Manuel exercise miles not included in total

[RebPet]

I added a manual exercise today. 9.5Km for a spin bike. It isn't adding to the total miles.

I've restarted the app, disconnected the watch from Bluetooth etc, all the usual faff required for FitBit now.

Nothing has worked. Any ideas or shall I just finally throw the towel in?

[LZeeW]

@RebPet   Daily distance has always been calculated from step based activities.  Distances from biking and swimming have never been added.

[RebPet]

Hi, so even if you're adding a manual activity, Fitbit doesn't include the
distance that you add? I've manually added distance from treadmill
activities in the past and that worked. Isn't that the purpose of the
functionality?

[LZeeW]

@RebPet   Your treadmill is step based.  Fitbit has never added distance from a bike based activity, indoors or outdoors.

Manually adding an activity can mean different things to different people.  If you are tapping on the green + button, then using the Manually log option, then you should only do this if you aren't wearing your Fitbit at the time.  If you are wearing your Fitbit, then you should use the Exercise app on your Fitbit with the appropriate exercise shortcut.

[RebPet]

Except that it doesn't properly record distance i.e I run 5km on a treadmill but Fitbit only records it as 3km. Sent from my Galaxy

[LZeeW]

@RebPet   Treadmill distance is an issue for all users, even different brands of fitness trackers.  A treadmill measures distance from the belt movement.   Its measurement can be off if it isn't maintained properly.

Your Fitbit measures distance using a steps x stride length equation.  Fitbit uses your walking stride length in the treadmill shortcut.  Your actual stride length on a treadmill will depend on your pace and if you add an incline.  When you run on a treadmill, Fitbit recommends using the Run shortcut with GPS off.

If you use the Manual log feature while wearing your Fitbit, you create incorrect data.  Treadmill data is especially problematic.  Every bit of data on a Fitbit is an estimate.  I don't micromanage my treadmill data.

There is another small point to keep in mind.  Manually added distance doesn't count towards lifetime distance badges.  If you keep an eye on your badges, you won't get one when you expect it.

[RebPet]

I'm not bothered about the badges.

Do you work for Google because you sound like you're justifying the
shortfalls of the Fitbit?

We all use different metrics. I like to measure my distance, as I have my
own weekly goal.

If there is an option to add an activity manually, then the results of that
activity should contribute to your daily total. That seems a basic
requirement to me.

But thanks for your input.

[LZeeW]

@RebPet   Product Experts aren’t employees.  We are knowledgeable, experienced users who like to help others.  Like I wrote, treadmill distance accuracy is difficult for other brands, not just Fitbit.  My goal is to help you get the most from your workouts.

[RebPet]

It's not treadmill accuracy that is the issue.

I wanted to add an activity, Spin, after completing a 9.5km session. I
added it as 'Bike' manually. There is a field to add the distance, but the
distance isn't then included in total KM.

What is the point of having a field for distance on a manual activity if it
isn't then included in the total?

I would like a response from Fitbit/Google as to whether this will be fixed.

This is the latest in a string of issues that I've had with Fitbit.