As a Fitbit Charge 2 user, you’re likely eager to track your swimming activities and monitor your progress. However, the Charge 2 isn’t designed to track swimming out of the box. Fortunately, there’s a workaround that allows you to add swimming to your Fitbit Charge 2. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, providing you with a comprehensive guide on how to add swimming to your Fitbit Charge 2.
Understanding the Limitations of Fitbit Charge 2
Before we dive into the process of adding swimming to your Fitbit Charge 2, it’s essential to understand the limitations of the device. The Fitbit Charge 2 is a water-resistant device, but it’s not designed to track swimming activities. The device can withstand being submerged in water up to 50 meters, but it’s not equipped with the necessary sensors to track swimming strokes, distance, or calories burned.
Why Can’t Fitbit Charge 2 Track Swimming?
The primary reason why Fitbit Charge 2 can’t track swimming is that it lacks a built-in GPS and accelerometer that can accurately detect swimming strokes. The device relies on its accelerometer to track movement, but it’s not sophisticated enough to distinguish between different types of exercises, including swimming.
Workaround: Using Fitbit Connect to Add Swimming
Although the Fitbit Charge 2 can’t track swimming natively, you can use Fitbit Connect to add swimming to your device. Fitbit Connect is a software that allows you to sync your Fitbit device with your computer and add custom exercises, including swimming.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Swimming Using Fitbit Connect
To add swimming to your Fitbit Charge 2 using Fitbit Connect, follow these steps:
- Download and install Fitbit Connect on your computer. You can download the software from the Fitbit website.
- Launch Fitbit Connect and sync your Fitbit Charge 2 with your computer.
- Once your device is synced, click on the “Account” icon in the top right corner of the screen.
- Select “Advanced Settings” from the drop-down menu.
- Scroll down to the “Custom Exercises” section and click on “Add Exercise.”
- Select “Swimming” from the list of available exercises.
- Choose the type of swimming stroke you want to track (e.g., freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, etc.).
- Set the duration and intensity of your swimming workout.
- Click “Save” to add the swimming exercise to your Fitbit Charge 2.
Syncing Your Fitbit Charge 2 with Fitbit Connect
To sync your Fitbit Charge 2 with Fitbit Connect, follow these steps:
- Make sure your Fitbit Charge 2 is charged and turned on.
- Launch Fitbit Connect on your computer.
- Click on the “Sync” button in the top right corner of the screen.
- Wait for the syncing process to complete. This may take a few minutes.
Alternative Method: Using Third-Party Apps
If you don’t want to use Fitbit Connect, you can use third-party apps to add swimming to your Fitbit Charge 2. There are several apps available that can track swimming activities and sync the data with your Fitbit account.
Popular Third-Party Apps for Tracking Swimming
Some popular third-party apps for tracking swimming include:
- Swim.com: This app allows you to track your swimming workouts and sync the data with your Fitbit account.
- MySwimPro: This app provides personalized swimming workouts and tracks your progress. It also syncs with your Fitbit account.
- Swim Smooth: This app provides swimming drills and workouts and tracks your progress. It also syncs with your Fitbit account.
How to Use Third-Party Apps with Your Fitbit Charge 2
To use third-party apps with your Fitbit Charge 2, follow these steps:
- Download and install the app on your smartphone.
- Launch the app and create an account.
- Connect your Fitbit account to the app.
- Start tracking your swimming workouts using the app.
- The app will sync the data with your Fitbit account.
Conclusion
Adding swimming to your Fitbit Charge 2 requires a workaround, but it’s possible using Fitbit Connect or third-party apps. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can track your swimming activities and monitor your progress. Remember to always sync your Fitbit Charge 2 with Fitbit Connect or the third-party app to ensure that your data is accurate and up-to-date.
Additional Tips and Tricks
- Make sure to wear your Fitbit Charge 2 during your swimming workouts to track your activities accurately.
- Use the Fitbit app to track your progress and set goals for your swimming workouts.
- Experiment with different swimming strokes and workouts to find what works best for you.
- Consider investing in a waterproof phone case to track your swimming workouts using your smartphone.
By following these tips and tricks, you can get the most out of your Fitbit Charge 2 and track your swimming activities with ease.
