There are innumerable varieties of pedometers sold in the market and this makes the task of selecting a best one very difficult. To help choose the best one according to your needs, here are some tips and information.
Using a pedometer, you can count your steps that can be eventually converted into walking distance, provided you’re taking strides of approximately fixed lengths. Merely by knowing your footstep count, you can know the distance traveled. Step counting is a great way to chalk out ideal goals for your increasing your walking distance everyday. These days pedometers are advanced in their designing and technology. Not only they count steps, they’re also able to provide you with some interesting data and statistics like calories burned, pulse rate recorders, 7-day storage memory, speed, elapsed time, steps per minute, alarm, and stopwatch facilities.
Tips on Choosing the Best Model
- Gather information on the accuracy levels of the machine. There are three mechanisms on which pedometers work namely, piezo-electric accelerometers, coiled spring and hairspring mechanism. It is believed that piezo-electric accelerometers are most accurate.
- Check if your machine comes with a reset button. Most models reset automatically after 12 hours; however, if you frequently need to work out, you may want to reset your machine, hence choosing one that has a reset button makes more sense. Be cautious for choosing a design wherein the risk of accidentally pushing the reset button and losing your recorded steps is minimum.
- Look out for a pedometer that is easy to wear. Select one that is easy to carry, and it should have a good display screen, and a strong support band.
- Advanced models show you graphical representations of your speed, walking steps, and other factors.
Product Reviews
Omron GoSmart Pocket Pedometer HJ-112
This model is very accurate, and can easily fit in your pocket, bag, or even tied to the hip. It works even for a slow walking pace and can be put on silent mode. The downside is that it is bulky and has a relatively short battery life.
Yamax Digi-Walker SW-200
If you are looking for a simple fitness equipment to count the steps and not too much interested in the distance or calorie count, then this is the model made for you. It is inexpensive, compact, accurate, and has a long battery life. The downside is that it is less accurate for slow pace and must be worn on the hip.
NEW LIFESTYLES NL-2000
It has accuracy, reliability, usability, size, all in one package. The NEW LIFESTYLES NL-2000 is good at slower speeds as well and is very durable. It is independent of placement position and is silent. It is a good option, but the battery life is not very long.
Apart from these some other good pedometers are
- Highgear Fitware
- Activity Technologies AT Series
- Walk4Life, Inc. LS Series
- SportBrain iStepX
- Accusplit AX120
- Freestyle Tracer
- Bodytronics Pro Series
- Sportline 343
- Omron HJ-105
- Freestyle Pacer Pro
Apps for your iPhone
- iTreadmill: Just turn on your iTreadmill and keep your iPhone in your pocket. All data regarding walking, speed, footsteps, time etc., will be recorded
- My Weight Loss Coach: If you’re aiming to lose weight, nothing can get better than this app, as it acts as a pedometer, as well as a motivational booster for your weight loss program.
- Distance Meter Pro: Be it running, walking, biking, this iPhone app keeps a track of your every step.
- iWalk: It records the number of footsteps you take, and its main feature is it supports the metric system.
- RunningKeeper: For all iPhone and iPod Touch users, this is one of the most accurate app for keeping a track of your efforts, be it walking or running.
Besides these, Go Walk, iSteps and JogAlot are some other popular iPhone apps you can have. The Sportline Pedometer Heart Rate Watch 960, Polar AW200 Activity Watch and Tech 4 O Accelerator Watch are some of the best pedometer watches available in the market.
