Fitness trackers are amazing little devices that help keep us accountable.
They take the guesswork out of workouts and quickly show us the progress we’re making.
We can see how many calories we’ve burned, how many steps we’ve taken, how far we’ve run, and so much more.
But, if you want to track your steps at work, you may not be allowed to wear a Fitbit on your wrist.
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Will A Fitbit Work In Your Pocket?
Newer Fitbits will work quite effectively in your pocket and they will still count your walking and running steps, your steps up flights of stairs, and your active minutes but they won’t be able to measure your heart rate while in your pocket.
In fact, many people find modern Fitbits to be even more accurate when kept in their pocket.
You can also put it on your ankle and it will work perfectly well.
However, try to use a new well-rated Fitbit as it will contain better step-tracking technology and have a more finely tuned algorithm for understanding your movements.
Fitbit activity trackers understand motion through the use of a 3-axis accelerometer.
This accelerometer turns your body’s complex movements into digital measurements when attached to you or placed in your pocket.
Modern Fitbits use a precise algorithm to count steps based on the patterns of motion and are better at detecting steps when placed in your pocket, compared to older, single-axis step trackers.
How Well Will A Fitbit Work in Your Pocket?
A Fitbit will work in your pocket, but how well is the question.
Fitbit bands and Fitbit smartwatches are designed to measure steps from their positions on your wrist.
When you put these devices in your pocket, the motion they detect is different.
Some models are built to sense your arm motions.
They have accelerometer sensors that track all the movements your arms make.
While they can detect other motions, arm movements are what they track the best.
You’ll likely lose some of the accuracy and reliability you experience with your Fitbit, but it will count your steps when placed in a pocket.
However, newer models like the Fitbit Inspire 2 are much better at tracking steps and can be very accurate from within your pocket.
Just make sure that the tracker you are buying is not designed for the wrist only.
Read Next: Is It Bad To Charge An Apple Watch Every Night? (Explained)
When Should You Put Your Fitbit in Your Pocket?
If you’ve ever gone for a run or a walk only to get home and find out your fitness tracker didn’t record anything, you know the frustration that comes from that.
Some situations cause issues with a Fitbit regarding its ability to track your steps.
Here are some reasons why you might need to put your Fitbit in your pocket:
- Pushing a grocery cart.
- Pushing a stroller.
- Holding the bar while walking on the treadmill.
- Riding a bike.
- Using an elliptical.
- Holding an umbrella or another item while you walk.
Most of these require your arms to stay in one position while you walk or run.
Using an elliptical is an exception, however, it also causes an issue because your arms don’t swing.
While they do move back and forth, they’re in an upright position.
Does A Fitbit Measure Any Other Type of Movement?
The movement of your arms is the most important factor when it comes to Fitbit counting steps and other metrics.
It does detect other movements, too.
Your stride is another important factor.
Consider the grocery store cart.
When you wear your Fitbit to the grocery store, it doesn’t register all of the steps you take there because your stride is much shorter.
When you go for a high-paced walk through your neighborhood, chances are your stride is much longer.
Fitbit detects that difference and counts more steps on your brisk walk.
Can I Wear My Fitbit Further Up My Arm?
You can wear your Fitbit at a higher position on your arm.
It may not be as accurate, but it will still count steps.
The upper part of your arm doesn’t move as much as your wrist; thus, the counting may differ.
If you’re wearing something with sleeves, you should put the Fitbit underneath your clothing.
It won’t work as well if it’s not in contact with your skin.
What Are The Cons To Putting A Fitbit In My Pocket?
The biggest cons are that the accuracy and reliability will be compromised.
You also won’t be able to use the health stat monitoring.
Finally, there’s a risk of losing your Fitbit if your pocket isn’t secured.
Final Thoughts
You can put your Fitbit in your pocket in certain situations, so it still counts your steps.
When your arms aren’t moving, Fitbit doesn’t track your steps properly or at all in some cases.
It may be less accurate depending on the type of Fitbit you’re using, but it’s worth giving it a try when there’s no other option.