What are the benefits of adding swimming to my Fitbit Charge 2?
Adding swimming to your Fitbit Charge 2 can help you track your aquatic activities and monitor your progress. Swimming is an excellent form of exercise that can help improve cardiovascular health, build endurance, and boost muscle strength. By tracking your swimming activities, you can set goals, challenge yourself, and stay motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Moreover, tracking your swimming activities can also help you monitor your calorie burn, distance covered, and other vital metrics. This information can be invaluable in helping you optimize your workout routine and achieve your fitness goals. With the Fitbit Charge 2, you can track your swimming activities with ease and get a comprehensive picture of your overall fitness and wellness.
Is my Fitbit Charge 2 waterproof, and can I wear it while swimming?
The Fitbit Charge 2 is water-resistant, but not fully waterproof. It can withstand splashes and rain, but it’s not designed to be submerged in water for extended periods. However, you can wear it while swimming, but you need to enable the water lock feature to prevent accidental screen interactions.
To enable the water lock feature, go to the Fitbit app, select your device, and toggle on the “Water Lock” option. This will lock the screen and prevent any accidental interactions while you’re swimming. Once you’re done swimming, you can disable the water lock feature, and your device will return to normal functioning.
How do I add swimming to my Fitbit Charge 2?
To add swimming to your Fitbit Charge 2, you need to enable the “Swim” option in the Fitbit app. Go to the Fitbit app, select your device, and navigate to the “Exercise” or “Activities” section. Look for the “Swim” option and toggle it on. This will allow you to track your swimming activities and monitor your progress.
Once you’ve enabled the “Swim” option, you can start tracking your swimming activities. Make sure to wear your Fitbit Charge 2 while swimming and enable the water lock feature to prevent accidental screen interactions. After your swim, sync your device with the Fitbit app to view your progress and track your metrics.
What swimming metrics can I track with my Fitbit Charge 2?
With your Fitbit Charge 2, you can track various swimming metrics, including distance, calories burned, and duration. You can also track your swimming strokes, pace, and other vital metrics. The Fitbit app will provide you with a comprehensive picture of your swimming activities, helping you monitor your progress and optimize your workout routine.
In addition to these metrics, you can also track your heart rate and other health metrics while swimming. The Fitbit Charge 2 can monitor your heart rate in real-time, providing you with valuable insights into your physical condition. This information can be invaluable in helping you optimize your workout routine and achieve your fitness goals.
Can I track different swimming strokes with my Fitbit Charge 2?
Yes, you can track different swimming strokes with your Fitbit Charge 2. The device can automatically detect various swimming strokes, including freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly. You can also manually log your swimming strokes in the Fitbit app, providing you with a more accurate picture of your swimming activities.
To track different swimming strokes, go to the Fitbit app, select your device, and navigate to the “Exercise” or “Activities” section. Look for the “Swim” option and select the stroke you want to track. You can also view your stroke data in the Fitbit app, helping you monitor your progress and optimize your workout routine.
How accurate is the swimming tracking feature on my Fitbit Charge 2?
The swimming tracking feature on your Fitbit Charge 2 is generally accurate, but it may not be 100% precise. The device uses a combination of accelerometer and gyroscope data to track your swimming activities, which can be affected by various factors, such as water resistance and swimming technique.
However, the Fitbit Charge 2 is designed to provide a reliable estimate of your swimming activities, and it can be a valuable tool in helping you monitor your progress and optimize your workout routine. To ensure accuracy, make sure to wear your device correctly, enable the water lock feature, and sync your device with the Fitbit app regularly.
Can I use my Fitbit Charge 2 to track other water activities, such as surfing or kayaking?
Yes, you can use your Fitbit Charge 2 to track other water activities, such as surfing or kayaking. While the device is primarily designed for swimming, it can also track other water-based activities. You can manually log your activities in the Fitbit app, providing you with a more accurate picture of your overall fitness and wellness.
To track other water activities, go to the Fitbit app, select your device, and navigate to the “Exercise” or “Activities” section. Look for the “Other” option and select the activity you want to track. You can also view your activity data in the Fitbit app, helping you monitor your progress and optimize your workout routine.