Picture this: you’re strutting your stuff on your fancy new walking treadmill, ticking off your email admin with the inspiration words of Bet On It spurring you on.
Hot girl summer is well and truly in motion. You check your step count on your trusty Apple Watch, expecting some serious numbers. But low and behold, after 30 minutes of strutting, your tracker is only registering a measly 10 steps? Say what now?!
If you’ve ever experienced the crushing disappointment of realising that your walking treadmill isn’t counting your steps accurately, then you’re not alone.
It’s a common problem for under desk treadmill owners that can leave you feeling defeated, frustrated, and maybe even a little bit cheated. But fear not, dear reader, for there is a really simple solution to this vexing problem that you may not have considered before.
Here goes.
How does a watch count my steps?
Fitbits and Apple Watches use a 3-axis accelerometer to measure the motion of your body and determine whether you are walking, running, or engaging in other activities.
The accelerometer senses changes in direction and speed, which it then translates into step counts.
They can also differentiate between different types of movement, such as running versus walking, and adjust step counts accordingly.
Additionally, Fitbits may use other sensors, such as gyroscopes, to provide more accurate measurements of movement and help filter out extraneous movements.
Overall, the combination of sensors and algorithms used by Fitbits allows them to provide accurate and personalised step counting data for users.
So, what happens when we stop moving our hands in a natural way as we walk? For example, when we type…It doesn’t count.
How to Ensure Accurate Step Counting on Your Treadmill
If you’re having trouble with your steps not counting on your walking treadmill, there are a few things you can do to ensure accurate step counting. Here are some tips:
Keep Your Tracker in Your Pocket
One way to ensure your steps count is to keep your tracker in your pocket.
This will help ensure that your tracker is picking up every step you take.
However, it is important to note that not all trackers are created equal.
Some trackers may be more accurate than others, so it’s important to do your research and choose a tracker that has been tested for accuracy.
Use a Pedometer
Another option is to use a pedometer.
Pedometers are small devices that clip onto your clothing or attach to your wrist and count your steps. They are typically less expensive than trackers and may be more accurate in some cases. For £9.99 on Amazon, can you really go wrong.
However, if you’re like me, if my Fitbit app doesn’t display my steps in total at the end of the day, they may as well not have happened.
Which brings me to my favourite (and often overlooked) solution.
Put Your Watch On Your Ankle
Ah, the trusty ankle trick. You may have noticed an additional strap in your Fitbit box when you first purchased it. Now is when it’ll finally come in handy. While your heart rate won’t be nearly as accurate as wearing your watch traditionally (my watch tends to think I’m dead) your steps will pick up, and really, that’s all that matters.
If you’ve lost your additional strap, don’t despair, you can pick these up for an ankle strap for a bargain price on Amazon.
How To Increase Your Step Count on Your Treadmill
Walking on a treadmill is a great way to get exercise, but it can be frustrating when your step count doesn’t seem to be increasing.
Here are some tips to help you increase your step count on your treadmill.
Vary Your Walking Speed
One way to increase your step count on your treadmill is to vary your walking speed.
Walking at a brisk pace will help you burn more calories and take more steps. Try increasing your speed for a few minutes at a time, then slowing down for a few minutes before speeding up again.
This will help you keep your step count up and make your workout more challenging.
Increase Your Treadmill Incline
This won’t increase your step count, but it will increase just how hard you have to work. If you’re under desk treadmill inclines, whack it up a few notches.
Walking on an incline will work your muscles harder and burn more calories. Try increasing the incline by 1 or 2 percent and see how it feels. You can gradually increase the incline as you get stronger.
Add Arm Weights
Adding arm weights to your workout can also help you feel more of a burn.
Start with light weights and gradually increase the weight as you get stronger. Be sure to keep your elbows close to your body and avoid swinging your arms too much.
Problem solved, just strap the watch to your ankle and get back to hitting those 10k days.