Finding a Good Pedometer
Walk Your Way to Health with a Quality Pedometer
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Flip-top or clamshell design - This helps to prevent accidentally resetting, which is a walkers worst nightmare!
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Distance conversion - People walk in miles (or kilometers). It's more realistic to make a goal of 2 miles than 5,000 (since you don't necessary know how far 5,000 steps is ... at least till you get in some great time with your pedometer).
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Adjustable step distance- Everyone's stride is different, and a quality pedometer will let you adjust their counter to your stride (for some people a step equals two feet, for others two). The adjustable step distance is essential for distance conversion. I wouldn't recommend a pedometer without it.
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Easy to understand - This may seem obvious, but some pedometers are just too difficult to use. There are plenty of easy-to-use pedometers out there.
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Clock - Unless you wear a watch while taking a stroll, the clock is key. I can leave my watch and cell phone at home and just go. It's also great for time goals, "I'm going to walk 15 minutes." The clock is also great for logging your progress - something we'll touch on further down.
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The best way to buy a pedometer is to try before you buy. Go to a sporting goods store that will allow you to take the pedometers out of the package to test them - you can get a handle on how easy the pedometer is to use, how bulky it is on your waistband, and how accurate it counts. Some pedometers are very sensitive, others are more stubborn. Different walkers have different preference, so find out what's right for you.
Many of the items below can be found in stores and online for must cheaper than the retail price. Shop around is price is a factor.
Oregon Scientific PE316CA Pedometer
Retail: $19.95
The Oregon Scientic PE316CA Pedometer is a quality model, featuring the adjustable step counter, clock, calories burned, and a backlight (great for night walks). This pedometer also has a strong grip on your waistline - another big deal for serious walkers. The Oregon Scientific PE316CA Pedometer is also lightweight and includes detailed instructions.
Reebok CS-1 Pedometer
Retail: $14.99
With it's low-price, the Reebok CS-1 Pedometer delivers ample features, including a large LCD display and flip-top design. Unfortunately, the Reebok CS-1 only gives a chart for walkers to estimate their calories and distance and does not allow for walkers to adjust their stride or offer a distance conversion. Needless to say, I would skip this pedometer.
New Sportline 345 Pedometer
Retail: $29.99
You get what you pay for. The New Sportline 345 is perfect for the couch potato or marathon walker. This pedometer includes easy instructions that help you adjust the stride. There's also a clock, distance conversion, calorie counter, and flip-case design. The New Sportline 345 Pedometer is my personal choice. However, the New Sportline 345 Pedometer is bit bulky. Higher-priced models are less obvious if you plan on wearing your pedometer all day.
If you're serious about a low-impact way to maintain or improve health, a pedometer is a vital investment. Equally important is tracking your progress. Whether you decide to use your pedometer throughout the day or just on walks around the neighborhood, be sure to write down your steps. Experts agree that 10,000 steps a day is a reasonable goal for people looking to maintain and improve their health. If you're just tracking serious walks, write your time, steps, and distance and work on increasing your time and distance week to week.
The University of Minnesota found that individuals armed with pedometers walked 30 percent more during the day than individuals who did not wear one. So, even if you're not intending on talking daily walks, a pedometer might encourage you to take the stairs or walk to the store across the street.
Published by Melissa Ink
I am a freelance writer currently based in Louisiana. View profile
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- With pedometers, you get what you pay for.
- Only buy a pedometer that allows you to adjust the stride (step) count.
- 10,000 steps a day is necessary to maintain and improve health.