Pedometer Calculations

A pedometer is a device designed to record the number of steps you take throughout the day, or during specific physical activities. In addition to this basic function, some pedometers allow you to calculate a range of other fitness-related facts and statistics. You can use the information from these calculations to set up an effective exercise program or track your progress toward your current exercise goals.

Basic Calculations

Traditional pedometers are stand-alone devices that you can clip onto your belt or waistband, or place in your pocket or purse. After you enter basic information on the length of your average stride, they calculate the number of steps you take. To record your footsteps with a reasonable amount of accuracy, some pedometer models must be set at an angle that allows their internal mechanisms to function properly. In addition to traditional pedometers, you can use smartphones or other mobile devices that utilize pedometer software.

Advanced Calculations

Some advanced pedometers can calculate how long and how far you walk, your average speed and how many calories you burn while walking. Some models also allow you to record these calculations with an onboard memory function. While pedometers calculate the steps you take relatively easily, they may have problems maintaining accurate calculations of their more advanced functions. Factors that influence the accuracy of your pedometer include the speed of your walking pace, the type of waistband on your pants or shorts and the size of your waist.

Significance

The calculations provided by a pedometer can help improve your willingness to exercise, according to the Harvard Medical School. On average, people who regularly use pedometers take about 2,000 more steps during the day than people who don't use pedometers. What's more, pedometer users experience a 27 percent overall increase in their levels of physical activity. If you use walking as a main form of exercise, taking about 10,000 steps per day can help you maintain good health. Many people already walk about 6,000 to 7,000 steps a day as part of their normal, ongoing routines.

Considerations

Cheaper models of pedometers, which frequently rely on spring-loaded internal mechanisms, can significantly undercount the steps you take while walking slowly, especially if you are overweight. To ensure a more accurate step count, buy a pedometer that relies on a piezoelectric crystal to make its internal calculations. Talk to your doctor before starting a walking program. After you get her approval, use a pedometer for a few days to see how many steps you usually take during routine activities. You can then use this step count as a baseline figure for your walking routine and gradually build up the number of steps you take over time.