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Gopher
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FITstep™ Pedometers
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Starting At
$21
.95
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| Orders placed on weekdays before 3pm CST ship the same day. |
More InfoTrack more than steps with the revolutionary pedometer that accurately measures MVPA (moderate to vigorous physical activity). Monitor progression of the NASPE and American Heart Association recommendation of getting at least 30 minutes (60 minutes for children) of MVPA a day. Users calculate how many steps per minute it takes to sustain an elevated heart rate, entering that steps-per-minute (SPM) threshold into the pedometer (between 80 and 150 SPM). When the user exceeds that threshold, the pedometer times and records it as a bout of MVPA and displays a graph showing the intensity and duration. The FITstep™ is one of the first pedometers that lets users accurately measure how much MVPA they get each day. Use with the Active & Healthy Schools™ Program or other school wellness program. Pedometer features an oversize LCD display, delayed reset button to prevent accidental deletion of user data, sleep mode, alligator clip, and a long-life replaceable battery. Order individually or in packs that include 15, 30, or 100 pedometers plus storage cases.
Which pedometer is right for me?
Understanding the functions of each pedometer is important when choosing the right model for you. |
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| Distance | |
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To calculate distance walked, the pedometer multiplies the number of steps taken by the average stride length entered for the user. Accuracy in calculating this distance is directly related to how much variation there is in the user's walking/running speed. |
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| Caloric Expenditure | |
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Step count is used to calculate the approximate number of calories expended. Calculations are made using data from clinical testing on average-size individuals. A pedometer's caloric calculations should be used as a reference only and not as an accurate measurement like with step count, MVPA, activity time, and distance. |
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| Total Activity Time | |
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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. |
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| MVPA | |
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MVPA (Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity) refers to physical activity that elevates a person's heart rate for a sustained period of time. An example of moderate activity includes a brisk walk; vigorous activity is a fast run. By tracking both the time and the intensity of activity, Gopher's FITstep™ pedometers are able to calculate 10-minute bouts of MVPA. NASPE's guideline of at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day dedicates a portion of that time (approximately 50%) to MVPA. |
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| Step Count | |
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The primary function of a pedometer is to measure step count. Most pedometers measure step count through an electronic pendulum, although the FITstep™ Plus and Pro feature new technology for more precise step counting than others. Thanks to this mechanism, these pedometers give a more accurate count even when they are not perfectly upright. |
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| Proper Positioning | |
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Pedometers yield the most accurate results when properly placed on the user's waistband directly above the knee. Our FITstep™ Pro and FITstep™ Plus models now feature piezoelectric technology that allows the pedometer to count at any angle, eliminating the fuss of making sure it's always in an upright position. Most of our pedometers feature an alligator-style clip that easily fastens securely to belts, waistbands, and even rolled-over sweatpants. |
Product Details
Selecting a Mode• Step Count: Any mode can be selected as a starting point, and all the counters function regardless of the mode displayed. To start in the step mode, press the blue MODE button until "step" appears on the right side of the display. When the RESET button is pressed, a single zero appears in the step counter window.
• Activity Time: Press the blue MODE button until "Act time" appears on the right side of the display. Activity time calculates the total amount of time you are active, so it will only accumulate time while you are moving. When the RESET button is pressed, the display will show 0:00:00, representing hours, minutes, and seconds.
• MVPA Time: Press the blue MODE button until "MVPA time" appears on the right side of the display. MVPA time calculates the total amount of time you are moving above your personal MVPA level (see below). When the RESET button is pressed, the display will show 0:00:00, representing hours, minutes, and seconds.
Pedometer Placement
Pedometers are designed to be worn at the waistline, directly in line with the midpoint of the thigh and kneecap. This positioning will be accurate for most users, but if you find it is not accurate for you, follow the directions below to identify the best position for your FITstep™ pedometer.
1. Press the blue MODE button until the step counter is visible. Place the pedometer on your waistband in line with the midpoint of your thigh and kneecap. Open the pedometer without removing it from your waistband. Press and hold the RESET button until zero appears, then close the cover. Begin walking at a normal pace while counting 30 steps. Stop and open the pedometer to check the step count. If it is within plus or minus 3 steps of 30, this is an accurate location for your pedometer. If the count is off by more than 3 steps, perform step 2.
2. The purpose of this step is to identify an alternative placement point for your pedometer. Move the pedometer toward the outside of your leg so it is positioned just in front of your hip. Open the pedometer, reset it, and close it. Then take 30 steps as described above. If the step count is within plus or minus 3 steps of 30, this placement can be used for accurate measurement. If not, move the pedometer toward your hip or belly button and repeat the 30-step test until an accurate position is found. This test can be done on a regular basis to ensure that your pedometer is recording accurately.
3. The pedometer must remain upright and parallel to your body to measure accurately. Occasionally, some people may find that the pedometer leans forward and either undercounts the number of steps or does not count at all. If this occurs, try placing the pedometer at waist level behind the hip or on the back. Another alternative is to use a Velcro® pedometer belt to ensure that the pedometer remains upright.
Setting Your MVPA Threshold
The FITstep™ pedometer allows you to measure Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA). Most experts agree that MVPA activity offers the most health benefits. This pedometer is user-adjustable, so the MVPA level can be set based on the average number of steps you take per minute. In other words, when you move at a speed over your selected MVPA level, you will accumulate time on both the "MVPA time" counter and the "Activity time" counter. When you move at a speed slower than your selected MVPA level, you will only accumulate time on the "Act time" counter. Follow the steps below to determine how fast you must move in Steps Per Minute (SPM) to reach your moderate to vigorous physical activity level (MVPA).
1. Take a short walk (2-3 minutes) to warm up and get ready for MVPA.
2. After the warm up, increase your speed to a brisk walk (the current ACSM definition of MVPA). Usually, this means moving at a pace you have to think about versus merely strolling along. When you have identified what you think is a brisk walking speed for you, go to step 3.
3. Put your pedometer in the step mode, clear it, and walk briskly for 1 minute. At the end of the minute, stop and open your pedometer to see the number of steps you have accumulated while walking. This number is your steps per minute (SPM) count.
4. Complete the set up by moving to the "MVPA time" screen. Hold down the SET button for 7 seconds until the level and steps per minute show. The pedometer can be set at 8 levels, starting with a low value of 80 SPM to a high value of 150 SPM. Choose the nearest level below the number of steps you accumulated in step 3. For example, if you accumulated 97 steps in one minute, set your pedometer to level 2 – 90 step per minute. All activity that you accumulate over your MVPA threshold level will accumulate in the "MVPA time" counter on your pedometer.
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