How to Calibrate a Pedometer
All pedometers measure walking distance. Its function is to count steps of its user. Whether you're a walker, runner or a person who wants to maintain a healthy lifestyle and get the recommended 10,000 steps per day, many types of pedometers are available. However, you must calibrate a pedometer to measure your stride.
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Instructions
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Wet foot walk
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Read the pedometer instructions carefully. Most ask for step length. If instead it wants the stride length, this may be the same as step length or two complete steps.
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Create a puddle of water on an open sidewalk. Walk through the water at a normal stride for approximately 10 steps beyond the puddle.
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Measure the walking distance between the heel of the left footprint and the heel of the right footprint. Take several left to right heel measurements and average them.
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Wear the pedometer straight up and down on a belt or waist band for best results.
Measure for short- or long-distance walking
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Qualify short-distance walking by measuring a known distance of 20 to 30 feet. Stride the measured distance at a normal pace. Divide the number of feet by the number of steps taken.
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Criteria for long distance is measured by strolling the length of a football field from goal line to goal line which is 300 feet. Mark the heel strike on the tenth step.
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Count the number of steps taken and divide by 300 for long distance walking. Make adjustments for a varied-pace walk or run.
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Tips & Warnings
If the pedometer is set in feet, divide the inches measurement by 12 to get feet.
Pedometer readings may vary due to many factors such as surface level (flat or hilly), walking alone, walking with others or walking with a dog.
