Buying a pedometer might seem like a simple task until you take a gander at the dozens on the market. Pedometer designs, functions and prices vary greatly. Prices in January 2011 started at less than $10 and ran all the way up to $100. Pedometers are widely available at fitness and sports retailers as well as stores that sell general merchandise.
Designs
Pedometer designs range from the simple pedometers you clip on your waistband to elaborate pedometers that attach to the manufacturer's brand of shoe and provide a data readout on an included wristband. Pedometers you wear on your wrist and pedometers you carry in your pocket are other options. Take into account how much abuse you give your gear. Pedometers with more moving parts and elaborate designs have more things that might break.
Functions
The most basic pedometers keep track of your number of steps, while the most elaborate offer readouts for heart rate, calories burned and a light or clock. Most pedometers require some type of set-up, such as inputting your step length so they can measure your distance. The more elaborate pedometers usually require a more elaborate setup. Determining your needs will help you decide how simple or elaborate your pedometer should be.
Ease and Comfort
If you like to constantly keep track of your progress or want your step count at a glance, pay attention to the pedometer's display. Displays can be large, lit and immediately viewable or they can be hidden behind a protective cap or in an awkward position that makes it hard for you to view the display. Comfort is another factor. If you hate wearing belts or anything near your waist, you will probably not enjoy a belt-clip pedometer. The weight and size of the pedometer also play a part in how comfortable or uncomfortable it is.
Accuracy
Analog pedometers, which work with a little lever on a spring to count steps, are less accurate than electronic pedometers, according to Idea Fit. The best accuracy from any model comes when you walk at a pace of at least 3 mph. Keep this in mind if you walk slowly and notice that your pedometer does not seem to be keeping track of your steps. Also keep in mind the pedometer works best when you are walking at a firm, even pace on level terrain and not climbing stairs, walking in jerky motions or shuffling your feet. Pedometers you wear on your waistband can lose accuracy if you happen to have excess fat around your waist. The step count is generally more accurate than the distance gauge on pedometers, and the calorie count is the least accurate function.
Member Comments