Understanding What A Pedometer Is

By Henry Calhoun

A pedometer is more commonly known as a step counter and this device basically counts and keeps track of the steps a person takes by detecting movements from the person's hip. This is a great tool that can help those concerned with their physical fitness.

Pedometers must be worn on a belt so that the total number of steps for the day can be recorded. To calculate the distance traveled you must multiply the number of steps by the average length of a human step. Walking is considered to be a good exercise that helps people to lose weight and maintain a good level of fitness, which is why a step counter is good to have a form of motivation.

Although some pedometers can mistake some bodily movements as a single step, such as bending or a little shake around the hips, they still can encourage people to push themselves for fitness. An approximate 10,000 steps or 5 miles of walking is enough to maintain a good level of exercise and activity.

Certain devices nowadays have built-in pedometers and this includes cell phones and mp3 players. This is a great feature since then you can stay active while talking to friends or listening to music. Some GPS systems also are able to determine the number of steps taken by measuring the distance covered in a certain amount of time.

Pedometers do not really shed unwanted fat from you unlike the claims of some diet pills. They are merely devices that have numbers, and these digits are the very reason on why people can lose weight through these. This is because the numbers recorded can actually motivate people to beat today's record tomorrow, thus increasing their activity level. Not only do they motivate people to lose weight, but the exercise taken thanks to the desire to hit a higher number can actually lower a person's body mass index and blood pressure.

The first goal should be to manage at least 10,000 steps, a number that was recommended by both the United Kingdom Department of Health and United States Surgeon General. That number is roughly the same as taking a brisk thirty minute walk. This is not a fixed amount, though. It can be adjusted according to age, but in general that universal target is a good guideline and a good reason to get walking and counting steps.

Another thing that pedometers can not do is measure the intensity of steps, which means the step counters don't distinguish between slow strolls and runs. This problem is solved by counting the steps taken during a set period of time.

Confucius once said that a journey of thousand miles begins with a single step and this is so true. Staying healthy on the journey of life means to start by being healthy and pedometers can be a great aid in achieving the goal of a healthy way of life. - 30552

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