> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://walkingman.gitbook.io/the-walking-man/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://walkingman.gitbook.io/the-walking-man/engine.md).

# The Stride-Logic engine

We don't use Strava, Apple Health, or Google Fit — those can be spoofed. Instead, The Walking Man uses its own step-counting system that runs right on your phone.

## How it works

When you walk, your phone's motion sensors (accelerometer and gyroscope) detect the pattern of your movement. We check this pattern against what real walking looks like, then verify your steps on our servers.

The goal: real steps count. Shaking your phone, riding in a car, running on a treadmill without moving forward — those don't count.

## What gets you rejected or held for review

* **Perfectly repetitive motion** (like shaking your phone)
* **Impossible walking speed** (too fast or too slow for a human)
* **GPS showing you in a car** when you claim to be walking
* **Zero forward motion** (treadmill without GPS displacement)

If we're unsure, your steps get held for admin review instead of rejected outright.

## Why you might get fewer steps credited than the counter showed

The counter on the screen is your best-effort count. The credited steps are the ones that passed verification. Walk with your phone in your pocket or waistband for the best results.