Can I Wear My Fitbit Somewhere Other Than My Wrist?

So, you bought a Fitbit tracker to live healthier lives and lose weight while having fun!

Regardless of the reason for buying a Fitbit watch, how you wear the tracker could significantly impact the data it collects. Therefore, it’s always encouraged to wear the Fitbit on the wrist, face up, so it can collect data accurately. 

Unfortunately, wearing Fitbit as a watch-style device is only sometimes possible. For instance, some jobs require workers to wear nothing on their arms between their elbows and fingertips for safety reasons. 

Others find a wristwatch intrusive and get in the way of their work, especially if their job requires constant hand washing. In these cases, are there other alternatives to Fitbit wrist-wearing? 

Let’s find out!

So, Can You Wear Your Fitbit Tracker Somewhere Other Than Your Wrist?

Yes, you can wear a Fitbit somewhere other than your wrist. 

For instance, you can wear it on your ankle. However, don’t expect to get accurate readings. It may not count steps accurately because of its placement and may even register different movements.

Fitbit trackers can also be attached to a belt, bra, or other clothing. But by doing so, heart rate tracking won’t be possible since heart rate data can only be collected when you wear the tracker on the wrist. Instead, the tracker reads the standard steps, calories, and sleep.

In addition, there are clip-on trackers. These trackers are clipped on the waistbands of skirts, shorts, or trousers. You may likewise attach these to your bra strap or T-shirt.

Related: Best Fitness Tracker for Weight Watchers

Using the Fitbit App Without a Fitness Tracker

If your phone is compatible with Fitbit MobileTrack, you can use Fitbit other than your wrist. This MobileTrack feature allows you to use the Fitbit App using your phone’s sensor to track activity data, such as the calories burned, distance, and steps.

It tracks the steps through the low-power step sensors inside your phone. Meanwhile, it assesses your distance by your stride length. Fitbit Mobile Track, by default, calculates stride length using your gender and height. You can adjust your stride length if your distance estimate is inaccurate.

As for the calories you burned, Fitbit MobileTrack estimates it based on your Basal Metabolic Rate. It calculates your BMR using your weight, height, age, and sex you provided when you set up your Fitbit account.

Aside from activity tracking, Fitbit MobileTrack has the following features:

• Weight tracking
• Food tracking
• Adding friends
• Friends leaderboard
• Setting fitness goals
• Cheering and messaging friends

Related: Are Fitness Trackers Worth It?

Why Fitbit Trackers Are Best Worn on a Non-Dominant Hand

The Fitbit manufacturer recommends users wear their Fitbit devices on their non-dominant wrist. If you’re right-handed, wear the tracker on the left wrist.

The reason for using the non-dominant hand is that it increases the sensitivity to step counting. This recommendation is because you move your dominant hand a lot during the day, leading to an inaccurately high number of steps.

For a more accurate result, the back of your Fitbit should be in contact with your skin for heart-rate tracking and other features.

Ensure the band is not too tight on your wrist but loose enough to slide back and forth when moving. Move the band higher on your wrist (about two to three finger widths above the wrist bone) during exercise, so it’s secure.

Benefits of Ankle Fitbit Fitness Trackers

Fitbit can be worn on the ankle using a strap; these are the specific advantages you get from wearing it this way.

1. Accurate Cycling Data

When you wear an ankle Fitbit tracker, you get accurate results on your cycling data. No cycle is deducted or added.

To put your Fitbit in the ankle band, simply remove the original wristband and insert the Fitbit into the new ankle band. The new band should click into place unless you press both sides to release it.

2. Accurate Step Count Data

Wearing the Fitbit on your ankle also results in accurate step count data. When you wear a FitBit on the wrist, it no longer relies on how you sway your hands. 

Putting the device on the ankle provides accurate results, even if the user is running. You only have to find the right ankle band that is comfortable and will fit your ankle. A bonus is that you can wear it to bed, and it’ll also track sleep. 

But, of course, with advantages also come disadvantages. For instance, if you’re opting to wear Fitbit on your ankle rather than your wrist, it may lead to an incorrect heart rate. Therefore, the wrist is the best point to gather accurate heart rate data. 

