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Stats changed since using a Walker

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‎02-26-2019 11:40 - last edited on ‎09-08-2020 17:14 by Fitbit Moderator

‎02-26-2019 11:40 - last edited on ‎09-08-2020 17:14 by Fitbit Moderator

I walk regularly at our local Mall.  Lately I have changed from using a cane to using a walker.  A typical walk(using the cane) would be 3000 steps, 2 kilometers, 1 hour and a stride of 26'.  When using the walker my walks are now 270 steps, 0.18 kilometers, 1 hour and a stride of 350'.  Despite these values being hugely different my total steps for the day remain unchanged at roughly 7000.  I use my Samsung phone for GPS. My walks still show the same GPS map tracking.  I use the auto setting for determining my stride.  Can you explain what is happening here?

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2 REPLIES 2

‎02-26-2019 13:15

‎02-26-2019 13:15

Welcome to the forums!

 

Sure you are holding on to the walker. When holding on to things your steps are not accurate. They need to see the arms swinging.

 

When I use my cane my steps are also lower than when I dont use. Although it does get a lot more steps than the walker does.

 

When using the walker you could try to put it in your pocket for more steps

 

Looking forward to seeing you around the forums!

Community Council Member

Wendy | CA | Moto G6 Android

Want to discuss ways to increase your activity? Visit the Lifestyle Forum

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‎02-27-2019 09:37 - last edited on ‎02-27-2019 11:04 by Fitbit Moderator

In response to WendyB

‎02-27-2019 09:37 - last edited on ‎02-27-2019 11:04 by Fitbit Moderator

@PMWalkers  Welcome! Thanks for being part of our Community!

 

I'll be glad to answer your question on the difference that you're seeing on steps. Thanks for your input @WendyB. 

 

Yes, like @WendyB mentioned, your tracker will detect the movement on your arm and translate that movement into steps. Since you used to use a cane and now your using a walker the movement that you do with your arm changed.

 

Some other movements that can be translated into steps could be playing the drums, burping a baby or clapping and the opposite can happen when you push a cart or in your case a walker.

 

Some members suggest that, for added sensitivity you can try wearing your tracker on your dominant hand but select that hand as non dominant on the tracker’s settings to make it more sensitive to movement and with this, earn more steps.

 

Additionally, I'd suggest to use MobileRun or manually logging the activity so that you get recognition for your regular walks.   

 

Let me know how it goes or if have any questions. 

Alvaro | Community Moderator

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