Difference between exercise and active minutes

[Lindsd]

Hello, I just got my Inspire HR (my first fitness tracker). Yesterday I did a 1hr HIIT workout, by far my most intense workout of the week. But the Fitbit didn’t count it as exercise... where as it did count a moderate walk I did a few days ago. What is the difference between active minutes and exercise? How can I modify the app to recognize my workout as exercise? Feeling frustrated. 

Moderator edit: Subject for clarity 

[RicardoFitbit]

Hi @Lindsd, welcome to the Community Forums! Sorry for the delay in responding your post.

Thanks for bringing this to our attention and for the details that were shared, I understand how frustrating this matter can be for you. To learn more about how your Inspire HR auto-recognize certain exercises with the SmartTrack feature, I suggest you to check our help article: How do I track my workouts with my Fitbit device? for more information and details. In regards the active minutes feature, please check: 

Let me know if you have any additional questions. 

[SpartanDave79]

I've looked at the "articles" suggested and I still do not understand the difference between active minutes and exercise. I see no real rhyme or reason to what is counted as activity what is counted as exercise and what is counted as both. The best example I have so far is a bike ride at a brisk pace with heart rate recorded in the cardio and peak zones that was counted as activity but not exercise. It just doesn't make sense to me and I'm hoping someone can provide me with a logical explanation. Thanks in advance

[Lindsd]

I completely agree. One of the major pitfalls of fitbit.