How to Use a Pedometer

Pedometers aren't just for athletes or sport persons but, for anyone who wants to be fit. They are a good fitness investment. What actually is a pedometer? One definition can be that it's a footstep meter, designed to measure the number of steps one takes by detecting motion. It will measure the number of steps as long as one wears it.

Choosing a Pedometer

All pedometers aren't the same. If you research on buying a pedometer from the market, you will realize that there are two categories of pedometer; basic which are inexpensive and fancy (or highly scientific) which are expensive. The difference is that a simple pedometer may measure only the number of steps, whereas the fancier ones measure number of steps, calories burned, heart rate, miles covered, etc. Whatever be the model, the basic working of these pedometers remain the same. They count the number of electronic pulses each time a step is taken, and multiply those by your pre-programmed step length.

Measuring Your Stride

There can be various ways to measure your stride. However, a simple yet effective method is as follows. Make a mark behind your right heel, then walk a distance of 10 steps and stop where your right heel ends. Divide the distance covered by 10, and you get the length of your stride. The point for walking 10 steps is that when you start from the marked spot, you aren't in your normal walking pace, therefore, it may not measure step length accurately.

When and Where to Wear It

Pedometer should be attached to the waistline, just halfway between your side and bellybutton. Make sure that it is line with your knee and in horizontal position, parallel to the ground. It can also be clipped to undergarments. Check whether it's at the right place or not by setting the pedometer at 0 and walk about 20 steps. Then check the pedometer. If its showing the numbers between 19 to 21, you have positioned it in at the right place. If not, again place the pedometer properly and repeat the test. A pedometer should be worn from the moment you get up till the moment you go to sleep. That way it will let you know the total number of steps you have walked in a day.

Use the pedometer always, everyday. Go for a walk or sprint and check your distance covered. If you cover at least 10,000 steps a day, it's healthy. If you cover 5,000 to 7,000 steps, then that's still healthy, but if your steps are less than 5,000, it's a bad sign. Walking is a healthy exercise that keeps you fit. So, if you are not getting minimum 5,000 steps a day, start taking staircases instead of elevators, stop using remote control of TV, instead walk to the TV and use the functions, move while you are on call, etc.

Pedometer Tips

• Always attach the security strap.
• They aren't waterproof. Hence, avoid water.
• Record your steps daily.
• When riding a bike, attach it to your shoe, instead of waistline.
• Pedometers shouldn't be used in places of excess humidity, for example, saunas.
• Never subject them to shock or drop them from a height.

Pedometers are a great way to help you keep fit. A perfect fitness equipment, that are small, portable and easy to use. Set a target on the number of steps you wish to achieve a particular day, and gradually increase the target and improve your fitness.