What should I do with arms to count steps during speed walking?

[Kmdgerton]

I did a 3000 step speed walking workout in 20 minutes and my FB Inspire2 only counted 1700. I know that arm position matters. About half the time I pumped my arms in time to the fast steps. The rest of the time, I swung them more to give myself a break. Which is the more accurate way? I’ll adjust to its counting limitations. Just tell me how! I want to enter a step contest but they only accept tracker numbers and I wouldn’t make my goals at this point. Thanks! 

[JohnnyRow]

As long as you're not completely constraining you arm/wrist movement, such as by holding bar on treadmill, shouldn't make any difference.

[Kmdgerton]

Maybe I was just going too fast for the counter to keep up then? Missing 1300 out of 3000 seemed high. Thanks for your reply. 

[alexthecat]

@Kmdgerton if you're more concerned about steps than heartrate, you could try wearing your Fitbit on your ankle. I do that sometimes when I want to wear a real watch on my wrist. The heartrate is less accurate, but the step count is fine. 

[planodot]

Wear your Fitbit on your ankle for the best measure of steps. Walking - running, jogging or swimming. Holding a phone - or other object in your hand keeps fitness tracker does not work well. Pushing a stroller or shopping cart limits movement of arms. Seniors do not swing our arms when walking. Put a fitness tracker on ankle and another on wrist you see big difference!