A pedometer watch contains a motion-sensing accelerometer that counts the number of steps you take. Many pedometer watches will automatically begin counting steps after you take a certain number of consecutive steps -- for example,16. They also allow you to manually activate the pedometer function. A pedometer provides a means for keeping track of the number of steps you take each day. This information can help you measure progress toward your fitness goals. A common goal for pedometer users is 10,000 steps per day, which is the equivalent of about five miles of walking. If you have been sedentary, gradually work your way up to 10,000 steps.
Step 1
Poke one stick in the ground as a marker. Starting at the stick, measure a distance of 100 yards in a straight line. Put another stick in the ground at the end of the 100 yards.
Step 2
Walk in a straight line from one stick to the other counting the number of steps you take. Divide the number of steps by 3600, the number of inches in 100 yards. Record this as your average walking stride length.
Step 3
Determine the length of your running stride by repeating Step 2 while running instead of walking. Record your running stride length.
Step 4
Push the "mode" button on the pedometer watch until you get to pedometer mode. Press "mode" again to access the settings. Adjust the units using the "start/stop" or "reset" button. Select "imperial" because you measured your stride lengths in inches.
Step 5
Advance with the "mode" key to the stride length setting. Use the "start/stop" or "reset" button to enter your walking and running stride lengths as recorded in Steps 2 and 3.
Step 6
Press the "mode" key to advance to "sensitivity." Adjust the pedometer's sensitivity level by pressing the "start/stop" or "reset" key. Some watch models beep every time a step is recorded so you can try out a sensitivity level. Take several steps and notice how well the beeps match your steps. You may need to try out several sensitivity levels and then select the one that best matches your stride.
Step 7
Advance with the "mode" key to sleep time, the amount of time the pedometer will remain on when you aren't taking any steps. Push the "start/stop" or "reset" key to select the appropriate sleep time for you. For example, with a sleep time of eight seconds, the pedometer will switch off after eight seconds with no movement.
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- 2 small sticks or stakes
- Pen and paper
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