A pedometer, also known as a step counter, is a small portable device that counts the number of steps you take. If you wear your pedometer all day, it will count the number of steps you take in a day, and it can calculate the distance you have walked if you input your average stride length. Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise regimen.
Function
Pedometers are typically worn as a belt attachment. They count your strides by sensing the motion of your hips. If you have calibrated your pedometer by entering your average stride length, the pedometer can measure how far you have walked by multiplying the number of steps by your stride length. Most pedometers have the ability to provide measurements in either kilometers or miles. A pedometer sometimes will incorrectly interpret movements as steps -- for example, bending movements or driving. However, the more sophisticated pedometers typically record few false steps from movements other than walking.
Distance
Many health and fitness experts agree that about 10,000 steps daily is a recommended level of physical activity for the average adult. A pedometer can be a useful tool in measuring steps toward this goal, which equates to a distance of roughly 5 miles or 8 km daily. Wearing a pedometer is helpful in measuring the incidental walking you do every day, such as doing housework or climbing stairs.
Expert Insight
A 2002 review of studies relating to pedometer use was published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association." According to this review, use of a pedometer tends to significantly increase an individual's level of physical activity during a trial period of several weeks. Twenty-six different studies were examined, involving 2,767 participants who used a pedometer. Participants, 85 percent of whom were female, took an additional 2,491 steps daily while in the pedometer study. This represented an average 26.9 percent increase in physical activity.
Motivation
Pedometers can increase your motivation to walk, exercise and, in general, be more physically active. Many fitness goals are more easily achieved if they can be broken down into measurable smaller tasks, and therefore a resolution to take 10,000 steps daily -- as measured by a pedometer -- may be more successful than a general goal to become more active. Pedometers can also be built into other devices such as cell phones or music players, reducing the need to carry additional items throughout the day.
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