Pocket pedometers measure distance walked and can motivate by tracking performance and progress. Electronic models offer higher accuracy and additional features. Calibration is necessary and computer-linked models allow data transfer and tracking of progress.
The pocket pedometer measures the distance you walk and can help motivate you by tracking your performance and progress. Older mechanical versions use a pendulum mechanism that sways with each step to track distance, but they are often wildly inaccurate. More sophisticated and modern electronic pedometers often offer much higher accuracy and additional features. Your budget, your walking habits, and your desire for accuracy will help determine which pocket pedometer best suits your needs. Reading the online reviews of other walkers can also help you narrow down your options.
Before buying a pocket pedometer, check to see if there are pedometer apps available for your mobile phone or portable music player; Some come with a built-in pedometer. Most electronic pedometers, also called step counters, work in a similar way. An inertial sensor detects your steps while a microprocessor interprets the sensor input to create the data you see. Models with sensors that have 3-axis acceleration sensing tend to be more accurate and do not account for missteps.
The basic pocket pedometer will only count your steps and provide distance traveled. More elaborate designs include features such as calorie burn estimates, memory for saving data from previous walks, pulse readers, timers, and stopwatch functions. More sophisticated designs can often more accurately detect the difference between actual steps and other non-walking movements.
Regardless of the model you choose, your new pocket pedometer must be calibrated by entering your average stride length. A rule of thumb that some walkers use is 2.2 feet (0.67 meters) for women and 2.5 feet (0.762 meters) for men. However, it is preferable to enter the best estimate for your steps. Most pedometer manufacturers and walking websites offer tips for getting the most accurate measurement.
Pocket pedometers come in a variety of designs. Those housed in a folding case with an integral lid are less prone to unintentional button presses. Most inexpensive pedometers have an open-face design with the display exposed. Well-designed open-face models protect controls and buttons from being pressed by mistake.
Computer-linked pedometers typically have all the functionality of a stand-alone pocket pedometer, but also have computer connectivity, either using wireless technology or your computer’s Universal Serial Bus (USB) port. They allow you to transfer all your walking data to your computer so you can later assess how you’re doing using charts and graphs that track your progress. Some advanced models include software and sensors to track your diet, pulse, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