Moreover, Fitbit devices flash their green light-emitting diodes (LEDs) a few times per second. They then use light-sensitive photodiodes, detecting volume changes in the capillaries above the wrist. It then determines how many times the heart beats per minute. 

If you’re not using the heart rate feature, you can always turn it off to increase your battery life.

Best Fitbit Models To Check Out

One Fitbit model worth looking at is the Fitbit Versa 2. It accurately tracks all-day calorie burn and heart-rate zones to provide meaningful insights into fitness and wellness. 

Another best option is the Fitbit Inspire 3. This model tracks your body’s physical signs of stress, gauges your body’s readiness for workouts, and has a sleep score breakdown to improve sleep quality. The Fitbit Versa 2 and Inspire 3 accurately track your activities and step counts. 

Lastly, Fitbit Luxe is the most fashionable Fitbit mode. It is lightweight, comes with a color touchscreen, and is excellent for fitness and sleep tracking. It likewise has stress management tools. However, one downside is that it has no contactless payments and GPS.

Best Clip-On Fitness Trackers 2022

Now, let’s proceed with fitness trackers that you can clip on your waist belt, pocket, shoe, or bra.

• Fitbit Zip
• Fitbit Inspire HR
• Fitbit Inspire 2
• Ozo Fitness
• Fitbit Inspire 
• Bellabeat Leaf Urban
• Moov Now
• Really 3DTriSport

When buying a fitness tracker, consider the device’s tracking accuracy, customization capability, compatibility, durability, and comfort.

Other Alternatives to Fitness Trackers Wrist Wearing (You Won’t Believe)

Generally, you should put your Fitbit on your wrist. However, you can always think creatively and try out new techniques. Check out below other alternatives to Fitbit wrist-wearing.

1. Clip It on Near Your Hip

One of the great alternatives to Fitbit wrist-wearing is to wear it near your hip. You can simply clip it onto your pants. One activity tracker model you can check out is the Fitbit One.

Make sure that the wearable aligns with where your wrist naturally falls when your arm is down at your side. As you sync your Fitbit to your app, it will show your daily steps. It also tracks things, such as walking up hills or climbing stairs. 

2. Wear it on Your Shoe

Another option for wearing your fitness tracker is on your shoe. You can buy a strap or a clip mainly designed for this purpose. You may also opt for an elastic shoelace to hold the device in place.

3. Swing As a Pendant

You can add a cute variation to your fitness tracker and use it as a pendant. You can use a cowhide necklace strap and attach the tracker to it. 

Related: Which Fitness Tracker Is Most Accurate For Calories Burned?

4. Wear It As a Bracelet

Another way to add style to your outfit is to wear Fitbit as a bracelet. 

While technically it’s still on your wrist, it will look gorgeous because it’s easy to pair it with a dress, a t-shirt, or jeans. This Fitbit style is also perfect for special occasions, such as parties and date nights, or fits for daily alternative wear.

5. Put Fitbit In Your Pocket

Many people put their Fitbit in their pocket when they are out for a run or during grocery shopping trips. 

We tried this in the back jeans pocket and the side-zip pocket of the jacket. Both registered the same steps when worn on the wrist. However, one downside is you may leave it in your pocket when you wash your clothes, lose it, and cannot collect heart rate data.

The Bottom Line

Thank you so much for completing this entire article, Fitbit friends!

You may already know that the key to getting the most from Fitbit fitness trackers is to wear them correctly. 

That way, the device will accurately track your movements, the calories burned, and other stats. But for whatever reason you want to wear your Fitbit other than the wrist, you can wear it on the ankle or your arm, swing as a necklace, be carried in a pocket, or swing as a necklace.

You can also use an app, such as the Fitbit MobileTrack, which uses your phone’s sensor to track your activity data.

Finally, while a fitness tracker is an excellent tool for individuals looking to optimize their fitness or weight loss journey, they are not a perfect guide. It’s better to cultivate a fitness mindset and live a healthy life, whether it’s measured or not.

For more information on fitness, bodybuilding, and nutrition, visit ExpertFitness.org.