Choosing a pedometer can be the first step toward achieving or maintaining a fit, healthy body. The 10,000-step goal roughly matches the Surgeon General’s recommendation of a half hour’s exercise most days of the week, according to the federally funded Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center.
When choosing a pedometer, you might opt for something basic, just to keep count of your steps. Maybe you’d rather have more functionality, giving you lots of data about your daily walking workout. More advanced units may monitor your heart rate and offer details like step measurement, calories burned and miles walked.
Wearing it
You’ll be wearing the device daily, so when choosing a pedometer, consider its comfort, size and color. Think about whether it will generally be hidden or within view when attached to your waistband. Wear the device lined up with your right knee, placed vertically. Secure your pedometer to your clothing/belt so that it cannot fall and break or fall into a toilet or trash can. Try threading a lanyard or ribbon through the waist clip and pinning it to your waistband.
Setup: Measuring your stride
To get the most accurate results from your pedometer, set it up with the correct stride (or step) length. One simple method: make a mark behind your right heel, then walk 10 steps, marking the spot where the same heel strikes/ends up. Now divide that distance by 10. An alternate method: Mark off a certain distance on a level surface, say 20 feet. Begin walking before your hit the measured area, so you’ll reach normal walking speed when you begin counting strides/steps. Divide the distance by the number of steps it took to cover the space.
Note that some units refer to a “stride” as the distance between one heel (for instance your right) striking the ground once and then again — that’s two steps per stride. Some models consider “stride” and “step” to be the same. Refer to manufacturer instructions for your unit.
If you have questions about choosing a pedometer, contact Mar-J Medical Supply online. When in Boca Raton, stop by our retail store.
Image via Shutterstock.com
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