| The pedometer, or step counter, has become quite | | | | then upload to your computer and use to track your |
| popular in recent years. Fitness experts agree that | | | | progress over time. |
| walking 10,000 steps a day can promote weight loss, | | | | Think about the features you'll be most likely to |
| and recommend walking a minimum of 6,000 steps a | | | | benefit from, and go from there. |
| day for better overall health. If you've made the | | | | 2) Accuracy |
| decision to lose weight and improve your fitness by | | | | A cheap pedometer that gives inaccurate readings is |
| logging more footsteps on a regular basis, a good | | | | of no use to anyone. Typically, an inexpensive |
| pedometer can serve as a key element of your | | | | model will utilize a hairspring mechanism to measure |
| exercise program. | | | | your footsteps. These are prone to under-counting |
| What these devices do is simple: they count your | | | | or over-counting steps. |
| footsteps by sensing your body's motion. You | | | | For best results, look for models that use a coiled |
| won't have to guess how many footsteps you've | | | | spring mechanism, or a piezoelectric accelerometer. |
| accumulated during the day. A step counter readily | | | | Omron and Yamax are two manufacturers known |
| displays this information, keeping you on target for | | | | for producing highly accurate and reasonably priced |
| your daily walking goal. | | | | step counters. |
| Here are three things to consider before you | | | | 3) Wearing it |
| purchase a step counter. | | | | You'll have to wear your pedometer all day. It's |
| 1) Essential features | | | | especially important that you find a unit that fits you |
| Even the most basic unit will measure your footsteps | | | | comfortably and offers freedom of movement. |
| and the distance you've traveled. For your purposes | | | | Typically, speed and distance monitors that utilize |
| (and your budget), this might be sufficient. | | | | GPS will be worn on the wrist. Ordinary step and |
| But some units offer additional, useful features. You | | | | distance counters can be placed in your pocket, or |
| can get an estimate of calories burned during the | | | | clipped to your belt or bra-- anywhere that will keep |
| day's walking rounds. You can even purchase one | | | | the unit positioned perpendicular to the ground. |
| that uses GPS technology to more accurately track | | | | Be sure to look for a step counter that includes a |
| your speed and distance traveled. | | | | security leash, too, as an extra precaution against |
| Other units include a pulse rate monitor, which can be | | | | loss. |
| useful for gauging when you're walking in your target | | | | With all of these key points in mind, you'll be certain |
| heart rate zone. Some also have memory | | | | to find the pedometer that best complements your |
| capabilities, enabling them to chart your walking | | | | lifestyle and helps you achieve your daily fitness |
| activity throughout the week, data which you can | | | | goals. |