This disclosure describes techniques for recognizing gestures performed by a user, including techniques for conserving power when performing finger or hand gesture recognition operations that involve processing electromyography (EMG) data. In one example, a wearable device capable of being worn by a user comprises: a motion detector configured to detect motion of the wearable device; a tissue movement sensor configured to collect tissue movement information associated with motion of muscles or tissues beneath the user's skin; and a gesture detection module. The gesture detection module is configured to: detect motion data; enable the tissue movement sensor to collect tissue movement data; initiate a first process to determine a likelihood that a gesture occurred; initiate a second process to identify the gesture; determine, before the second process has completed, the likelihood that a gesture has occurred; and responsive to determining the likelihood, determining whether to allow the second process to continue.