subject: Exercising with Pedometers [print this page] Exercising with Pedometers Exercising with Pedometers
A pedometer, also called a step counter, is a handy piece of equipment for counting steps and assists with your exercise program. It counts the steps by detecting the movement of your hips. In order to find an precise measurement of your steps taken, you will need to measure 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 distance 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 other foot has also touched down once. If you set your pedometer for your step length and learn it appears to be halving your distance, read the instructions again - it may want the stride length, which is two steps.
The pedometer was initially designed for sports professionals but has become accepted as a means to record everyday exercise. It is often worn on the belt and kept on all day. A great 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 correct device to stay you on track with your fitness routine.
All pedometers count steps, although they may use different methods to do so outside of 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 easiest pedometers just count your steps and display and/or distance. This is all you need to track and keep yourself motivated. 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 encouraged.
