I’m looking for a pedometer to use when I exercise to keep track of calories burned. I would like one that not only tracks walking and running, but other exercises such as weights and even dancing. Does anyone know of a good pedometer that can keep track of this? Thanks!

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I just got a pedometer to track my steps throughout the day, but I want to know if it will work correctly if I jog on the treadmill or do any other kind of fast excercise. I had to input my stride length into the pedometer so it tracks steps specific to me, but if I run, won’t my steps be longer?

A Digital Pedometer is a small digital device which calculates the distance you have walked or run, based on the number of steps you have taken. Hence, a pedometer is also known as a stepometer.

As it is not easy to mentally count the number of steps a person walks in an average day, most fitness enthusiasts or people looking to lose weight would prefer to get one to help them to achieve their daily exercise goals.

How Does A Pedometer Work?

A basic Pedometer contains a mechanical sensor which counts the number of steps based on how much your body shakes. The sensor can sense the vibration of your feet hitting the ground or the movement of your body hips, and the software within can add the counter and keep track of the number of steps.

New models are able to convert your steps taken into miles or kilometers (km), calculate your total calories burnt, or come with an MP3 player etc. Some companies are even now building pedometer into their personal electronic devices eg. cellphones, cd player.

Note :

* It is essential that you wear your Pedometer properly in order for it to measure correctly. Always wear it straight and vertical. It should preferably be firmly attached to your belt or anything around your waist. Avoid placing it inside your pocket or backpack to avoid inaccuracy.

* There is no Pedometer in the market that can be 100% accurate. Even the expensive and reputable models can only be close to the mark.

My pedometer said made 10670 steps, there is NO way that is accurate. I am trying to get ready for a 5k walk, and I need to see how I will do.

Most people would typically ask, why do I need a Digital Pedometer? Since I am already exercising by walking or jogging everyday, I had achieved my daily activity needs. Well, the purpose of a Pedometer is essentially to measure your activity level by specific measurement of steps and miles. By doing so, you can set specific goals for yourself and become more active as you continue to work towards your goal everyday.

If you are planning for a long-term fitness program (eg. weight losing, fitness or wellness program), a Digital Pedometer will be worth the small investment since you can motivate yourself to be more active on a daily basis. You can get a simple Step Counter Pedometer for a start which costs between $10 – $20 only.

If you are a beginner to Pedometer, and have no absolute idea which type is suitable for you, I would recommend that you go for one that is simple, reliable yet cost efficient. A simple Pedometer is also known as a step counter, only does step counting exclusively. It is perfect for beginners like you who focus a lot on the number of steps (10,000 steps) per day.

A step counter will also be ideal as it’s primary function is only to count steps. Hence it will be more reliable in results and durable compared to other types of Pedometer which come with many complex functions. The cost of a step counter will typically be cheaper too.

If you purchase a Pedometer that has a lot of energy consuming accessories eg. FM radio, talking function, back light etc, you will expect a much shorter battery life. Hence, to avoid changing of battery frequently, as a beginner, you should opt of a simple step counter.

Before getting a Pedometer, you should consider carefully why do you need one. Make sure you understand how can one help you before you invest your money.

A Digital Talking Pedometer, as the name implies, is a Digital Pedometer that announces your exercise progress as you walk. Not only you can view your fitness stats displayed, you can also hear the number of steps taken, number of calories burnt, distance traveled as well as the elapsed time, at predefined intervals or manually by pressing the “Talk” button. You may turn OFF the talking feature for silent use.

Example : You may set the Digital Talking Pedometer to announce on a daily mode like “Today you have walked 9,999 steps, 32 miles and burned 3542 calories” to remind yourself how active you are for the day.

A Digital Talking Pedometer comes with many features (common and optional) depending on the model you pick.

Common Features :

1. Built-in digital clock (displaying 12-hour or 24-hour format) with or without alarm

2. Built-in back light for easy viewing in poor lighting condition

3. Low battery indicator to indicate low battery and it’s time to change a new one.

Additional Features (not applicable to all models) :

FM Radio – Allows you to work out to your favorite tunes and learn the number of calories you have burnt at the same time.

Pacer Function – Changes the tempo of a melody based on your walking or jogging speed.

Safety Alarm – Comes with a quick-pull panic alarm pin that triggers the device to give a loud and pulsing signal if help is needed.

There are many different types of Pedometer out in the market. For more choices of the type of pedometer that suits you better, check out our “Types Of Pedometer” category.

To choose a good and high quality Digital Pedometer would usually means paying more. Like everything else you purchase, you pay for what you get. However, to avoid paying more yet getting a poor quality one, you should research and look out for reviews according to the following characteristics of a good Pedometer.

1. Do Not Under-Count Or Over-Count Steps

The most essential characteristic of a good Pedometer is accuracy. Though there is none that can have 100% accuracy in counting steps, you should not get one that under-counts or over-counts badly. A poor quality pedometer usually under-counts.

2. Comes With A Durable Belt Or Waistband Clip

Do not choose a Digital Pedometer that comes with a belt or waistband clip that breaks easily. Once broken and if it is without warranty for replacement, the device may deem unusable since it is designed to be clipped firmly on our waist to count steps properly. Always look out for belt/waistband clip that comes with lifetime warranty if available.

3. Comes With Warranty (At Least 1 Year)

A good quality Pedometer usually comes with minimum a year warranty or more. One with poor or no warranty gives no assurance that the device can last.

4. Comes With Longer Battery Life

A Pedometer that comes with short battery life will negatively affect its accuracy and your wellness/fitness program. Hence it is essential to find one that has longer battery life.

5. Comes With “False Step” Sensor To Remove Non-Step Motion

Some Pedometers come with built-in “false step” sensor that filter out motions that are not considered as a “normal step”. Such pedometers are usually more accurate in results compared to others.

Pedometers that are used as freebies or give-away items in trade shows, or sold as promotional items are typically considered as “cheap” and “not-so-good-quality” Pedometers.

Is there a pedometer out there that will actually alert you when you have run a certian distance?

The digital Omron Pedometer can help you track your exercise program progress and make it easier for you to set and reach your exercise goals. Simply set the time, your weight and stride length – and start moving! more info