A Pedometer is an instrument, which can feel the body motion and is used to measure footsteps. Advanced pedometers can also measure the distance traveled, speed, time, steps per minute, amount of calories burned and pulse rate of the body. Some have features like alarm, stopwatch and music of FM Radio. Some have a memory of a week.

Use and Types

The average length of the stride has to be input in a pedometer. This length multiplied by the number of steps gives the distance traveled. A Pedometer, has to be ideally placed on the hip but may be placed in the pocket, worn with the belt or hooked to the bra. For general health 6000 steps are recommended while for weight loss 10000 (having about 4000-6000 continuous ones) are suggested. It should be worn all throughout the day. It is an essentiality as many adults do not carry out the advocated physical movement and some are leading a sedentary routine. For every activity (like running or sports), the number of Pedometer steps to be walked is standardized. These steps are walked in the standardized time interval. It means that the body is given the same amount of exercise, as obtained through the activity. Peizo Electric Pedometers are very accurate at slow walking speeds and for obese people and are quiet in operation. The disadvantage is that the battery must be replaced frequently. Spring Levered Pedometers with Coiled Spring has more accuracy than the Hairspring type and has a better life. The disadvantage is that it clicks and obese people do not get an accurate value. Spring Levered Pedometers with a Hairspring over counts steps after a million are counted.

Advantages

It proves to be a great encouraging instrument. When we use it, we can constantly read the steps and then the thought of increasing the steps enters our mind. Most people wrongly believe that only forceful activity like running and weight exercise lead to fit body. After using a pedometer it can be concluded that simply boosting the steps can lead to weight control, cholesterol management and the necessary fitness. It can now prove motivating for old people for whom walking the only mode of exercise.