Zip tracking walks automatically

[quietplace]

Hi Folks, I am super new to my fitbit and this forum.  I just got my Zip this week and went for a walk this morning.  It shows my steps as green instead of red on my chart but is not counting it as a form of exercise.  If I add in an exercise activity manually, my dashboard subtracts from my total steps even though I am putting it in the time period for when it has me walking.  I am so confused.  I thought the zip would track this for me automatically and am disappointed now that it doesn't.  On top of that I am trying to track days of the week that I exercise but it just is screwy when I put in my exercise.  Why is it subtracting steps from my total?

Moderator edit: title for clarity

[SaarJaxx]

Before you start your walk or run tap the excercise square on your app dashboard. If you tap on the clock icon (top right) you can choose to log your walk/run. It will count towards your excercise goal and your zip will measure steps as you go. The only thing you can't do is view your steps in the app while walking so you have to check your zip for that. Also doesn't monitor strength training btw, maybe sync a 3rd party app for that. Have fun! 

[quietplace]

Okay, thanks.  I will try that next time.  

[LucyAP]

Great help @SaarJaxx! Welcome to the Community @SaarJaxx! At the moment, SmartTrack (the feature that automatically recognizes and select exercises) it  is available with all trackers except Fitbit Charge, Flex, One, and Zip.

Note that when you manually log an activity, its step and calorie data override the data automatically detected by your tracker during the same time period. This ensures that your steps are not counted twice as long as the manually logged activity has the correct start time and duration. Also, take into account that only steps recorded by your tracker, MobileRun or MobileTrack are counted toward your daily goal progress.

I hope this helps to clarify! 😉 

[Turning60]

My problem is a bit different.  I wear my Zip while I'm running at the gym but since it tracks only steps, not exercise, I manually add the mileage and it adds steps to my Zip.  That can't be right, can it?

[LucyAP]

Nice to see you here @Turning60! This may have a quick explanation. The SmartTrack feature that automatically recognizes select exercises to ensure you get credit for your most active moments of the day. It is available with all trackers except Fitbit Charge, Flex, One, and Zip. 

I hope this helps. 🙂 

[Turning60]

Hi @LucyAP, thanks for your reply.  It sounds like I may have to choose between wearing my Zip during class but not logging the exercise on my Dashboard or not wearing it during class and logging the mileage afterwards.  Does that sound about right?

[LucyAP]

Thanks for the reply @Turning60! You can wear your device while you are in the gym and log the activity after you finish. You can read more about exercise and activities in the How do I track my exercise and activities with Fitbit? 

I hope this helps to clarify. 🙂 

[Turning60]

Thanks so much @LucyAP.  It was just what I needed!

[LucyAP]

You are welcome @Turning60, it's always my pleasure! So good to hear that I was able to help. 🙂 

Also, I'd like to encourage you to join us at Discussions board, there you can be inspired, find some tips to get moving, eat well, manage weight, sleep better, live mindfully and more! Give it a look! 😉