subject: Working Out While Trying Pedometers [print this page] A pedometer, also called a step counter, is a handy gadget for keeping track of steps and can help with your exercise plan. It counts the steps by detecting the action of your hips. In order to find an correct measurement of your steps used, you will need to calibrate your step length.
Step Length: The distance from the heel print of one foot to the heel print of the other foot. This is the length traveled forward by a single leg.
Stride Length: This can indicate the same thing as step length, or it can mean two steps, since in that time the alternative foot has also touched down once. If you set your pedometer for your step length and discover it seems to be halving your distance, read the instructions again - it may want the stride length, which is two steps.
The pedometer was actually produced for sports buffs but has grown to be recognized as a method to keep track of everyday exercise. It is usually worn on the belt and kept on all day. A terrific way to get in shape is to work up to 10,000 steps a day which is the equivalent of five miles. For a fit and productive lifestyle the pedometer just might be the right device to stay you on track with your fitness regimen.
All pedometers count steps, although they may use different methods to do so beyond showing the step total and/or calculating the distance. The top benefits include: calorie estimates, clocks, timers, stopwatches and speed estimators, 7-day memory and pulse rate readers.
The most basic pedometers merely count your steps and display and/or distance. This is all you need to track and keep yourself committed. Set a goal of distance or steps for each day. The recommended number of steps is 6,000 for health, 10,000 for weight loss when you count all your steps during the day. For weight loss, an continuous walk each day of 4,000-6,000 steps is highly recommended.
