One way to make sure you are getting in the recommended 10,000 steps per day for good health is to use a pedometer to keep track of your steps. A pedometer is a small, inexpensive device that counts your steps. Most are about the size of a pager and are worn on your waist. They track movement to tally steps, and they are therefore not completely accurate since other types of movement are registered as steps.
According to a 2004 study by the American College of Sports Medicine, pedometers can be good motivators for increased activity. Those who used them added about 2,000 steps a day to their routine.
What to Look for
Most pedometers are relatively inexpensive, ranging in price from as little as $3 up to $50 for advanced models with more features. Basic models that cost around $20 have a clip for the belt, a digital LCD screen that indicates your number of steps and a reset button. Some have memory features that keep track of your steps each day for up to a week. Additional features include clocks, stopwatches, backlit displays and pulse meters.
There is a consensus among Internet customer ratings that pedometers with calorie counting features are not very reliable in terms of accuracy. The same goes for those that track speed and distance. But even the most basic pedometer can be calibrated to measure distance. Some models will allow you to enter the length of your stride and will calculate your distance walked.
Considering the average person's stride, 10,000 steps are equivalent to approximately 5 miles.
Comfort is equally important as accuracy, especially if you'll be wearing the pedometer throughout the day. While most clip onto a belt or waistband, others are attached to your shoe--which can be bothersome to certain users. Newer models can be carried in a pocket or even a purse or bag.
Common Pitfalls
Since the clip on a pedometer can easily break, look for a brand that includes a security strap to keep it from dropping and breaking. Try on several pedometers to make sure they are not bulky or uncomfortable.
Check ratings and reviews to determine which model in your price range is most accurate. Consumer Reports' online review of pedometers found only a few that were accurate to within five percent.
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