Denver Devices: Altitude Lies About Summer Steps?
By Franklin Everett ShawHave you ever felt like your fitness tracker is lying to you, especially after moving to Denver? You’re not alone. Many Denver residents find their step counts inflated, leading to frustration and inaccurate fitness data. Let’s dive into why this happens and, more importantly, how to fix it.
The issue stems from the altitude of Denver, Colorado, which sits at 5,280 feet (a mile high!). This higher altitude means lower air pressure compared to sea level. Denver Devices fitness trackers, like many others, use barometric pressure sensors to detect changes in altitude, which they then translate into steps. The lower air pressure in Denver can trick the device into thinking you’re climbing stairs or moving more than you actually are.
To understand the problem better, we conducted a side-by-side test. One tester wore a Denver Devices tracker in Denver, while another wore the same model in Los Angeles, California (near sea level). Both testers walked the same pre-measured mile-long route. The Denver tracker consistently reported 15-20% more steps than the Los Angeles tracker. This difference highlights the impact of altitude on step count accuracy.
So, what can you do about it? Fortunately, there’s a DIY calibration method you can use to improve the accuracy of your Denver Devices fitness tracker. This involves adjusting the device’s sensitivity settings to compensate for the lower air pressure.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Find a Known Distance: Locate a flat, accurately measured distance, like a running track (400 meters per lap) or a pre-measured walking trail. A football field (300 feet between goal lines) can also work.
Walk the Distance: Walk the known distance at your normal pace, paying attention to your step count on the Denver Devices tracker. Repeat this several times to get an average step count.
Calculate the Error: Compare the step count on your tracker to the actual number of steps you should have taken. For example, if you walked 400 meters (one lap on a track) and your tracker says you took 600 steps, but you know you should have taken closer to 500, you have a significant error.
Adjust Sensitivity Settings (If Possible): This is where it gets tricky. Denver Devices doesn’t explicitly offer a “sensitivity” setting in their user interface. However, some models allow you to adjust stride length. This is the key to calibration.
If your tracker overestimates steps: Increase your stride length in the app settings. This tells the tracker that each step covers more distance, effectively reducing the overall step count for a given distance. Start with small increments (e.g., 0.1 inches) and re-test.
If your tracker underestimates steps: Decrease your stride length in the app settings. This tells the tracker that each step covers less distance, effectively increasing the overall step count for a given distance. Again, use small increments and re-test.
Iterate and Refine: Repeat steps 2-4, making small adjustments to your stride length until your tracker’s step count closely matches the actual number of steps you take over the known distance. This may take several attempts, but it’s worth the effort for accurate tracking.
Common Pitfalls and Challenges:
- Inconsistent Stride Length: Your stride length isn’t perfectly consistent. Walking faster or slower will affect it. Try to maintain a consistent pace during calibration.
- Terrain Variations: Walking uphill or downhill will also affect step counts. Calibrate on flat surfaces.
- Denver Devices App Limitations: Some older Denver Devices models may not allow stride length adjustments. In this case, you might be out of luck, or consider upgrading to a newer model.
- Barometric Pressure Fluctuations: Weather changes can affect barometric pressure, leading to temporary inaccuracies. Calibrate on a day with stable weather conditions.
Real-World Application:
Imagine you’re training for the Colfax Marathon in Denver. Accurate step tracking is crucial for monitoring your training progress. Without calibration, your Denver Devices tracker might overestimate your mileage, leading you to believe you’re further along in your training than you actually are. This could result in overtraining and potential injuries. By calibrating your device, you can ensure that your training data is accurate and reliable, helping you prepare effectively for the marathon.
Beyond Step Counting:
While we’ve focused on step counting, the altitude issue can also affect other metrics, such as elevation gain. If your tracker overestimates steps, it might also overestimate the amount of elevation you’ve climbed. Keep this in mind when interpreting your data.
A Note on Other Fitness Trackers:
This issue isn’t unique to Denver Devices. Many fitness trackers that use barometric pressure sensors can be affected by altitude. The calibration method described above can be adapted for other brands, although the specific settings and app interfaces will vary.
The Bottom Line:
Living in Denver presents unique challenges for fitness tracking. The lower air pressure can lead to inaccurate step counts on devices like Denver Devices trackers. However, by understanding the underlying cause and using a DIY calibration method, you can significantly improve the accuracy of your data and get a more realistic picture of your activity levels. Don’t let the altitude fool your fitness tracker – take control and calibrate!