Question on reliable step counts.

[Tarrax_Ironwolf]

Hello,

I just started my diet last week and ordered the Zip and started using it Wednesday. First day it tracked 7583 steps (at work), the next day it tracked 8919 steps (again at work + some after work shopping). Now I find it rather surprising that I walk that many steps at work when I really don't go that far but I do quite a bit of short distances.

So today I decided to just check the reliability of the tracking by placing it where it suggested and do some test stepping. The first result in my pocket resulted in 58 steps (but I only took 40), then tried it on my side hip. It tracked 45 steps (again I only took 40). Then I placed it directly in front of torso attached to belt and it tracked 53 steps (once again I only took 40 steps).

So my question stands, how can I be sure I'm getting true accurate steps if the tracker pads my step count? With that knowledge I am also assuming that the step count is directly tied into the algorithm for calorie burned data which will then inflate that and the amount burned would be higher than what it really is.

So then, is the data derived from the tracker truly accurate? Or is it just an 'estimate' and you really shouldn't be basing all your information on its data results?

Granted I understand there really isn't a way to accurately track steps short of a device that would be implemented in the shoe where a pressure and accelerometer sensor could gather that data.

[Rich_Laue]

@Tarrax_Ironwolf im not sure what all is happening, your Zip is simply looking for motions that look like a step is being taken. Your tracker looks for 5 steps before it starts counting, once that 5 step is taken 5 steps are added to thr days count.

Independent studies have shown 5 inches from the side hip bone eather front or nack will give the most accurate count. This goes gor any clip style tracker from any company. 

Clipped to the bra is a very close second place winner in accuracy.

In the pocket the Zip can be tossed around and this might be why extra steps are recorded.

To test i would stand still long enough for the display to settle down, then clip the tracker on. Wait a few sevonds before taking off on the walk, i would count off 100 steps then check.

Andwers? No i dont have any, just some thoughts.

I walk 500 steps and the Zip gave me 500 +- 1

[Tarrax_Ironwolf]

Thanks Rich. I'll give the 5 inch from the hip bone a try.