How to Buy a Pedometer

Walking 10,000 steps each day is enough to gain health benefits. Instead of getting a headache from counting every step you take, use a pedometer to keep track of steps for you. The key is finding the right kind of pedometer that's accurate and includes the features you want. Follow these steps to buy a pedometer that is right for you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Decide on what kind of device you need. A basic pedometer counts your steps. A speed-and-distance pedometer tracks your pace. You must set most pedometers with your step length so that the device can estimate the distance you cover.
2. Check how a pedometer feels when you wear it. Many clip onto a waist band, which should be secure enough to withstand bumps and avoid resetting the pedometer. Other pedometers tie onto your shoe, which is distracting for some walkers and runners. How you wear a pedometer can affect its accuracy.
3. Look at the different features available. Some pedometers double as watches. Back lighting helps if you walk at night or in low-light conditions. Stopwatch features allow you to time walks. You can buy pedometers with pulse meters, calorie burners and monitors that beep at you when you walk too slow.
4. Try it out. Some devices have so many buttons to push and numbers to enter that you feel like you have to get an advanced degree before you work it. Note that pedometers with GPS functions might not work indoors. So if you like to walk in the mall during the cold months, a more expensive model like this would be useless. Hikers might want to consider buying a speed-and-distance pedometer that uses GPS.
5. Locate accuracy ratings for different pedometer models. According to Consumer Reports, some models may be up to 20% off.
6. Assess whether the readout is easy to read. Another thing to know is whether the pedometer is waterproof. If not, the LCD display may lose some function when it rains.
7. Buy pedometers at a wide range of locations, including discount stores, sporting goods and online.

Tips & Warnings

• Ideally, brisk steps that get your heart rate are best for health.
• Some people check pedometer readings with the Google Map Pedometer. You measure your walking route and compare it what your pedometer reads.