Video:How to Use a Pedometer

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Transcript:How to Use a Pedometer

Hi I'm Sean Fee for About.com and today I'm going to show you how to use a Pedometer.

What Is a Pedometer?

A Pedometer is a electronic device which counts each step you take. It is a useful tool for sports and fitness enthusiasts but also a great motivator for people trying to increase their physical activity.

How Much Does a Pedometer Cost?

Pedometers range in price form under ten dollars to sixty dollars and up. The more expensive models tend to use better technology and are generally more accurate. Look out for the ones which come with extras like a clock, stopwatch, speed estimators and others. For example, mine came with a handy light and a built in panic alarm.

How Should My Pedometer Fit?

Pedometers should be comfortable to wear all day. Be sure it is held securely by its clip, in order to work properly it must remain up and down tilted. The unit should be easy to read without removing it from your waistband.

Using a Pedometer

Controls on most Pedometers should be quite similar, if in doubt always refer to the manual. Almost all pedometers require you to measure your step length in order for it to estimate distance. An individual stride may vary in length, input an approximate length by measuring ten steps and dividing that number by ten to get your own stride length.

You will also need to set your weight so the Pedometer can more accurately judge how many calories you are burning.

Recording Your Progress

There are a number of ways to record your steps and distance, from simply writing them on a calendar to using About.com's free step counter Pedometer program to record you progress and receive daily tips and motivation toward you step goal. Wearing a Pedometer and recording your steps on a calendar will help you meet your goal.

The Google Map Pedometer is a good way to map out your route and compare distance readings.

How Many Steps Should You Aim For?

Recommended distance per day is six thousand steps for general health and ten thousand for weight loss. One mile is about two thousand steps so if you are trying to loose weight try and walk about five miles a day.

If you are accustomed to a sedentary lifestyle it is recommended that you work up to this goal slowly. Try adding short walks throughout your day and you'll soon see a difference in how far you feel like going.

Thanks for watching, to learn more visit us on the web at About.com.