Burning cals

[vinlemay]

Hi,

I just did spiining and my watch said that I burn about 150 cals. But my bike says that I burn double that number, around 300 cals. is there a way to test the accuracy of the fitbit surge watch for burn cals?

Thank you.

[SolangeE]

Hey there, @vinlemay! Welcome to the Forums! Your tracker is design to track your steps as you run or walk outdoors, the algorithms used to obtain this information are based on the movement of your arm swing. When you use machines like a treadmill your tracker is not as accurate because of the placing of your arms on it, this is the same for the stationary bike. However you can use smartTrack to record this type of exercise, you can find more information about it, here. 

I hope this helps, let me know! c:

[etc22]

What on your bike says you burned 300 cal? I mean is it a generic calorie counting computer, or is it a customizable one that lets you input your own variables like weight, age, fitness level etc... If it's just a generic counter it is giving you a burn based on a specific set of variables.

I remember reading somewhere that machines like this are usually set on a 150lb person - so if you're 125 or 225 it will obviously give you an erroneous calorie burn.

Something else you can try with your Surge on a bike (or spinning) is to wear it around your ankle - no you can not view it while you're riding but you get better data as it registers the motion better (IMO). I put mine inside my sock to hold it since it can't clasp around my ankle and I have done many 40+ mile rides with it like that and never had an issue - the HR monitor works, it tracks the pedaling motion better (I avg about 250 "steps" per mile riding) and the GPS has always tracked well.