Track your speed, pace, calories burned, and high-intensity workouts with Fitbit smartwatches. But the million-dollar question remains- does Fitbit work on treadmill. Stay with us to put your concerns to rest and learn exclusive tips to boost your Fitbit treadmill accuracy.
Yes, Fitbit works on a treadmill efficiently. However, there may be a mismatch in the accuracy of the two devices.
The treadmill uses belt rotation and speed to calculate distance and pace, but the Fitbit relies on its sensors, such as the accelerometer and the heart-rate monitor, to estimate your steps, distance, pace, and calories burned. Since the methods used are different, a mismatch is expected.
How does Fitbit track your Workout
Fitbit makes use of sensors such as:
- Accelerometer– Detects motion and estimates steps.
- Gyroscope– Tracks body movement and orientation.
- Optical Heart-Rate Sensor– Measures pulse through skin.
- Altimeter (select models)– Used to track elevation and floors climbed.
Fitbit generates all its metrics based on these sensors. These help the device generate metrics with precision and enhance the overall functionality of the device.
Unlike Fitbit, the treadmill does not make use of gyroscope or GPS tracking. It only takes into account the steps taken based on the time spent on the treadmill, speed, and belt rotation. It falls short in measuring the user’s heart rate and calories burned. Hence, it is highly recommended that fitness enthusiasts connect the two devices for the best results.
Tips To Make Fitbit Work On Treadmill
Follow the tips and tricks explained below to make Fitbit work on treadmill and enhance your treadmill accuracy:
1. Enable Treadmill Shortcut
The best way to fix inaccuracies is to activate the Fitbit Charge 5 Treadmill mode. You can enable the treadmill mode by,
Step 1 – Open the Fitbit app and tap Today tab > profile picture > your device.
Step 2 – Tap on Exercise Shortcut or Workout apps.
Step 3 – Select Treadmill from the list.
Step 4 – If it isn’t already listed, tap Add + Exercise Shortcut > Treadmill > Add to Device.
Step 5 – Sync your Fitbit to update the change.
Step 6 – On your Fitbit, open Exercise > Treadmill > Start.
2. Manually set or calibrate Your Stride Length
The stride taken varies for every user. Most treadmills tend to follow a standard measurement for the stride taken by the user. You can change the stride length to enhance your Fitbit work on a treadmill to generate better metrics.
Step 1 – Open the Fitbit app and tap on the Today tab.
Step 2 – Tap your Profile icon.
Step 3 – Select Account Settings.
Step 4 – Scroll down to tap on Activity and Wellness.
Step 5 – Tap on Exercises.
Step 6 – Scroll down to tap on Stride length.
Step 7 – Change the stride length to what best suits your pace. Ensure that you choose the best option, taking into account your walking and running pace.
Step 8 – Save and sync your Fitbit.
3. Wear your Fitbit correctly
Fitbit recommends wearing the tracker on your wrist snugly, not too loose, not too tight, ideally, about one finger width above your wrist bone.
Holding the treadmill handles also restricts arm movement, resulting in underestimating your steps. Keep a natural arm swing if possible, to be as close to the actual steps as possible.
So this is how you can make Fitbit work on treadmill and get the maximum accuracy.
Wrap Up
Smartwatches are making fashion statements that resonate directly with the user’s life and daily habits. We hope that you can now integrate the devices and make Fitbit work on treadmill and generate even more accurate metrics to monitor physical fitness. You can also connect your Fitbit if you have a Peloton.
Also read: How To Set Exercise Goals On Fitbit Charge?
