Sunday, September 20, 2009

What To Know About Pedometers

By Henry Calhoun

With the importance of health and fitness weighing on everyone's mind now, there are numerous new gadgets and equipment to use. One that can help while you are trying to increase your physical activity is a device known as a pedometer.

Not everyone knows what a pedometer is, but it is actually a small device that tracks how many steps you take in a day. Believe it or not it has actually been recommended that people try to take at least 10,000 steps a day. By wearing a pedometer you will be able to get an accurate idea of how many steps you really take throughout the day.

However, pedometers do not merely keep track of how many steps you take. Your device will also keep track of your distance traveled in kilometers and miles which can help to give you a better idea of exactly how much ground you are covering. It can also calculate how many calories you are burning throughout your day. In fact, some of the latest models of pedometers even feature a heart rate monitor to help you be sure that you are maintaining a healthy active heart rate while you are exercising.

Pedometers can be attached directly onto your clothes, but the best results are obtained if the device is attached to your waist. This way the device can pick up every step taken and record it, regardless of the activity you are doing. Before using your pedometer you have to provide it with information, such as your weight and height, so that it can be accurate and calculate information for you.

Most often you will have to put in the length of your stride in order to get accurate readings. However, you have to take into consideration that the stride length changes from one activity to the next and therefore if you want accurate results you should measure your stride before each activity.

Although 10,000 steps is the recommended number, most people do not do nearly that amount and many are averaging only half that amount. The pedometer will be a handy companion by giving you accountability along with steady training to help keep you motivated. The gains to you will be many with just a few being improving your respiration, help in reducing your blood pressure and significantly aids in weight loss.

When finding the right pedometer for you there are going to be a lot on the market. They range in design, price, function, and features. Honestly, more often than not they are very similar and can calculate much of the same thing. However, do not be afraid to spend some time finding the right model for you. There are pedometers available that have a built in radio or even a GPS. Decide what features are important for you and then go for those. In the end if you love the one you purchase you will be significantly more likely to use it faithfully.

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