A pedometer is actually a very basic device which can be used to track the
number of steps the user takes while wearing the pedometer. The user typically
wears the pedometer on the waistband of the pants in a position where it can
sense the movement of the hip. This is important because it is this movement of
the hip which is used to determine when a step has been taken. The pedometer
tracks this movement and records each step taken while wearing the device. This
number is shown on the display panel of the pedometer. Most users wear a
pedometer specifically for this purpose of tracking the number of steps taken
each day to determine whether or not they are achieving specific goals related
to the number of steps they are taking. This is significant because some studies
indicate those who take at least 10,000 steps per day are generally healthier
and in better physical shape than those who do not meet this number. This
article will explain how a pedometer works, how it can be used and will also
provide information on using a pedometer for both running and walking.
Most pedometers are electronic devices which contain a spring loaded pin which
acts as the sensor to determine when a step has been taken. There is a wide
variety of different types of pedometers available. These models range from
extremely basic models which only count the number of steps taken to more
advanced models which not only perform the basic function of counting steps but
also convert the number of steps to miles and can be calibrated for more than
one user. Basic models of pedometers are usually also the least expensive models
while models with more advanced features are usually the higher priced models.
There are also some pedometers which are designed specifically for running as
opposed to walking. These models are usually on the higher end of the price
spectrum because they are typically designed to be more durable to make them
capable of withstanding the more vigorous stride of a runner in comparison to
the easy stride of a walker. Additionally, pedometers designed for runners
usually include some of the more advanced features.
It is usually necessary to calibrate a pedometer before you begin using the
product. The calibration process essentially involves allowing the device to
determine the length of your stride. This is important because it is the length
of your stride which will be used by the pedometer to determine whether or not a
step has been taken. For most pedometers the calibration process is an active
one in which the user takes several strides while in the calibration mode to
enable the device to become accustomed to the length of the user’s stride. Once
this is accomplished the pedometer can count steps more accurately. Other
pedometers require the user to enter the stride length manually. The user may
determine this number by measuring the length of the slide or may simply wish to
enter an average value for use with the pedometer. One commonly accepted average
value for stride length is 2.5 feet for men and 2.2 feet for women. Using these
values will result in fairly results as long as the user’s natural stride length
is relatively close to this value. However, if the user’s stride length is
significantly longer or shorter than the average, the results will not be
accurate. Users are advised to either select a pedometer which calibrates the
stride through use of the device or to take accurate measurements before
inputting a manual value for the stride length to ensure more accurate results.
The most common use of a pedometer is to determine how many steps are being
taken each day and to use this information to determine whether or not the user
needs to become ore active during the day. This is usually accomplished by
spending a couple of days tracking the number of steps taken each day. This will
provide the user with the necessary baseline information which he will use to
establish whether or not he is meeting his goals for walking or running each
day. After this initial phase, the user can evaluate his current activity level
and decide whether or not to make changes in his daily activities. For walkers
this may include making an effort to walk more each day by parking far away from
entrances at the stores and the office, taking short walks throughout the day
and taking the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible. For runners
this may mean increasing the duration of runs or adding a second shorter run
into the workout regime to accomplish a goal of running more steps per day.
Walkers who are trying to track the number of steps they take each day usually
wear a pedometer all day while runners who use a pedometer typically only wear
the pedometer while they are running because they are only interested in how
much they are running as opposed to the number of steps they are taking each
day.
The video clip above is from my DVD about running stetches and other running related information. Click on the DVD case below to find out more.
