Treadmill inaccuracy

[NeedUpgrade]

Just "upgraded" to Sense 2. Used treadmill yesterday at 4.2mph for 30 minutes and just over 2 miles. Fitbit gave me credit for 1.3 miles and a step count equivalent to 1.3 miles. I am a longtime user and still mourning the Fitbit One. I've tried Charge, but returned and I've used Inspire the past couple years. I put Sense in treadmill mode; I don't hold on - in fact I pump my arms......it's sooo frustrating. This is the primary reason I returned the Charge when I tried it. Why can't this work correctly? I see this complaint over and over.

[t.parker]

It isn't entirely Fitbit issue. Treadmills don't synchronize belt and distance counter. When you step onto the belt you change it's speed every time you make a contact but the distance counter keeps counting the distance as if this didn't happen. Also, many treadmills are not calibrated properly or lose calibration due to a motor getting old. I did once experiment in my local gym using several treadmill machines and used an attachment that was moving with the belt and both pace and distance were quite different from what treadmills were showing. So I simply don't trust treadmills. Expecting that the device worn on your wrist will get it right is another thing. You'd need a foot pod to get that level of accuracy (and result would be most likely different from what treadmill shows).

Rather than distance and pace, try to use heart rate and a rate of perceived exertion. Distance and pace on treadmills aren't worth much (with exception of non-motorized very expensive units which actually synchronize belt with counters).

[JohnnyRow]

Curious if get  same result using walk or run setting without GPS;  I would thing only difference would be making sure "treadmill" makes sure not to turn on GPS.

One possibility you probably don't want to hear: maybe treadmill is lying.  Belt on treadmill could be slipping, giving false speed reading without intentionally lying. Could try counting steps as long as you can but don't know how practical that is. Maybe need slower speed or phone on treadmill console.