How To Wear A Fitbit?

Fitbit wearable activity trackers measure data such as the number of steps walked, heart rate, quality of sleep, steps climbed, and other personal metrics involved in fitness.

Fitbit devices must be worn as recommended by their manufacturer to improve their accuracy. However, some people find such use a little bit tedious and wear their Fitbits differently...

Published: August 14, 2023.

How To Wear A Fitbit Device For The Most Accurate Readings?

Wearing a Fitbit is generally straightforward, but the exact method can vary slightly depending on the model you have. Here are some general steps:

• Positioning: The Fitbit should be worn on your non-dominant wrist to get the most accurate readings. This is because people tend to move their dominant hand more, which could potentially skew the data.
• Fitting: The band should be secure but not too tight – you should be able to move the band up and down your wrist slightly. If you're wearing a Fitbit with a heart rate monitor, it should be worn higher up on your wrist (about 2-3 finger widths from your wrist bone) to get a good reading. During exercise, Fitbit recommends wearing the band even a bit tighter (but still comfortable), and higher on your wrist for an improved fit.
• Cleaning: Regularly clean your band and wrist - especially after working out, sweating, or exposing the band to substances like soap or lotion that can get trapped beneath the band and potentially irritate skin.
• Taking Breaks: Give your wrist a break by removing the band for an hour after extended wear.
• Charging: Remove the Fitbit from your wrist when it needs to be charged. The charging frequency will depend on the model of Fitbit and how often you use it.

The exact method for wearing and adjusting your Fitbit may vary depending on the model. Always refer to the user manual for model-specific instructions.

What About Wearing Fitbit On Ankle?

Fitbit devices are designed to be worn on the wrist, and that's where they will provide the most accurate data. The algorithms used by Fitbit devices to calculate steps, distance, calories burned, sleep, and other metrics are designed with wrist movement in mind.

However, some people do choose to wear their Fitbit on their ankle for various reasons, such as if their job or activity involves a lot of hand movement that could be misinterpreted as steps, or if they find it more comfortable.

If you choose to wear your Fitbit on your ankle, keep in mind:

• Accuracy: The step count might be more accurate for some people, especially if your job or daily activities involve a lot of hand movement. However, other metrics like distance and calories burned might be less accurate, because these calculations are based on the assumption that the device is being worn on the wrist.
• Heart Rate Monitoring: If your Fitbit has a heart rate monitor, it likely won't work on your ankle. The technology used for heart rate monitoring in Fitbit devices is optimized for use on the wrist, where the skin is thinner.
• Fit: Fitbit bands might not fit around your ankle, especially if you have a larger ankle. There are third-party bands designed to be worn on the ankle that you can purchase, but these are not officially endorsed by Fitbit.
• Water Resistance: If you're wearing your Fitbit on your ankle, it might be more exposed to water and dirt, especially if you're walking through puddles or wet grass. Make sure your Fitbit is water-resistant if you plan to wear it on your ankle.

Note that Fitbit does not officially support wearing their devices on the ankle, so doing so is at your own risk. Always refer to the user manual and Fitbit's official guidelines when using your device.

Can You Wear Fitbit In The Shower?

many Fitbit devices are water-resistant and can be worn while doing activities like washing your hands or swimming in a pool or ocean. However, Fitbit does not recommend wearing your device in a hot tub or sauna and recommends avoiding soaps and shampoos.

While Fitbit devices are generally water-resistant, Fitbit still recommends drying the band well after getting it wet. This is because while the device itself is water-resistant, wearing a wet band for prolonged periods can potentially irritate your skin.

Regarding showering specifically, while the water resistance of the device might allow for it, Fitbit does not recommend wearing your device in the shower because the soap, hot water, and other substances can potentially harm the device and reduce its lifespan.

As always, refer to the user manual or Fitbit's official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.