Pedometer Types
October 12, 2009 by Henry Calhoun · 1 Comment
As people have begun to exercise more pedometers have become a very popular gadget. For those not familiar with a pedometer it is simply a tiny gadget whose primary function is to track how far a person walks in any given period of time.
A pedometer is normally about the same size as a credit card or a pager. Depending upon the model you buy, you can also have pedometers that are capable of a lot of different functions. On top of just tracking the distance walked, pedometers can also count steps and then convert that number into miles and also tell you the number of calories burned. Some pedometers are even more advanced are can even store your data for up to several weeks and that makes it possible to track progress or improvements.
The pedometer can even serve you as a motivator by letting you be able to see how much further you have walked or steps taken thus giving you incentive to do more each day. For those who wear the gadget on their body you are always looking for other ways to add to their daily total steps. For example taking the stairs rather than ride the elevator or a walk around the block, after dinner, all add to your daily steps.
The most important question when it comes to purchasing such a device is which pedometer is best for you. Many assume that the most expensive models are the best, but that is not always true. The best pedometer is the one that has features most important to you, such as the number of steps you take, conversion into miles or even the calories burned. You may want one of those features or even all three of them and that is what your purchase will depend upon and what you buy should have the features you will use.
Don’t forget that a new pedometer will take some getting used to. It may even be necessary to practice some with it so that you know how to work it and all the features. You also need to let your pedometer know about you and that means entering information such as the length of your stride, the pace you walk with and where on your body it should be worn. Once everything is set up, then the pedometer will be able to accurately track your steps.
Once the pedometer is ready for use, it is then time to start setting your goals. For those that have not exercised for a long time then consulting a physician before setting up a routine is important, as well as starting off slowly. Best is to begin with a specified number of steps or distance each day and once that goal is easily reached, then you can increase those amounts and take things to the next step.
There are a variety of everyday things you can do that normally you did not think of. The first is to take the stairs versus the elevator or when you park your car do so a little further away than you normally would. Taking your sneakers with you so lunch time you can maybe take a little walk around your work building
Walking is an inexpensive way to exercise every day. All you need to do is put on a pair of comfortable sneakers, clip your pedometer to your waist or shoe, and start moving. Pedometers though small and inexpensive can be your motivation while you are walking and help you reach your fitness goals. What are you waiting for? Go purchase a pedometer and getting walking today, you’ll be so glad you did.
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.