How to Use a Pedometer

A pedometer is small device that clicks with each step you take and quantifies your trek throughout the day. The movement of your hip triggers the pedometer to count your steps, so you need only to know the length of your normal stride to convert steps to distance. Digital models can include a reading of calories burned and global position, but you should read reviews of a fancy pedometer before spending the extra money, and make sure that the movement between its functions is uncomplicated.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Pedometer Walking shoes
Pedometer
Walking shoes

Step 1

Calculate your pace by marking off a distance on level ground (use a football field--300 feet long; or a basketball court--50 feet wide), walking the distance at a comfortable pace and dividing the distance by the number of steps you take.

Step 2

Fasten the clip on your pedometer tightly to your belt or to the waistline of your clothing, making sure it is aligned straight up and down. The pedometer needs to be comfortable, easy to read as you walk and somewhat protected from heavy bumping (bumps can reset the counter). Practice with the pedometer to check its settings and function.

Step 3

Try out your pedometer in a variety of settings and at assorted distances to build a pool of routines. Keep a log book so you only need to use the pedometer once on any route. For hills and unstable surfaces, you may want to remeasure your pace to maintain accuracy in distance computation since your stride might be shorter or longer.

Step 4

Strive to increase the distances of your walks and to improve your times on them. Challenge yourself with daily and weekly goals.

Tips & Warnings

Be aware of the limitations of various pedometer functions and check them against treadmill readouts and GPS units.

Resources

Pedometer

Article Written By Barry Truman

Barry Truman has published many outdoor activity articles in the past five years with International Real Travel Adventures, the Everett Herald and Seattle Post Intelligencer newspapers, Backpacking Light Magazine and Trails.com. He has a forestry degree from the University of Washington.

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