A pedometer is an electronic device, which can range in size from a matchbox to a telephone pager, that counts the number of steps you take while walking. Often, the step counter is clipped onto your waistband, worn around the neck or can track steps from inside a pocket. Some pedometers are straightforward devices that simply count steps while others have advanced features like GPS tracking, daily activity diary, calories burned calculators and more.
Yamax Digi-Walker SW-200
In 2004 researchers from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville tested 13 electronic pedometers to determine which ones provided the most accurate information. Twenty volunteers wore two pedometers for 24 hours and counted the total number of steps taken. Only four out of 13 models provided accurate results while the majority of pedometers either over counted steps by up to 45 percent or underestimated steps by up to 25 percent. The Yamax Digi-Walker SW-200 was among the group of devices that provided the most accurate results in this study as well as a later University of Tennessee study of accurate pedometers. In 2011 this model retails for less than $20 and comes equipped with basic step counting functions, making it very easy to use.
Timex Ironman Triathlon
The Timex Ironman Triathlon is a pedometer is worn on the wrist and comes with a waist-clip sensor pad that sends data to the wristwatch device. A 2008 "Los Angles Times" review by fitness author Roy M. Wallack indicates that the Timex pedometer is easier to read compared to a device you clip to your belt. It has a variety of features, can record up to 50 laps, 99,999 steps and stores and dates training logs. Another feature that stands out on the Timex, according to SNNews, is that the device has no buttons or lids to complicate usage.
Omron HJ-112
A 2009 study published in the journal "Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise" tested the accuracy of the Omron HJ-112 pedometer in overweight users against the nearly 100 percent accurate Yamax. Ninety-two men and women walked on a treadmill at different speeds for 12 minutes. The Omron correctly assessed the number of steps during constant exercise at variable speeds. Another benefit is that placement of the device, other than in the pants pocket, had little effect on accuracy. One Omron review published by the National Education Association indicates that the device is designed well -- it's easy to set up and read.
Accusplit Eagle 190 Multi-Function Pedometer
Good Housekeeping named the Accusplit Eagle 190 Multi-Function Pedometer a best device for helping you lose weight. The Accusplit is loaded with features -- it tracks goals, tracks total steps, distance, calories and time spent exercising. This device has a lot of memory and can keep track of up to 10 million steps. A 1996 University of Tennessee study of accurate pedometers, lead by exercise science professor Dr. David Bassett, named the Accusplit second most accurate. In this study, volunteers walked about three miles at different speeds and on different surfaces.
References
- The University of Tennessee Knoxville: Pedometer Accuracy Varies; March 17, 2004
- Latimes.com: Gear: Calorie Counters, Pedometers to Assist Weight Loss: May 27, 2008
- SNNews: Timex Ironman Wireless Fitness Tracker: March 23, 2009
- Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise: Validity of the Omron HJ-112 Pedometer During Treadmill Walking: Rebecca E. Hasson, et al.; April 2009
- NEA: Feel Great in '08; Gini Kopecky Wallace
- "Good Housekeeping: Pedometer Ratings: GH Picks the Best Pedometers; Annie Daly
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