Tracking steps

[clunyjoan]

I'm wondering if the fitbit tracks steps through the movement of my arm. I am often pushing my mother in a wheelchair and it seems to not pick up my steps when my arm is stationary because of holding the chair. The app on my phone (in my pocket) was almost double the fitbit steps. Any ideas?

[JohnnyRow]

Yes, being worn on the wrist, the only way it can detect steps is from the normal swinging of the arm while walking normally.  For cases where the wrist is held firm, this often leads to steps not being detected.  This happens also when holding hand rail on treadmill, and pushing shopping cart or baby carriage.  If you put the tracker in your pocket or somehow attached to clothing, you will probably get better step count but will miss out on heart rate data during that time.

[clunyjoan]

Thanks so much. That is very helpful.

Sent from my iPhone