A pedometer is a device that measures the number of steps that you take while wearing it. Pedometers can work in different ways, from those that use a spring to measure movements to those that count heart rate, steps, calories burned and miles walked. Pedometers have grown in popularity because they can help you determine your overall level of activity in addition to planned exercise. When you are trying to reach a certain amount of steps per day, proper positioning of your pedometer is important.
Location
Pedometers rely on changes in movement to detect the steps you have taken. For this reason, you need to position the pedometer where your body will always move when walking. The University of Iowa recommends clipping your pedometer to the waistband of your pants, about halfway between your side and your belly button. Another way to think of this is putting the pedometer in line with your knee. The pedometer also should be positioned upright, not tilted to the side. In this location, the pedometer should be comfortable enough for you to walk without noticing it while also being able to measure your steps.
Directions
While most pedometers are designed to be clipped to your belt, other pedometers that measure heart rate may need to be placed at different locations, such as between your waistband and stomach. Always read the instructions for your pedometer carefully to ensure you are wearing the pedometer in the manner it was intended.
Tip
One of the problems with pedometer placement is that the pedometer can easily slip off when going to the restroom or changing clothes. To prevent this from happening to you, you can thread or tie a ribbon around your waist clip and tie it to your belt loop or pin the ribbon to your pants using a safety pin. Either approach can help keep your pedometer secured.
Accuracy Check
Sometimes the pedometer placement aligned with the knee does not work for the way you take your steps. To check for accuracy, place the pedometer in your suggested location and set it to zero. Walk normally, taking 100 steps. Check the amount of steps on your pedometer. If it is within three steps of 100, you have found an accurate placement. If it is not, however, you may need to move the pedometer slightly outward to where the pedometer is located in line with your hipbone.
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