Finding a Good Pedometer

Walk Your Way to Health with a Quality Pedometer

A pedometer is an exercise tool that counts the number of steps you take in a given day or trip. No pedometer is perfect, but a good pedometer can give you a near-accurate estimate on how much you're moving. Quality pedometers should include the following:

• Flip-top or clamshell design - This helps to prevent accidentally resetting, which is a walkers worst nightmare!
  


• Distance conversion -
  People walk in miles (or kilometers). It's more realistic to make a goal of 2 miles than 5,000 (since you don't necessary know how far 5,000 steps is ... at least till you get in some great time with your pedometer).
  


• Adjustable step distance- Everyone's stride is different, and a quality pedometer will let you adjust their counter to your stride (for some people a step equals two feet, for others two). The adjustable step distance is essential for distance conversion. I wouldn't recommend a pedometer without it.
  


• Easy to understand - This may seem obvious, but some pedometers are just too difficult to use. There are plenty of easy-to-use pedometers out there.
  


• Clock - Unless you wear a watch while taking a stroll, the clock is key. I can leave my watch and cell phone at home and just go. It's also great for time goals, "I'm going to walk 15 minutes." The clock is also great for logging your progress - something we'll touch on further down.
  

The best way to buy a pedometer is to try before you buy. Go to a sporting goods store that will allow you to take the pedometers out of the package to test them - you can get a handle on how easy the pedometer is to use, how bulky it is on your waistband, and how accurate it counts. Some pedometers are very sensitive, others are more stubborn. Different walkers have different preference, so find out what's right for you.

Many of the items below can be found in stores and online for must cheaper than the retail price. Shop around is price is a factor.