Walking is a viable exercise for fitness, overall health and weight loss. Using a pedometer when you walk can make a difference in your progress. In most cases, the most reliable and accurate pedometers are made with coil springs, which retain their original calibration better than pedometers made with hairsprings. The best pedometer is one that meets your personal needs. Pedometers made in Japan are required by Japanese law to be accurate within 3 percent.
Step-Only Pedometers
If you're just starting out on your walking regimen, the best pedometer may be one that only counts steps. The Yamax Digiwalker SW 200 was chosen the best step-only pedometer by Consumer Search. It retails for about $20.00. Accusplit offers step-only pedometers for under $20. All Accusplit pedometers come with a five-year warranty.
Multifunction Pedometers
Multifunctional pedometers offer the more serious walker a variety of options. You can find a multifunction pedometer that includes time, distance, calories and fat-burning information, memory and a clock. The Omron HJ112 offers these features and retails for under $35.00.
GPS Pedometers
If your budget allows and you want to measure your pace and know how far and how fast you're walking, pedometers with GPS capabilities may be the best for you. The Garmin Forerunner 110 retails for about $200.00.
Wrist Pedometers
For many walkers, wrist pedometers are the best choice because they're the most comfortable and natural. There's nothing extra to carry with you while you walk. Many wrist pedometers are multifunctional. The Sportline 955 even has a heart rate monitor. It retails for under $100.
Accelerometer Pedometers
Accelerometer pedometers can measure data in varied angles. If you want to be able to wear your pedometer on your shoe or around your neck, keep it in your pocket or clip it to your purse, the best pedometer for your needs may be an accelerometer. The Oregon Scientific PE 903 retails for under $60.00.
Considerations
Consumer Search chose the Omron Go Smart Pocket Pedometer HJ-112 as the best pedometer for overweight walkers and slow walkers who walk under 2.5 mph. This pedometer uses dual accelerometers instead of springs. It retails for about $25.00.
Warning
It requires about 6,000 steps per day to stay healthy. It requires almost 10,000 steps per day to lose weight. If you have any health problems, consult your physician before beginning a walking program.
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