- thumbs up.

[Stephen1227]

Thank you, emili. That means a lot to me.

[I-train-hard]

Why go to challenge if you know that you are about to cheat in that challenge?

Doesn’t make any sense to me.

[Maura-CA]

@WendyB Absolutely!  I am in five challenges this week and I am in the middle on 3 of them, at the top on 1 and at the bottom on 1.  Variety is the spice of life and I am meeting new fitbit buddies that are inspiring me and that I am inspiring as well.  It feels great!

[Stephen1227]

Great post, Maura--CA!

[Maura-CA]

Thank you my friend!  @Stephen1227

[Bert27]

Cheating is never OK. However, the sensor can be wrong. I just did 30
flights of steps. The only climbing was the Bank street over the Rideau.
A farmer friend rang up crazy steps bouncing on his tractor on a corn field!