What do I need to know to choose the right pedometer?

To calculate distance walked, the pedometer multiplies the number of steps taken by the average stride length entered for the user. Although accuracy in calculating this distance is directly related to how much variation there is in the user's walking/running speed, Gopher's Auto-Timer and Digi-Walker™ pedometers rank at the top for distance accuracy, calculating distance within 10% of actual distance.¹

Step count is used to calculate the approximate number of calories expended. Calculations are made using data from clinical testing on average-size individuals. No pedometer has been found to measure caloric expenditure with enough accuracy to be useful for anything other than providing a very rough estimate.

To calculate your total activity time, the pedometer begins recording each time you begin to move and stops recording when you stop moving. NASPE guidelines recommend at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity for children, 30 minutes for adults.² Gopher's Auto-Timer™ and ActiveStep™ 200 pedometers, as well as the Omron® Pocket Pedometer, automatically track the total amount of time the user is moving.

MVPA (Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity) refers to physical activity that elevates a person's heart rate for a sustained period of time. By tracking both the time and the intensity of activity, Gopher's FITstep™ pedometer is able to calculate 10-minute bouts of MVPA.

Standard pedometers yield the most accurate results when properly placed on the user's waistband directly above the knee. Advanced pedometers such as the Yamax® Power Walker™ and the Omron® Pocket Pedometer have an internal accelerometer which senses movement in multiple directions from any location, even inside a pocket, for highly accurate readings at any speed.

The primary function of a pedometer is to measure step count. Most pedometers measure step count through an electronic pendulum, although accelerometer-type pedometers are becoming increasingly popular for their accuracy as they contain sensors that calculate steps based on your size and stride length.