Pedometers are an easy and effective way to help you gauge how much activity you're getting throughout the day. But with dozens of different models available, it may be confusing to choose the one that's right for you.
Identification
A pedometer, or step counter as it's sometimes called, is a portable device approximately the size of a pager that counts the steps you take while you're wearing it. Pedometers can record your motion while walking, jogging or running, but aren't able to count steps during activities such as cycling, rowing or strength training.
Significance
In 2001, the U.S. Surgeon General sounded a call to action to prevent and decrease the growing epidemic of obesity caused by overeating and inactivity. A review led by Dena M. Bravata, MD published in 2007 in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" found that the use of a pedometer is associated with significant increases in physical activity and significant decreases in body mass index and blood pressure.
History
The ancient Romans used a type of step-calibrating device, but the first pedometer is attributed to Leonardo da Vinci and was first introduced to the U.S. by Thomas Jefferson. In 1965, a pedometer was made in Japan that translates as "10,000 steps meter," after research by Y. Hatano showed that that 10,000 steps a day was the healthiest balance of caloric intake and activity-based caloric expenditure.
Types
The two main types of pedometers are ones using a spring-suspended lever arm that moves up and down in response to the vertical acceleration of your hip, and models using an accelerometer mechanism, known as a piezoelectric pedometer. Piezoelectric pedometers are generally more sensitive at slower speeds and may be preferable if you walk slowly. Pedometers come in either ankle-mount styles or waist-mount.
Features
Some pedometers flip down and others are open face, with both generally having the ability to count calories and distance traveled along with your steps. Fancier models have an FM radio or an MP3 player and can even change the music based on tempo to keep you moving. If you're aiming for 10,000 steps a day, look for a pedometer that has a memory allowing you to upload a week's workouts to your computer.
Costs
The most basic pedometers sell for as little as $10 and can range up to $200 for the fanciest features. Some companies have programs that will hand out pedometers free to employees who pledge to walk a certain number of steps each day.
Expert Insight
The American College of Sports Medicine recommends testing the accuracy of a pedometer by performing a 20-step test. Position the device in line with your knee and reset the pedometer to zero, than take 20 steps at your normal walking pace. The device should read between 18 and 22.
Scott Crouter, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Exercise and Health Science at the University of Massachusetts in Boston tested various models and recommends models by Yamax, Freestyle, Sportline, New Lifestyle and Omicron Healthcare. The journal "Medicine and Science in Sports & Exercise" tested the accuracy and reliability of 10 pedometers in one study and 13 in another and gave high marks to models made by Kenz Lifecorder, Omron, New Lifestyles and Yamax Digiwalker. "Good Housekeeping" magazine rated the Accusplit Eagle 190 as the best feature-heavy model.
Member Comments