Pedometers are devices that count the number of steps you take to help calculate the distance you've walked or run. Many pedometers are simple tools that clip onto your waistband and record steps based on the motion of your hips, while others used advanced technology with sensors to measure steps. The more advanced models typically have a sleep mode or pause feature that allows it to save battery power while you're not walking.
Sleep Mode and Batteries
Pedometers rely on battery power and if you use your pedometer every day to count steps, you can put a serious strain on those little batteries after awhile. Depending on the brand, the projected battery life of a particular pedometer can vary greatly. The more high-tech your pedometer is, with features beyond just a step counter, the more battery power it will need to run. If you forget to turn off your pedometer when it's not in use, a sleep mode can help conserve some of that vital battery power.
10,000 Steps
Many people use a pedometer, not for a specific session of brisk walking or jogging, but to have it on all day to count how many steps they take. The 10,000-step goal has been touted in many countries for years, as it represents about five miles for most adults and can be achieved daily if people make extra efforts to walk as much as they can throughout their day. But since you're looking to count steps at work and at home, in between sessions where you may be sitting or standing in one place for long stretches, the sleep mode will kick in after, for example, you've been at your desk for a short while. The sleep mode will automatically disengage when you get up and start walking again.
Sleep Mode Safety
You may use your pedometer to track your steps every day for a week, as an example. The sleep mode on a pedometer will not interfere with your daily count or the data being compiled from one day to the next. Likewise, if your battery power is falling, many pedometers have a feature that will move the device into sleep mode to save the data you have until you can replace the batteries.
Pedometer Features
A sleep mode is sometimes called "standby mode" in certain models, but just know that it means the same thing. Also, when shopping for a pedometer, make sure you get one with a screen that is large enough that you can see it clearly, even in dim light. You'll want to be able to look quickly while you're jogging for example, and see how many steps you've taken or to make sure that you're out of sleep mode while you're moving. You should also be able to easily see if your batteries are starting to run low.
