What is the activity converter?
The activity converter allows you to convert your time spent performing common activities like cycling and yoga into steps and distance straight from the MoveSpring mobile app. When you convert an activity, you have the option to select which metrics (steps, distance, and active minutes) you want added to your daily activity. You can choose to add 1, 2, or all 3 metrics, depending on what your device has already credited you for.
Data added through converted activities will be combined with any device data synced for the day. Learn more about how to log converted activities from the MoveSpring app here.*
*Please note: It is up to your challenge admin to enable the activity converter. If you do not see the option to add activity, it is not allowed for your challenge.
Why use the activity converter?
The most common reason to use the activity converter is to convert your time spent performing non-step based activities like cycling and swimming into steps so that you can compete in a step-based challenge, even if your preferred activities aren’t step-based. This helps to level the playing field for step and distance-based challenges regardless of how you prefer to get active.
Another reason you may want to use the converter would be to add an activity where you weren’t wearing your fitness tracking device. If you forgot to wear your device on your morning walk, for example, adding your walk through the converter can help you get credit for that activity.
How does the activity converter work?
How do I use the activity converter to convert my activities?
For step-by-step instructions on converting activities from the MoveSpring app, click here.
How are the conversion rates for steps and distance determined?
When you use the activity converter, you are asked to select an activity and enter a duration. Using this data, the converter will display a converted steps and distance total along with your active minute total based on the duration you entered.
When reviewing the conversion, you have the option to select which metrics you want added to your daily activity. You can choose to add 1, 2, or all 3 metrics, depending on what your device has already credited you for. Simply check the metric(s) you want added, and then select Save activity to save your entry to your account:
The activity converter calculates totals based on effort exerted and workout intensity to find an approximate step total. Steps are converted into distance at a rate of 2,000 steps to 1 mile (or approximately 3,219 steps to 1 km).
Activity converter calculations have been sourced from a combination of various sources including NASA, PEHP Utah, and Washington University Wellness.
Which activities can I convert?
The activity converter should be used to get credit for activities that aren’t tracked by your device in steps. Do not convert activities that have already been credited to your account via a connected device.
Non-step based activities like cycling, swimming, weight lifting, and yoga are good examples of commonly converted activities, since you do not earn steps during these activities.
It is possible to convert step-based activities with the converter as well, such as walking and running. However, these activities should only be converted if you did not receive credit for those activities via a connected device. See the full list of activities to convert below.
Note that you should aim to only convert time you were actively engaged in an activity. If you're performing an activity with longer periods of rest in-between (such as a sport where you rest between games), do not convert rest time to add via the converter. Only add the active time you spent performing the activity.
Activity options for the activity converter
Aerobics
Baseball
Boxing
Circuit training
Climbing
Cycling, easy pace
Cycling, moderate pace
Cycling, vigorous pace
Dancing
Elliptical
Football
Gardening
Golf
HIIT (High intensity interval training)
Hiking
Ice skating
Jogging
Judo & Karate
Jumping rope
Kayaking
Kickboxing
Lacrosse
Pickleball
Pilates
Racquetball
Rollerblading
Rowing
Rugby
Running, 10 minute mile
Running, 8 minute mile
Skateboarding
Skiing
Snowboarding
Soccer
Softball
Stair machine
Stretching
Surfing
Swimming
Table tennis
Tae Kwon Do
Tai Chi
Tennis
Volleyball
Walking, average, 20 minute mile
Walking, power walk, 15 minute mile
Walking, stroll, 30 minute mile
Water aerobics
Water polo
Weight lifting
Wheelchair user (manual)
Wrestling
Yard work
Yoga
Zumba