This discussion has been locked.

You can no longer post new replies to this discussion. If you have a question you can start a new discussion

Step count issue

TL;DR:
Does the step count increase whilst riding?

Hi, I've have the original Garmin Vivofit, which got upgraded to a Forerunner 25, and I use an Edge 520 for cycling.

My main issue with the activity trackers is that they "count" steps whilst I'm riding.

I thought that they may have been dismissed retrospectively, once my ride was uploaded from my 520 to Garmin Connect but this is not the case :(

I know that the VA3 has MoveIQ, so will detect rides automatically.

So my question is, does it still increase the step count whilst riding?

It irritates me that when I get to work, my step count can be 5000+, but I've only actually done 250ish, and ridden to work.

If not, is there any way of editing the value on the watch and in Garmin Connect?

0 tmk2 over 7 years ago

Generally, Garmin watches do not disable step counting during any kind of activity, so whenever the watch detects rhytmic acceleration it will count steps no matter what you're actually doing - be it cycling or swimming or... ummm... any other type of rhytmic motion of your wrist.

If not, is there any way of editing the value on the watch and in Garmin Connect?

None that I am aware of.

0 R_Tellis over 7 years ago

I've only ever seen modest step gains while riding but have read with in forums for the 235 and 735 where people were even getting steps while driving which I've never seen at all. I don't know if it's a matter of how the watch is worn or if some watches are just more sensitive than others.

0 Former Member over 7 years ago

I have noticed the same issue with my VivoActive HR while driving to my work :) A solution may be a module that suppresses the step counts while driving based on some other sensor inputs. Can a magnetometer output be used for this purpose? Since the magnetometer detects Earth's magnetic field strength, its output can be used to calculate the change of the field strength while driving (somewhat fast). I am just wondering....