All About Pedometers
October 11, 2009 by Henry Calhoun · Leave a Comment
Pedometers have had many names during the course of history, such as calibrated odometer, manpo-kei, hike-o-meter, Tomish-meter, and step counter. These devices have existed since ancient times, but have not always been just a tool for people who want to stay healthy and physically active.
Perhaps the first use of pedometers can be dated back to the time of the early Romans. Steps were counted in order to measure distances, not for the purpose of the physical fitness of the Roman soldiers, but for whatever military and civil purposes that distance measurement may serve the Romans. Leonardo da Vinci also saw the possible military uses of a mechanical pedometer, and this was evident in his paintings, depicting Roman soldiers carrying such a device.
This was further realized by the Third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson. He actually got his first pedometer at France, and although it is still unknown whether he modified it or not, he then introduced it to the Americans. Hence, it was called a Tomish-meter for some time, which was first operated with a pendulum swinging back and forth.
After that the device became popular and then was marketed throughout the United States. The name then changed to hike-o-meter. There was also a Japanese version of this, known as the manpo-keis which was then marketed starting in 1965. The literal translation of the Japanese pedometer is 10,000 step meter.
Nowadays pedometers are modern and can even be integrated into other electronic devices, but this was not always the case. Earlier versions had lead balls that would swing like a pendulum and these were attached to the hips. The strikes of the ball were used to take measurements, but this was not very precise. Today’s pedometers, especially the digital ones, are very precise.
Pedometers were first used to measure distances covered by runners. Athletes would not even be found practicing without one of these on them back in earlier times since these devices were important tools for many activities. Nowadays, though, the pedometer is primarily used to record the number of steps taken. This is so important now, because walking is considered a good way to exercise and nothing more strenuous than a brisk walk is necessary in order for it to be seen as exercise..
For those who are weak or too overweight to take part of regular exercises, but nevertheless need exercise, pedometers are a great help since they track how much is being done. Diabetics and chronically ill people will quickly see the value of pedometers and their use as a tool to keep fit.
Pedometers have served different purposes ranging from measuring distances all the way to staying fit. This device has had many names, but one thing they all have in common is that they are here to stay.
The Correct Way To Use A Pedometer
October 10, 2009 by Josh Proten · Leave a Comment
Although many have not yet heard of a pedometer, those that have heard of it also don’t really know exactly what it is good for and how it functions. This device will keep track of your movements and will then tell you how far you have traveled by walking or running.
You are required to enter some values that will be used as the standard for converting the length. Such information would include an approximate length of your own stride. Using the length of your stride as a benchmark, the device is able to calculate the distance you have traveled. The pedometer can be useful tool to evaluate yourself especially if you already have some set goals.
The pedometer is actually quite simple to use since all that is necessary for you to do is to strap it on your waistband and be on your way. While you are busy with your daily activities the pedometer will be busy keeping track of all your movements and then converts them into strides. You do have to keep in mind to put the length of your stride for it to do this. The average length for a man is 2.5 feet and for a woman 2.0 feet, which makes this important for you to know since it differs between the two.
Some tips have to be taken into account regarding the use of a pedometer if you want the most accurate results. First of all, since a pedometer is to be used to improve walking habits then it is important to know where you are when you start off using this device. This means you have to know what distance you can handle on a daily basis. This will take a week to determine and you have to keep track of all steps taken during that time period.
Having ascertained the distance covered that week while doing your routine, it is now time to set goals. Set yourself a target that will see you increase the distance that you cover. A good recommended start is to try and increase your weekly threshold by 20%. To achieve this target, set up a new routine that will help you meet this new threshold and record all the activities of your new routine everyday for the rest of the week.
In the end you will want to try to reach 8,000 to 10,000 steps per day and a way to slowly achieve that is to increase each week by 20% and record your progress and continue to increase your activities in order to reach the goal. You can also try changing the routine you have and keep track of all changes while reaching your goal.
What is important is the need for progressive overload and the need to set realistic achievable goals. The pedometer can be a good and practical device to help you live a healthier life.