What is
a Pedometer?
A pedometer
is a compact, pager-sized device that measures the distance travelled by the
wearer while they walk. It does so by taking into account the number of steps
taken while walking. A pedometer is embedded with motion sensors to identify vertical
moves during ambulation. It is usually worn on the waist or hip. Some
pedometers can be worn around the ankle as well.
Motivates
the Users to Walk
Many a
pedometer case study conducted around the world revealed that pedometer can
encourage people to walk. The device is an economical and efficient way to
motivate the people with a sedentary lifestyle to get some exercise. A brisk
walk at 3 mph for half an hour every day lowers the risk of heart ailments,
maintains the blood pressure at healthy levels, reduces the waist girth and
enhances the BMI of the person.
What
Does the Pedometer Do?
We often
walk 5,000 feet per day on an average. It takes about 10,000 feet to stay fit
and in shape, whereas 15000 feet for consistent weight loss. But how do we
measure each step that we take? That’s where the pedometers come into the
picture. Pedometers give the users an insight into the step count and calories
expended while walking.
The
pedometer case study results published in the Harvard Letter presents
quantifiable results. The outcome indicates that people using pedometers walked
at least 2,000 feet more than those who weren’t using the device, upping the
levels of their physical activity levels by an impressive 27 percent.
Researchers
are still hazy about how and why a pedometer works when it comes to encouraging
the users to get off their feet and keep them going. It goes without saying;
this would be a hot topic for future pedometer case studies.
So this was all about pedometer’s role in keeping you on
your feet. Here is what the pedometer you buy should have.
Pedometers have been around since a very long time. They
have evolved a lot from being a simple, mechanical device to a compact and precise
electronic gadget. The features that you would want in your pedometer shall
differ with your needs and your budget. For example, if you just need to get
motivated and start walking, a simple pedometer with a step counter would
suffice. But if you are seriously considering keeping a track of calories
spent, a pedometer with a calorie counter would be a wise choice.
·
Piezoelectric Accelerometer
A piezoelectric accelerometer is a device that measures the
changes in the acceleration of a body that is in motion. This is what your
pedometer packs within itself that measures how many steps you have taken and
how much distance did you cover.
Pedometers embedded with the piezoelectric accelerometer
measures the changes in acceleration and vibrations with better precision and
accuracy as compared the pendulum pedometers. Not to mention they don’t make
the clicking sounds and are much quieter. Besides, if you expect your pendulum
pedometer to give you accurate step count, it is necessary that you wear it on
your waist in vertical position. Nevertheless, the pendulum pedometers cannot beat
the precision offered by their counterparts with a piezoelectric accelerometer.
·
Processing Power
The accelerometers just sense the movements. It’s the
processing power like that of a smartphone which interprets the data logged in
by the accelerometer and converts it into information such as steps, calories,
distance, speed etc. To be able to know all these associated variables, it’s
vital that your pedometer uses smartphone technology.
·
Memory for Data Storage and Retrieval
Most modern pedometers come with an in-built memory that
stores your information such as step count, calorie count, activity time, speed
and distance for anything between 3 to 30 days. Such pedometers get
automatically reset daily so that you do not need to worry about forgetting to
reset before you start to run.
You could connect your pedometer to your smartphone or
computer and synchronize the data. You could then take a look at the graphic
interpretation such as graphs and charts of all the data gathered by your
pedometer and keep a tab on your progress towards your fitness goal. This also
helps you discover if your efforts are falling short somewhere and you need to
buck up.
·
The Extras
Apart from the step counter and a clock/stopwatch, the
high-end pedometers have an additional range of features. The Fitbit
Zip which allow you to set a challenge and earn badges when you completely
them successfully. You could compete with your friends and other Fitbit users, which
is a great way for everyone to stay motivated. Fitbit Zip also keeps track of your
food intake.
·
Your Budget
Your budget matters a lot when you choose your pick. The market is flooded with
pedometers that are as cheap as INR 300 and as expensive as INR 4000.
The Fitbit Zip is loaded with features and costs INR 3990.
On the other hand, the Dr. Morepen
Pedometer is a somewhat low end as compared to the Fitbit
Zip and costs INR 299. It all depends on how much money you are willing to
shell out and the features you expect in your device. So basically, it’s the
trade-off between the price and features.
What pedometer is good for you is a very subjective question.
One thing we can say for sure is that a pedometer can boost your morale and
give you an enormous push towards a healthier lifestyle. We hope this write-up
helps you identify your needs and chose the perfect pedometer.
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