steps way off during coach exercise

[Tommyw85]

I am not sure if i am missing a trick for the set up for my fitbit but the step count is insane when i am using coach. Today i did a short circuit workout and i am worried about the workouts affecting my overall step count. one of the exercises was star skaters, i counted that i did 20 but my fitbit added 73 steps, afterwards i did i plank inch worms and did 15 of those and had 52 steps added. in the space of a few minutes i had a total of around 250 steps added when i only did around 80 max! i dont want to have to give up wearing it during a workout as i want my heart rate to be monitored throughout. i understand that they are not designed to be one hundred percent accurate but to a get a total of 450 steps when majority of workouts were press ups and such is a bit worrying, especially as it was during one of fitbits own workouts!

[WendyB]

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@Tommyw85 wrote:

I am not sure if i am missing a trick for the set up for my fitbit but the step count is insane when i am using coach. Today i did a short circuit workout and i am worried about the workouts affecting my overall step count. one of the exercises was star skaters, i counted that i did 20 but my fitbit added 73 steps, afterwards i did i plank inch worms and did 15 of those and had 52 steps added. in the space of a few minutes i had a total of around 250 steps added when i only did around 80 max! i dont want to have to give up wearing it during a workout as i want my heart rate to be monitored throughout. i understand that they are not designed to be one hundred percent accurate but to a get a total of 450 steps when majority of workouts were press ups and such is a bit worrying, especially as it was during one of fitbits own workouts!

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Star Skaters. Your arms are moving correct?

Plank inch worm. Your arms are walking to get into position Correct?

It uses any arm movement

[Tommyw85]

• Yes I understand that it uses ant arm movement. However with skaters my arms and legs are moving in sync and aren't going really fast. I know it uses arm movement but how does that account for an extra 53 steps. To be honest if it is adding those steps for doing the plank inches then basically I cannot use my fit bit during anything other cardio exercises if I want to keep step count relatively accurate.

[SilviaFitbit]

@Tommyw85 A warm welcome to the Community. Sorry for the delayed in my reply. 

@WendyB Thanks for your input. 

Fitbit devices have a finely-tuned algorithm for step counting. The algorithm is designed to look for intensity and motion patterns that are most indicative of people walking and running. When working at a desk, cooking, or performing other activities with arm movements, a device on your wrist may add some steps. When you’re doing activities that involve arm movement—such as working or cooking—you often walk a few steps in-between stationary periods as well, so the device tries to give you credit for those steps. For most customers, the number of extra steps added by arm-based movement isn’t significant when compared to your overall stats. For more information, see How does my Fitbit device count steps?

I'll be around if you have any additional questions.