An active lifestyle will help you maintain a healthy weight, keep a toned and fit body and reduce your risk of many health problems. A pedometer will track your total steps, keeping you in line with your fitness goals. Choosing a pedometer with a heart rate monitor has the added advantage of helping you gauge and reach your target heart rate.
Selecting Pedometer
A wide range of pedometers are available for purchase from basic step counters which only track total steps to pedometers with more bells and whistles -- including those that monitor heart rate. When selecting your pedometer, make sure it has the features you're looking for, including a heart rate monitor. Keep in mind that high cost doesn't necessarily mean quality -- search the Internet for customer reviews on the model you've selected.
Programming Pedometer
Pedometers with heart rate monitors are almost always worn on your wrist, but be sure to follow placement instructions as incorrect positioning will affect the accuracy of your monitor. Read the instructions for setting your weight and stride, while some pedometers are set with an average most require that you configure your personal data. Once set, perform a small step test where you walk and count 20 to 30 steps -- your pedometer should give an accurate reading.
Target Heart Rate
Aerobic activity is meant to get your heart pumping, but consider whether you are doing enough or whether are are you overdoing it. Monitoring your heart rate will help you know when you reach the optimal intensity. To determine your target heart rate, ACE Fitness recommends first subtracting your age from 220 -- this gives you your maximum heart rate. Your target heart rate will be 50 percent to 80 percent of your maximum heart rate. This is the range you should aim for during aerobic activity.
Considerations
If you have heart-related health problems, your target heart rate may be different. You should check with your health care provider before starting a new exercise program. Also, keep in mind that your target heart rate is simply an estimated range -- if you're feeling overly fatigued before reaching your target heart rate, reduce your exercise intensity.
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