Whether you're beginning a new fitness program or simply want to get an idea of what your current activity level is, a pedometer can help determine where you are in relation to the current guideline of taking 10,000 steps each day. Pedometers do more than count your steps, however. They also track the overall distance you've traveled and estimate the number of calories you've burned.
Every Step Counts
General health guidelines recommend that you walk a minimum of 10,000 steps every day. You take many of these steps during your regular daily activities, but if you spend most of your time working at a desk or otherwise lead a sedentary lifestyle, you may be falling short of that goal without realizing it.
If you're following a weight-loss program and walking is an established part of your fitness routine, the recommended number of steps you take each day jumps to 15,000, where 3,000 of them are taken during a single, brisk walk. Pedometers measure whether you're meeting your personal goals and, if you're not, pedometers help you track how far you have to go meet them.
Piezoelectric Pedometers
If you're looking for the highest level of accuracy or if you're a lead-footed walker, you'll get the best results from a piezoelectric model.
A pedometer's basic function is to count the steps you take. Pedometers do this by measuring vibrations using either piezoelectric or spring-loaded technology. Piezoelectric pedometers measure steps taken most accurately, but the cost to manufacture them has kept many manufacturers from embracing the technology.
Piezoelectric pedometers measure the deformity of a fixed-mass gauge. This means that when you take a stronger step, the gauge deforms more, which prevents these kinds of pedometers from measuring a single heavy step as several steps. Piezoelectric pedometer technology is advanced enough that, unlike spring-loaded pedometers, they can be worn in any position without compromising accuracy. In fact, the only time piezoelectric pedometers experience accuracy issues is if you're walking at speed of less than 2 miles per hour.
Spring-loaded Pedometers
Spring-loaded pedometers function mechanically, with a lever suspended over a spring; when the spring and lever make contact, the pedometer registers a step taken. The affordability of these pedometers makes them a popular choice.
Spring-loaded pedometers are sensitive to most movement, however. Jostling the pedometer while you're walking or taking heavy steps can cause it to register more steps than you've actually taken. As a result, spring-loaded pedometers are most accurate when they're worn in a vertical position that reduces the chance of incidental contact between the spring and the lever.
Margins of Error
Whether you purchase a piezoelectric or spring-loaded pedometer, all pedometers have a margin of error when it comes to measurements. Factors that contribute to this margin of error include wearing your pedometer incorrectly or tilting a spring-loaded model.
When you first get your pedometer home, be sure to verify its results manually. An acceptable margin of error is less than 5%, or 5 out of every 100 steps. Keep in mind that pedometers are most accurate at walking speeds over 2.5 miles per hour.
If you purchase a pedometer that also tracks distance over time and calories burned, you'll see margins of error in those measurement categories too. For the pedometer to measure distance and calories, it bases measurements on your stride length. Measuring your stride length can be challenging; stride length also changes when you change your walking pace. When you walk faster, you tend to take longer strides and pedometers don't automatically adjust the stride length you entered to start.
However, that doesn't mean the measurements are useless and purchasing a programmable pedometer that allows you to enter stride length is the best way for people who are shorter or taller than average height ranges to get the most accurate step count.
Pedometer calorie calculations are also prone to error because the device isn't able to measure the difficulty of the activity-brisk walking versus strenuous step aerobics, for example. Additionally, the equations the pedometer uses to measure calories come pre-programmed and can't be customized to your individual metabolism. If measuring distance and calories is a key consideration for you, look for pedometers that have the ability to differentiate between light and heavy exercise.
How to Wear Your Pedometer
Most pedometers either slip into your pocket or clip onto an arm or hip holster belt. You probably already have an idea what's most comfortable for you. Always remember that pedometers work best when they're worn in a vertical position.
If you're concerned about bulk when you're wearing your pedometer, choose a model with a flip-down faceplate. The only caveat is you'll need to remove them from the holster to view your data unless you want to read your data upside down. Make sure that any pedometer holster you choose includes a safety strap to prevent your pedometer from taking a tumble if it's knocked loose from the holster.
Extra Features
Talking pedometers connect to your headphones and announce step count, distance traveled or time elapsed on command or at preprogrammed intervals. Nighttime walkers have the option of buying a pedometer with a display that glows or is backlit. If you're a competitive walker or you're training to power walk a marathon, look for a pedometer with a stopwatch function for interval timing or is designed to measure higher speeds.
Finally, if you like to track workout data over time (and pretty it up with charts and graphs), look for a pedometer with a USB connection. You can connect your pedometer to your PC and save data for each walk you take and track your results over time. As an added bonus, some USB-enabled pedometers have built-in rechargeable batteries that power up from your PC.
Batteries
Pedometer batteries don't drain too quickly, but look for a pedometer that works with rechargeable batteries and battery charger. You'll save money over time, help the planet and not ever have to be without your pedometer.
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