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A pedometer, also known as a pedometer, is a simple electronic device used to count your steps. In classic pedometers, this calculation is based on a pendulum that records hip movements. Pedometers are also available in the form of a phone application with a step counting function. Find out how the pedometer works and the prices of these devices.
A pedometeris usually a watch or a small device that can be attached to your clothes. In recent years, pedometers on the phone have become more and more popular, as traditional gadgets are being replaced by smartphones. What's more, applications with a pedometer, in addition to counting steps, provide a lot of useful information about the parameters of the body during exercise and the effectiveness of training.
Check how the pedometer works and why you should use it.
Contents:
- How does a pedometer work?
- Why should I use a pedometer?
- Types of pedometers
- Pedometer watch
- Wrist or wristband pedometer
- Pedometer with belt clip
- Pedometer apps
How does a pedometer work?
Improving the physical condition and appearance of the figure is often associated with murderous training in the gym and strict diets. However, it does not have to be this way. Sometimes, walks are enough to feel better. Of course, in order to achieve a specific goal, they must be regularly and properly monitored. Various types of devices will help. One of them is the pedometer. Although this gadget is not responsible for fat burning, it allows you to monitor physical activity during the day (even during the simplest walks) and, as a result, motivates you to exercise more.
Basic pedometers work thanks to a pendulum on a spring, which is made of a material that conducts electrical impulses. Under the influence of our movements, the pendulum moves, taking extreme positions, and at the same time shorting the contacts of the microprocessor input circuit. This makes it possible to count the steps taken. Unfortunately, very cheap pedometers often originating in China do not provide accurate data.
Phone applications that are replacements for classic pedometers work thanks to the use ofaccelerometer and GPS functions. The purpose of navigation is to determine our position and its change throughout the day. However, through the accelerometer, the phone does not record the moments in which a person travels by vehicles. This device measures linear and angular acceleration. In its center there is an inert weight that reacts with every movement of the phone and allows you to count all your steps.
Why should I use a pedometer?
- Your level of motivation for training will increase thanks to monitoring your own progress.
- Up-to-date information on kilometers traveled and calories burned will allow you to consciously plan physical exercise corresponding to the number of calories consumed during the day.
- In one gadget (application) you will have access to the entire history of your daily activities.
- You will be able to check your training progress on an ongoing basis and make it easier to make decisions about changes in your training plan.
- After purchasing the pedometers, you and your loved one will be able to compare your times, steps or calories burned, which is very motivating.
- In the case of the application, you can also gain a lot of valuable information not only about the number of steps taken, but also a he althy lifestyle, diet and training.
Types of pedometers
There are many types of pedometers on the market, and due to their functions, each of them is aimed at a different target group. All of them are designed for people who want to be aware of how their physical activity looks like during the day. Depending on their individual lifestyle, they should, however, invest in equipment tailored specifically to their needs.
Pedometer watch- This is basically a watch with a step counting function. Often, such watches can also count the number of calories burned and the distance traveled on a given day. Of course, they are more expensive than classic watches. Available in good sports stores and online.
Price: the less precise and with a shorter warranty you can buy for about PLN 50, but if you want the gadget to precisely measure time and count your steps correctly, invest in a watch with a higher-end pedometer, which usually costs 300-400 PLN.
Wrist or armband pedometer- mainly used by people traveling. Less useful for those who only want to lose unnecessary kilograms, because it is devoid of the calorie counting function, and this is very important during diet and regular training.
Price: thanks to its simple construction it is not expensive.A wristband pedometer for PLN 50 should meet your expectations.
Pedometer with belt clip- usually does not have many additional functions apart from the step counting, but it is easy to hide, e.g. under a sweatshirt or shirt, so it can be used even during daily chores. Some models have a USB port or a radio, but these are usually more expensive.
Price: you can buy a classic pedometer with a strap holder for about PLN 40-100.
Pedometer apps
Apple He alth App- Available on iPhones only. One of the most accurate step counting apps on your phone. It does not provide the user with any other (often unnecessary) information apart from the number of steps taken, floors climbed (in the case of training on stairs) and calories burned.
Moves- a very modern and interesting application in terms of graphics. It shows physical activity in the form of a map. According to users' opinions, however, it is not an accurate pedometer and often counts the number of steps incorrectly.
Accupendo Pro- a highly recommended application among enthusiasts of activity monitoring. First of all, because it is very easy to use. It has the ability to adjust individual parameters to each user, thus showing even more accurately, for example, the number of calories burned.
Pedometer Pro- does not do well when it comes to counting steps accurately, as it often displays up to a quarter less. However, its advantage is the fact that the user turns it on when he wants to. This limits her constant access to phone data.
Samsung S He alth- This brand also decided to encourage its customers to move by introducing a pedometer in the form of an application and brand it with its name. It happens that this application displays a slightly overestimated number of steps taken, but it is the only one of the above-mentioned. awards badges for commitment to training. For some, it is motivating.
Worth knowingIf you want to calculate the number of steps recorded by your pedometer along with the number of calories burned, remember that, for example, by running 10 thousand steps, you will burn about 300 kcal. However, fat burning during a walk or a slow walk, which is recorded by the pedometer, counts differently. In this case, 10 thousand steps translates into burning less kcal - about 200.