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Fitness trackers that counts steps while pushing a pram

31 replies

Notlongtogo82 · 14/06/2021 12:57

Does anyone have any recommendations for a fitness tracker/watch that will count steps while pushing a pram/buggy.

Had ds just over a week ago and keen to get back into walking and my fitness back. Currently have a garmin Vivoacymtive 4s and disappointingly it doesn't seem to be tracking my steps while pushing the pram.

Wondered if anyone had any suggestions for another watch that does.

OP posts:
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idontlikealdi · 14/06/2021 13:01

Put it on your ankle

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LongLiveGoblingKing · 14/06/2021 13:03

I have been known to stick my Garmin on my ankle (using a hair tie to extend it) of I'm going for a long walk. It's not 100% accurate but is better than being on your wrist and not counting anything.

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Curlypop · 14/06/2021 13:04

Apple Watch does

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MaverickDanger · 14/06/2021 13:06

My Fitbit does.

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StrawberriCream · 14/06/2021 13:06

Fitbit tracks when pushing prams, my husbands garmin watch doesn't no experience of other trackers

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OhWifey · 14/06/2021 13:07

My Fitbit doesn't

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momo20 · 14/06/2021 13:07

My fitbit versa 3 does

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4PawsGood · 14/06/2021 13:10

My phone does when it’s in my bag.

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4PawsGood · 14/06/2021 13:11

(Meant to say, presume you’ve discounted that but thought I’d mention.)

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TakeYourFinalPosition · 14/06/2021 13:11

My Apple Watch doesn’t… ironically I was told to try Garmin Grin

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BuffySummersReportingforSanity · 14/06/2021 13:12

My Fitbit Charges always have (although it invariably logs it as time on the elliptical, but who cares. My FIL reports the same thing happens with pushing a lawnmower).

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nomorespaghetti · 14/06/2021 13:14

My Apple Watch does. I do the school run with the buggy for younger DC, and it’s about 3.5 miles x twice a day, so there’s no way I want my tracker to skip all that effort!

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TakeYourFinalPosition · 14/06/2021 13:28

Ooh that's interesting, @nomorespaghetti, what type have you got? I've got a series 6 and while it will count some steps when I've got the pram, it counts LOADS less than when I walk the same route without it. Which then feels like a massive waste of effort, I agree Grin

I'm not sure I ever tested my series 3 with a pram, so I don't know if that did any better...

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MySocalledLoaf · 14/06/2021 13:29

Fitbit Versa doesn’t. Doesn’t if you are carrying a toddler either.

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Okbutnotgreat · 14/06/2021 13:43

You need a watch that has its own gps tracker like the Fitbit Versa 3 not one that uses motion only. If you have a phone you could try the Strava app.

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nomorespaghetti · 14/06/2021 13:46

I’ve got the newest one TakeYourFinalPosition (6?) If yours isn’t counting it could you track it as a workout while you’re pushing the buggy? I compared my iPhone in my pocket and my watch during my walk with the buggy, and they were pretty consistent.

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EducatingArti · 14/06/2021 13:48

My Fitbit thinks I am outdoor cycling when I push a buggy or toddler trike!

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BlueyIsMyBae · 14/06/2021 13:53

I tend to put my garmin in my pocket or bag for a long walk. Not 100% accurate but better than nothing.

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Notlongtogo82 · 14/06/2021 15:03

Thanks everyone, some mixed answers. Was trying to avoid putting my watch in my pocket/bag as thej I lose the heart rate and intensity minute features but looks like the best solution at the moment.

Annoyingly my old (much cheaper) garmin used to track my steps with the buggy a few years ago without fail, but unfortunately I sold that one to upgrade!

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trevthecat · 14/06/2021 15:04

My Fitbit reckons im cycling when I push the pram 🤣

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ProfessionalTeaDrinker · 14/06/2021 17:40

If you record it as a walk, so set off an activity, I think you get a more accurate recording as it amends the steps to the GPS distance. I think. It's been a while for me! But I'm sure this is what my friends do and say it's better, if not perfect.

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cannaethink · 18/06/2021 18:30

My Fitbit versa 3 recorded steps when I was sitting in a parked car yesterday 🤔

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SquigglePigs · 18/06/2021 18:34

My Fitbit does, although annoyingly doesn't when I'm pushing a trolley. I assume it's because I walk faster with the pram than the trolley but it's a bit irrigating.

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fellrunner85 · 19/06/2021 09:40

The issue isn't the type of tracker per se, it's how you're tracking it.
A GPS tracker, if you set it to record as a walk, is the most accurate way to do it. And Garmins are the best.
But ordinary fitbit type trackers that just sense whether your arms are moving are not will always be patchy if you're pushing a pram, as your arms don't move! As a pp said, you can put your watch on your ankle or in your pocket so it gets the "jiggle" by they really are inaccurate.
My MIL loves her fitbit as she reckons she gets 2k steps just cooking. Er no... you were stirring a pot Grin

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HermioneGrunger · 19/06/2021 09:46

My fitbit versa 3 has a gps tracker and records steps when pushing anything or if I'm holding my handbag on my shoulder.

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