How to Choose and Use a Pedometer

I'd like to support SparkPeople by buying some of their merchandise. I looked at the SP pedometer. I like that it has a cover so it won't accidentally reset, but suggest a picture of it with the cover open and more info about what it tracks.

I recently bought a Sportline pedometer. It's not entirely accurate, but it still gets me motivated to move, and for me that's the point. Not knowing much about them, I didn't think about the reset button being on the front. If I lean against something for more than 3 seconds or bend over, it wipes out the day's data. Going to try attaching it to a lanyard or devise some kind of protective cover. However, I'd consider an SP ped if I knew more about it and could see what's under the hood. - 6/5/2013 11:26:07 AM

The pedometer has changed my life. I have lost over 60lbs thanks to moving my body more. I have an Omron and a Fitbit Zip. The Fitbit shows how sedentary or active I am on a daily basis. This spurs me to be more active. - 4/21/2013 9:48:27 AM

I have an Omron Pedometer that I bought in 2007. It is still working perfectly today and the only time it's not working is when the battery is low. It has memory, big letter on front and the time. I no longer have the alligator clip, but just use the clip that holds it and it clips onto anything like my pants, pocket, etc. I put it on in the morning and take it off at night and it has become a part of my lifestyle. I don't need anyone to tell me if there are better, this one suits me fine. If anything ever happens to it, I hope to buy another Omron. What I'm worried about is reaching that 10,000 + steps! - 10/22/2012 5:29:41 PM

OK Sparkpeople LISTEN UP! The majority of the posters say they want a comparative sample of pedometers written by a member of your staff... If your staff is too busy to test a decent sample I am sure several sparkteam members would be more than willing to assist, providing the cost for said pedometers is reimbursed. I know I would and I would write a far more informative article than this.
- 10/21/2012 2:48:31 AM

I geuss from all the problems people have had with their pedomiters I lucked out by getting and Omron with no prior knowledge of pedomiters. I love mine. I picked it because it had big enough letters to be able to read it without glasses. Mine has a clip and then a small strap with a aligator clip as well. When I first used it I wondered why the second clip. Now I know why, you easily bump it on things and move it through out your day and they come off you, but that aligator clip holds fast and has saved my bacon many times. I love mine and it is accurate as I have counted along with it a few times. I wear it on the waist of my shorts or pants and it works great. I like that it has the current time on the main screen as well. Hope you all find one you like.
Susan
- 10/16/2012 1:13:33 AM

Thank you for sharing this tip. - 10/9/2012 8:39:28 AM

Cheap pedometers with the pendulum (they make a little clicking sound) are worthless. I wasted my money. Curves is now using Omron as their preferred pedometer. It has some sort of electronic counting device rather than the little clicking pendulum. - 10/9/2012 7:08:17 AM

I am surprised all you people who posted didn'y have your posts deleted - that's what happened to me when I was critical of a staffer. I guess I made her pout . - 9/12/2012 7:55:48 PM

I totally agree with LNXLADY and some of the others - this article didn't tell anything about how to choose a pedometer! I'm having the same problem - never sure if the inexpensive ones are accurate. But the other commentors have come through - sounds like Omron is the way to go. I'll definitely look into it. Thanks, y'all! (And hopefully the author will pay better attention to how she titles an article next time.) - 9/12/2012 6:10:55 PM

Must admit I thought this article would review some "good" peds for us. I've gone through so many of them (and yes most ended up in the toilet) but how do you know if they are truly accurate? Not all of them even account for your stride. - 9/12/2012 9:43:15 AM

I admit it..I am in love with my Omron pedometer. Shamelessly in love! I found this one after losing countless others without the leash. Others were inconsistent in their step counts....

I have been an avid walker since 2008 and the pedometer keeps me honest. I love to find ways to add in steps every day and get creative with my steps -playing frisbee, bowling (even on the Wii), dancing.

I have walked more than a million steps and my Omron has tracked most of them. - 8/14/2012 3:53:54 PM

I love the omron I have had a number of pedometers and have lost three of them I have tried to keep them on my waist band but being a gardener they fall off.'
I got my OMRON from Spark I love it and MY DH has one too, They have a very small hole where i can tie a string but I would love to have a separate safety clip to put through a belt loop. I have tried in the local sports stores I guess I should look on the internet. OMRON is great for DH and I. Pat in maine. - 7/16/2012 10:15:51 PM

I also keep hoping that I will have luck with a pedometer but it doesn't pan out. None of them have been consistent and I have broken a few. The"Sportline" I have now has a good clip that is spring loaded but it resets too easily so after a walk I check and it reads 22 or some such nonsense! Frustrating. - 7/16/2012 3:11:33 PM

Hello, I am a new user of a pedometer. A friend of mine sold me hers for 5 dollars. She said that it is pretty good. I brand is Walking Style Omron. I am trying to set it right now. - 7/15/2012 11:04:37 AM

I teach physical education at the elementary level. KIDS love pedometers too. So buying one for them too can help to get you moving more. You can all try to walk more steps together. My own kids love them. Some people have commented who has the time to get 12-15,000 steps. You can also move in place (jog in place) or do jumping jacks, you don't have to go on long walks. I can be at your desk, just keep moving. - 6/17/2012 9:12:18 AM