Pedometer Basics

Q. What is a pedometer?

A. Pedometer comes from some latin words or something that mean "distance counter."  We use the word today to mean step counter, but many do also measure distance.  Thomas Jefferson was a big pedometer advocate, and Leonardo da Vinci was said to have invented one of the first functional pedometers.

Q. How do they work?

A. Most pedometers have a pendulum mechanism inside that moves up and down as the wearer takes steps.  Pedometers vary in sensitivity and quality, but most units will give you a pretty good picture over time if you are increasing your activity or not.

Q. What features do I need?

A. You definitely want to be able to count steps.  There is only one pedometer I know of that does not show steps, the Sportline 342.  That's the basic unit, and will give you a good measurement for your daily activity.  Other available functions commonly available include distance, calories, and time.  Fancier units have pulse meters, radios, pace setting functions, stopwatches, etc.  You need to determine what it is you want to measure when shopping for a pedometer.  Generally speaking, the more functions you get into, the higher the price will be.

Q. Is price an indicator of quality?

A. Price can be an indicator of quality, but it is not always.  How's that for a helpful answer?  I like to point people to country of manufacture more than price, because some companies will make their units as cheaply as possible (sacrificing quality in the process), and charge more than normal.

Q. Where are the best pedometers made?

A. Japan. Hands-down.  The Japanese have a law that pedometers must be within 3% accuracy.  Next on the list I would say would be Taiwan, where the labor is cheaper, but the quality is still good.  Last would be China, where the labor is even cheaper than Taiwan, and it shows in the quality of the pedometers they make.

The top Japanese brand is Yamax (Digi-Walker).  Those pedometers are used in a lot of the scientific research about walking and fitness.  Taiwanese models include RYP Sports, Freestyle, Omron, and Accusplit, and Chinese models include Sportline and nearly all the "promotional"-quality units.

Q. There are so many places to buy pedometers online, what do you recommend?

A. I have to say I think RYP Sports Inc. is the best place to buy a pedometer.  Not only are their prices fantastic, their knowledgeable and helpful customer service is unbeaten, and their selection is the widest I've ever seen on the internet.  Of course, I may be biased!  Check out some of our pedometer recommendations.

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